Image Credit: Random Rant Archives (Sunrise at Low’s Peak, Mount Kinabalu)
“Hold the rope properly” shouted the local guide as I scrambled up a steep slope assisted by the rope, breathing heavily. With every breath, my glasses got foggier, obscuring the view that my head-torch illuminated in the dark.
Climbing Mount Kinabalu was by far the most difficult climb that I have experienced, though the ‘most-difficult‘ is an understatement here. It must have been a momentarily lapse in my judgment that made me sign up for the climb along with my colleagues back in September 2013.
Mount Kinabalu is the highest peak in southeast Asia. The summit, Low’s Peak, sits at 4095.2 meters (13,435 feet) above sea level. The peak entices climbers everyday to prove their worth of leaving their footprints.
My Training
I climb up the 14-storey floor of my block for two weeks as part of the training. I put three 1.5 L water bottles in my backbag.
Climbing Package
We signed up for a 2 days 1 night package and it includes a local guide (it is mandatory to have a local guide). The package also includes a night stay at the Laban Rata RestHouse and an official certificate of the completion . Check some of the sites for the packages and pricings: Borneo Calling, Amazing Borneo and Mount Kinabalu Climbing Club.
The first day of the climb is from Kinabalu Park to Panalaban Base Camp (about 6 km). And the second day is the continuation from base camp to the peak of Mount Kinabalu.
Day 01
The driver of our tour package picked us up around 06:00 AM from our hotel and drove us to the Kinabalu Park Office. Our tour guide met us there and gave us Name tags. From there on, it is another short drive to the entrance of the Timpohon Gate from where the trial begins.
We started our walk about 09:00AM from Timpohon Gate carrying our own back bag. There are signboards at every 0.50 km intervals along the trail showing the distance covered and elevation at that point.
The trail is well laid out with facilities of resting huts and toilets along the track. At some places, the track is quite steep and we had to use the rope provided to assist with the climb.
In the mist of the exhausting climb, do take time to turn back and enjoy the landscape view as you scale up the mountain. Mother Nature has taken a lot of time for that. Besides the landscape, we were also greeted by hikers on their way down and wishing us luck – it felt nice.
We reached the Panalaban Base Camp around 03:45 PM and were greeted by the signboard directing us to the Laban Rata Resthouse. We were served with some simple food but it could never have been more tastier as we were tired and hungry.
For the night, we all cramped into a small room with bunk-beds. There was no hot water then and it was biting cold. That night the room was filled with snores that hit all the right notes.
Day 02
The second part of the climb started at 2:30 AM. We got up early for a quick bite of breakfast that was provided. The climb was very challenging at many parts as it was very steep and we got primitive by scrambling on all four limbs to climb up.
The headlamp was very useful in helping us to navigate safely. Though at some places the rope disappeared few metres ahead because of the fog.
I reached the peak before the sun was out and watched the sun slowly peeking out from the clouds. All the agony of climbing for two days disappeared as I watched the start of a fresh new day.
The panoramic view of sky was very scenic and people got busy capturing the moment that they have earned. Total strangers gave a weary smile and greeted each other with a feeling of triumph – it was a beautiful moment!
The walk back to the Panalaban Base Camp was quite dull after that euphoric moment at the peak. After packing our bag we made our way down to the entrance.
We saw climbers making their way to the top and only this time I was wishing them good luck and and encouraging them that the trouble is worth it.
The sight of the entrance gate was a welcome sight, signalling the end of the whole experience. At the Kinabalu Park, our local guide gave us the certificate of completing the climb to Low’s peak
After the return from the peak, I had two weeks of agonising pain and this sentiment was equally shared by my friends too. But after all these years, that painful climb in one that we still look back and recall the memories.
Things to Note
- Carry your luggage light (you will be carrying your own stuff up the peak, unless you hire a porter for that)
- Head torch – you will need it for the second day climb
- Water Bag, preferably a 2 litre
- Plenty of energy bars or chocolates
- Carry warm clothing – at night the temperature drops, especially for the morning climb.
- Trekking poles is helpful
At the end, be mindful of the surrounding environment as the sign at the Panalaban Base Camp says it (below):
Finally, two panoramic pictures from the climb to end my blabber.
Also, compare the flight prices from neighbouring countries to Kota Kinabalu all in one platform.