Mount Kinabalu - Day 3 Charged up to the peak!

Got up officially at 1am (woke up at 10pm and hardly slept after that). Did all the morning stuff and layared myself with warm clothings. Then plonked myself at the dining area and waited for supper. Our group was the earliest - talking about being excited or just plain kiasuism. Anyway, the early bird didn't get the best worm for the plain reason that supper was not ready till 2am. By then, almost everyone was at the dining area. So, please queue up!

After a light meal, our guides briefed us again and then up we went. With our headlamps turned on, we marched almost single file, slowly making our way to the PEAK. It wasn't too windy, but we went slowly and steadily at our own pace. There were some rope works, some rock climbing involved. Otherwise, we mostly focused on the next step, one at a time.

The sky was clear, there were millions of stars shining above. And I thought I saw milky way! Stunning! But still up and up. Words of encouragement flocked into my mind and that kept me moving. Then SC's shrill voice calling out to me that I was almost at the peak. A few more minutes, and Yes!! I finally made it!

For Day 3, in total we have covered 11.4km. Sore and achey legs at the end of the day. But well worth it!

Sayat-Sayat checkpoint - the Gate keeper to the peak

The early birds waiting patiently for sunrise

Sunrise anytime. Just get your cameras ready!

The sun peeping behind the clouds. What a view!

Layers of mountains.

We seriously made it!

Can you see a skull?

Just follow the ropes and you will be fine...

A scene out of our RM1 note.

How tiny were the climbers!



Rocky huh? That was the way to the peak.



A little water catchment. Otherwise, the whole area was pretty dry.

Barren

Leave nothing but footprints...

One of our guides. In the background, the summit.

Donkey's ears

Some parts were really smooth you can glide down.

Looked more donkey-ish here.

Still a long way down.

Faster by rope

Very, very steep...

Checked out of Sayat-Sayat

Down to Laban Rata first

Hold on tight to the ropes and listen to the guide's advise. One wrong step, you may go down.

Finally down to Kinabalu Park. The end of the climb.

Mount Kinabalu - Day 2 Up, up to Laban Rata

Well, well.... it was climbing day finally. The day that I have waited for 11 months. Gosh... Anyway, we got everyone down at the park reception after breakfast. Then a few things to do:
1. Excess luggages were left behind at the park for RM10 per piece
2. Renting of hiking pole for RM10 per piece (no more walking stick)
3. Weighing of bags for the porter cum guide to carry up for RM8 per kg
4. Giving out name tags
Once done, we were driven for another 2 km or so to the entrance where the start of the climb was. Briefing, checked our names at the counter and then off we for our adventure! Our destination for the day - Laban Rata where we will put up for the night. Almost 6km from entrance at Timpohon to Laban Rata. Do enjoy the pix taken along the way.

We went by the Timpohon Trail, this was the starting point.



Kuinten, one of our guides, giving us a briefing.



At the start of our climb, going downwards? How lovely!

Hardly! Up you go!



Marker at every 500m. Those were genuine smile (for the 1st km).


 
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<><><><><>Look at the big bundle of bags! We were happy with our

                                                  little ones.

Continue with the climb please... What lovely lush green forest!



Still a long way to go... Mt KK looming beyond...



Love this tree! Looked as if it came out from a fairy tale.

Different landscape. You get lots of yellow stones.

Misty-misty.. weather can be erratic too.

When you start seeing rocks, means you are nearing Laban Rata.

Laban Rata finally. Time for the legs and heart to rest

The eating place where we will have our meals.

The way to the peak. That would be tomorrow's story.



Beautiful daisies smilling at the sun. Lots of them!



Above the clouds

Gorgeous sunset!

Ooppsss... what a mess! But our sleeping quarters for the night. Lights off at 7.30pm. Alarm at 1am. Good night...

 

Mount Kinabalu - Day 1 to Kinabalu Park

Can't believe that it has been more than a week since I came back from the trip. My second attempt since I didn't make it to the peak last year. This round, different group and bigger group too! I was very determined, but some things were beyond control - altitude sickness, weather. Armed with loads of positiveness and tonnes of encouragements, I took the step forward..

Arrived Kota Kinabalu airport on 29 April 2012. There were 2 groups, one flying in from KL and the other group flying in from Singapore. Lucky our flights were not too far apart. While waiting for the other group, we were dropped off at one of the local shopping malls for lunch and also some shopping. Yes, shopping for our climb necessities, ie isotonic drinks, buns, chocos, etc...

Once everyone has arrived and done with their last minute shopping, we hopped into 2 vans that will bring us to the "base camp" ie Kinabalu Park where we will stay over for the night. On our way, we couldn't resist but de-toured to "Rumah Terbalik". http://www.upsidedownhouse.com.my/

After that, off to our destination and settled in for the night. We retired early around 830am. We wanted a good rest, and be ready for the climb.

Welcome to the Upside Down House! No photos inside the house.



Even the Kancil was parked upside down.





Please get your tix here!



The way to our beds.... at Rock Hostel

  


Simple but comfy. Towels & toiletries provided too!

 

Balsam Cafe - food tasted extra delicious in the mountains!

 


Studying the trail diligently



Dreaming of Mt KK. Can I reach the peak?

 

Welcome 2012!

Another year! Time flies... and it's already Feb... One year older too, hopefully one year wiser! One of my aim is to reach the peak of Mount Kinabalu. Had a go last year but only half way to Laban Rata. So, this year I want to climb all the way to the peak. Good weather, please...



That's where I want to be.. and more..



For more photos, please visit the one who went up all the way: http://thrilltoshare.blogspot.com/