I have always wanted to climb Mount Kinabalu since young. I finally did after almost 185days of planning and waiting. This was how a dream became reality. You see, luck was with me this time and I was so glad I attended my club’s social in September last year. It was there I met a group of enthusiast who were also making plans to climb the 5th tallest Mountain in South East Asia. (I just found this out. I used to think it was the tallest) Anyway I’m still a little skeptic about this though. There are debates around arguing whether it is or not the tallest in Southeast Asia. Read it here or here (Lots of debates in the comment section) Anyway, that’s not important. I’ve climb the tallest mountain in Malaysia and that was the important accomplishment for me. Yeah!
Well like I said, it all started during KLUNITY’s social BBQ on the 16th of September 2007. Discussing the trip over the BBQ pit, a friend of mine took the initiative to organize this priceless adventure. Thank you, Daniel. There were 10 of us in total. Though half the group actually retreated due to personal commitment, we manage to fill back the remaining spot. It got us worried at that moment as deposits were all paid.
As you ponder around the internet looking for details or tips, many sites would tell you that it is a fairly easy mountain to climb. No experience needed, no training required, even a 60 year old grandpa can make it to the top, don’t be swindle. If you have read about the fastest time up and down Mount Kinabalu, don’t be deceived again. As of writing, the fastest time up and down the mountain was 2hours 36minutes and 59 seconds by Marco de Gasperi. My goodness and we need 2 days to reach the summit. I’m not saying that it’s real hard or tough, but if you have not been excising regularly, I suggest you do so a few months before your climb. It’s still a mountain and good physical endurance is needed for the climb. (take note when they tell you it’s the easiest “mountain” to climb, not HILL)
Despite our group training (I only manage to attend one of it), I did some lightweight endurance training on my own. I was worried actually, and knowing that you may suffer AMS, I was determined to build up my stamina the best I could. From my experience, I’m kind of prone to headache at high altitude. My eyes usually hurt during flights and I was worried I wouldn’t make it to the summit.
To be honest, I actually under estimated Mount Kinabalu. I used to think it was easy since so many people have conquered it. I’m really glad that I did train and exercise regularly before my climb. I would have been really disappointed if I didn’t. I found it really hard as you reach beyond kilometer 4. That was when AMS started kicking into me. With oxygen level thinning, my legs got tired really fast. My head felt so heavy, and the thumping feeling of two hammers hammering continuously. Thank god my determination of reaching the summit was strong, if not I would have given up. Another thing to take note, pack your bag as light as possible, if not hire the portal service to carry your bag. I wanted to save money, and I like the feeling of having a bag behind me. It gives the feel more. But with the extra 5-6kg of weight, my legs and back took the agony.
Anyway, for those who have not climb Mount Kinabalu before, I strongly recommend that you do. The view up there is really breath taking, and the feeling of accomplishment is priceless. I’ll post my journey from day one (19th to the 23rd of March 2008) once the photos are ready.
1 comments:
Where are the rest of the pictures lah!?
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