mt kinabalu in sabah

one of the things i will like to do upon my retirement is to scale mt kinabalu in sabah. i will have to prepare myself for it so that i can enjoy the climb. i do not see it as something formidable. i know myself. i will be able to make it to the summit.

the climb up kinabalu is one reason why many visitors go to kinabalu national park. despite its intimidating size, kinabalu is one of the easiest mountains in the world to climb. no special skills or equipment is needed, and each year thousands of visitors undertake the expedition, which takes two to three days. accommodation is available all along the climb, the highest lodging being the sayat hut at 12,500 feet/3 810m.

though the kinabalu park is famous largely for the climb, the climb is in turn as famous for the beauty of its route as for the view from the top. kinabalu's slopes possess a wealth of plant growth and a large variety of birds, and much of the climb's interest and beauty lies in tracing the transitions from one ecosystem to the next as one reaches ever higher altitude.

the first 6km of the 14km summit trail, from the timpohon gate up to the laban rata hut, where climbers spend a compulsory night, are straightforward steps following a clear path. the effects of the altitude can be perceived from early on - once out of breath it is difficult to get it back- so the key is to take the ascent slowly and steadily. there are six shelters on this first stretch, so it is possible to take regular breaks. the climb to laban rata is estimated to take four to five hours.

usually, at 3am, the following day, the final ascent to low's peak will begin. this normally takes about three hours, the idea being to watch the sun rise from the summit. this final 3km of the climb is much steeper and more technically difficult, and a pretty daunting prospect in the dark.

i remember my friend tsung kok weng and his wife doris made the climb many years ago without much hard training or serious preparation. from his description of things, it should not pose a big problem for me.