Post Mt. Kinabalu Thoughts

Okay, so I’m back from my Kinabalu Trek. A few things that maybe made this journey harder than I thought.

Firstly, lack of training: Haven’t been hitting the gym in the whole month prior to the climb. Very bad idea!

Secondly, didn’t pack right: Ended up carrying almost twice the weight as I did in Nepal, thinking about 4-5kgs. Pretty much had to carry everything with me in this 3 day trek. The only time I was able to leave my stuff behind was the climb from Laban Rata, to the peak, then back to Laban Rata again.

Thirdly, should have gotten a walking stick: The trek seems more intense. Lots of climbing up steep stairs and rocks, then coming down, your knees take an extra pounding. I should have gotten one of those walking sticks which I sorta got away not using in Nepal.

Fourthly, they really rush your schedule: Get this, you’re walking from 9am to 5pm from Mesilau to Laban Rata. This is maybe around 8km. Then you barely get enough sleep before you wake up again at 2 in the morn the next day, reach the peak at about 5-6am. Then come back down again at about 10am. You barely get enough rest before you go and walk again at 11am because you want to reach the HQ by 5 so you can have lunch and get your certificate. This is a solid15 hour walk in the last day! Jeeezus Christ!

Anyway, the climb was well worth it. Surely, one of the most beautiful and unique experiences I’ve ever had, and right in my own country! Awesom-O! The climb was terrifying, especially if you’ve issues with heights (just like I have). Many cases I felt a sense of vertigo. Some areas, all that’s preventing you from a certain plunge to your death is you grabbing onto a rope. Not even harnessed… you’re just grabbing on rope and hoping you don’t slip. Then when you’re at the peak, it’s such a small area, and a pretty steep drop off everywhere else, that I could barely stand. Basically freezing and hugging rock. Anyway, in the end, I’m glad I did it. I think if I knew how freaky this “World’s Highest Via Ferrata” trek would be, I wouldn’t have done it, but I think now, I felt I’ve conquered my fears and don’t mind doing it again. This time, with more preparation, and maybe I can actually appreciate the view this time instead of hugging rock.

So anyway, some random thoughts:

1. Via Ferrata, what is it? Apparently, in Wikipedia, it means mountain route equipped with fixed cables, ropes, bridges, stemples and ladders. Didn’t know this before, but Mt. Kinabalu’s is the highest in the world. Yup, I’m pretty impressed.

2. Cora & Amanda, where are you? Damn, should’ve gotten more than a first name.

3. It was cloudy the day of the climb, but I actually liked it that way. Some of the formations were something special. Maybe next time, I’ll get a clear view and see a different side of the peak.

4. The Twin Sky Seafood Restaurant at KK town is the most awesome seafood experience evaaaaa! Heck, half of the dishes, I don’t even know what species they are, and they make ‘em taste good.

5. Time to get a digital SLR camera, I realise. Missed a good number of photo opportunities. Thinking of maybe the Nikon D60 or maybe upgrade to something more expensive like the D300 or D700. I dunno… what about Canon EOS… hmmm… someone needs to teach me these things. Which brings me to…

6. … felt bad borrowing the camera on the climb. Kitt & Louise stayed back at the halfway point as Louise had bad shoes and a worse of fear of heights than me, so I asked for it. Sigh, and that was the spot Kitt proposed. A special moment and I took their camera! Now, really, I think I reaaaaalllly need a camera…. which brings me to the next point again…

7. … where are my photos???? The more interesting ones are with Louise. Dang… Now I REALLLY REAALLLLLY REAAAAAAALLLLLY need a camera. Which brings me to…

8. … so which is it? Spend a few thou on a digital SLR? Or a flatscreen TV which short circuited while I was away with dad almost electrocuted when he tried to turn it on? Or a new phone since mine’s falling apart and the SMS function is screwing up… (I’m getting messages from person A, but for some reason, my phone decides to tell me that it’s from person B)… or it could be a Maxis problem? I dunno…. or….

9. … spend my money on getting a new place. I’m feeling very much stifled living with the ‘rents. Need my own place. My own kitchen, my own mini-garden, my own A/V room. Which brings me to…

10. … need all the money I can get, so I hope Louise’s friend pays up for bailing out on us last minute for the trip. Yeah, you! Louise’s friend. (as if she reads this anyway)

So that’s it for now… Picture? Comiiiiiing…. just need to grab em from Louise… comiiiiiiinnnnnng….

4.

3. Amanda & Cora from Singapore. Where are you?