Mount Kinabalu
Trip Start
Jun 22, 2005
1
59
76
Trip End
Ongoing
Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia
Friday, March 17, 2006
The first day we walked up to Laban Rata where the accommodation was located. I say accommodation, it was a tin hut and wasn't very windproof. The walk up was mainly up hill and on steps or rocky sections through rain forest. It was a 6km trip and took 5-6 hours. The organisation was really good for the trek from sorting out accommodation to getting guides. The rest of the afternoon the clouds came and went quickly with some rain. About an hour before sunset though the clouds cleared and great views were to be had.
The next morning was an early start, up at 2am and setting off at 2.45am for the summit. We hadn't gone far when it started to rain and we were left wondering if the top would be covered in cloud when we reached it and there wouldn't be a view. We reached the summit at about 6am by which time the clouds had cleared and we had magnificent views of the mountain and the clouds below us. The Mountain has several peaks and out crops, all made of granite and there was no snow around. Some people didn't really take the climb seriously and I saw people without waterproofs and in thin clothes. I had proper gear and I still felt cold at the top and got a bit wet. Those that weren't prepared ended up cold and wet and not all made it to the top. I saw one girl who was wearing flip flops, which were totally unsuitable.
The walk down took about 5 hours and needed steady feet as the ground was wet. Despite
not been a long or strenuous trek my legs were quite stiff the next day and when I walked down a small flight of steps my knee seized up, but it seems OK today.
It was an enjoyable little trek and quite cheap.
Comments
Mountain photos
I hope picture 10 isn't what it looks like!!!