Mount Kinabalu Hike (30 and 31 May 2010)

We reached Kota Binabalu on 27 May 2010 and stayed one night at Tune Hotel. Thanks to Lean Choo's cousin for sending us from the airport to Tune Hotel. The next day, we meet us with Lean Choo's cousin family for breakfast. It was nice to meet this friendly family. Then we proceeded to Eden 54 Hotel.

After check in, we went to Island Sapi. This island is known as the cleanest and nicest island in Sabah. The sand is soft and the sea is clear. We saw nemo and other fish which made us quite exciting. At night, we had seafood, which is very nice and fresh. I love the lobster. We had ice cream on the way back to Eden 54 Hotel. Thanks for Lean Choo's husband for treating.

The next day, we proceeded to our destination ~ Kinabalu Park. But we didn't hike on this day yet, we walked around the park and stayed at Grace Hostel for one night before the hike. The hostel is very clean and well maintained. We went for the briefing around 6 pm and meet Uncle Anthony. Uncle Anthony is a 67 years old Singaporean which has rich travel experience. He has went to Everest Base Camp, Mount Fuji, Gunung Tahan and many many more mountain hiking, long driving, white water rafting and lots and lots of travelling. I salute and admire him for being young at heart and he is the inspiration for me. He has went to Mount Kinabalu for few times. Special thanks to Uncle Anthony for sharing his experience with us.

On 30 May 2010, we met our guide Jamalin then we started to hike at around 8:25 am. He is not only our guide but also the porter to carry our heavy bag. We used the Timpohon gate (at 1866 m). There is a signature Carson Falls situated 500m from Timpohon gate. The rock there is quite slippery as near the falls. Below are the time:
1) Kandis Shelter (1km) ~ 8:52 am
2) Uboh Shelter (1.5km) ~ 9:15 am
3) Lowii Shelter (2.5km) ~ 10 am
4) Mempening Shelter (3km) ~ 10:58 am
5) Layang layang Hut (2702 m) ~ 11:54 am (Stopped for lunch)
6) Willosa Shelter (4.5 km) ~ 1:39 pm
7) Paka Cave Shelter (5 km) ~ 2:22 pm

We reached Laban Rata resthouse which is situated at 3273 m around 3:30 pm. I was very tired and my muscle quite painful after the hike. Besides, I also having difficulty in breathing due to the thin air. It was very tough but it's worth as the view is very breathtaking and it is a very wonderful experience for me. I was having gastric so I didn't make it to the low's peak, the summit. I was very disappointed but to be safe is utmost important. Anyway, I am very contended. I would like to take this opportunity to thanks to my travel partners for being so supportive as I was a bit emotional around 5 km.

Along the journey, we saw some wonderful people
1) Porter carrying climbers' belongings (man or woman)
2) People carrying gas, beras and others food
3) Mountain Guide

Life is never easy and these people life is even harder. We must learn how to appreciate what we have. I will remind myself of them before I start complaining about my job next time. It was a wonderful and fruitful trip for me.