Trip to KK, Day 2: Kinabalu, here we come!

*You may click on the photos for bigger version*

Our day started quite late, for Kinabalu climbing that is. We were all awake before 6:30AM to get ready. The guys had to forego our morning shower since the water heater was broken and the tap water was bone-chillingly cold, as Erwan said, "Boleh bela penguin dalam bilik air".

After a quick breakfast, we were off to the climb starting point, with mixed feelings, joy and anxiety. Our only thought was, "Will we be able to make it to the summit, safely?". After about 15 minutes or so, we were at the Mesilau trail head. Our guide, Pak Jo, gave us a short briefing. What to expect, where to stop, what's the target. Since we chose the slightly longer Mesilau trail, there's 8 km of climbing to our next stop, Laban Rata. And we targeted to reach there before the sun sets. The trail via Timpohon gate is about 2 km shorter.

Listening to the briefing by Pak Jo

Me at the Mesilau trail head signboard

After weighing our bags (mine was 8kg), in case we need the guide to bring our bag (which later proved needed), and a short prayer, we were off. Together with another rather large group of climbers. But we started quite late, at 9:00AM.

After just 10 minutes or so climbing, Anis complained of severe chest pain again and started vomitting. She tried to push but was clearly struggling and suffering. There were only the two of us, while the rest were already way ahead, eager for the climb. And our guide was behind. Seeing her suffering, I even suggested to abort the climb and turn back since chest pain is something very, very serious and not to be taken lightly. But she was determined to reach the summit, so we pushed on.

Before the guide caught up with us, helped to carry Anis' bag. Not easy

But not as bad as that porter in the background. Check our the load he's carrying

After our body has warmed up and Anis' bag passed to our guide, her condition improved and her pain subsided. Phew!

Hours flew by walking in the forest. We caught up with Sue by the 2nd hut. There were rest huts at every km of the trail, each is uniquely named with water supply available. But there were reminders that due to the dry season, water supply may not be adequate and climbers were advised to carry enough water for the climb.

Each hut has a unique name. This one named Bambu

The no-water sign

We took our time for the climb. At times we were going down instead of going up, until we reached the 3 km mark. By then we had already been trekking for about 3 hours or so. So far so good. By my calculation, if we managed to keep up the pace, we would reach Laban Rata before the sun sets.

Little did we know, after that the trail became more challenging. No more going downhill, the only way forward is way up! But we were relieved that the trail was not as steep or challenging as Nuang. So the training paid off for us,at least mentally. The dry and caked mud trail floor also made climbing rather easy.

But the view was really amazing! We passed by a small waterfall, became even smaller due to the dry season. But still, a photo opportunity for us. There was also a suspension bridge along the way. At many places there were wooden stairs, which made the trail even more interesting and easier to traverse. Additionally, by that time the mountain area was engulfed in thick cloud giving a cottony white backdrop throughout our climb. At certain places, with the scenic trees, nice backdrop and the slight mist in the air provided a perfect photo opportunity for us. Needless to say, we took lots and lots of photos.

The Kimpuyut suspension bridge

Anis and Sue on the suspension bridge

The wooden stairs. They helped

We then reached the place dubbed as Lord of The Ring place. I have never watched LoTR, so I can't compare. But the view at this area was just breathtaking! With the rolling hills in the distance and deep ravine overlooking the surrounding towns, way down below. The trees were beautiful with some of them draped with old man's beard leaf. I found out about that old man beard thingy later when I watched Surviroman on Discovery. We spent quite a lot of time taking photos. By then, we were the last group for the climb.

The mountain side covered in clouds

The town of Kundasang, way down there

More clouds. Notice the sole tree covered with old man beard leaf

This is why we chose the longer trail, nicer view

Nice trees

Then we reached the T-junction, the meeting point between Mesilau and Timpohon trails. But right before that, our guide pointed to us a cluster of monkey pot plants, slightly hidden by the trailside. Of course, more photos.

Sue and Anis love it when the trail heads down ;)

Nice background for portrait

Monkey pots!

At the T-junction, it was already quite late. We risk of not being able to make it before dark. So we pushed a bit. We met Mohd. Nor, the climber on a quest to climb Kinabalu 111-times. We stopped him for a quick photo and wished him luck. Anis and myself left Sue behind, accompanied by our guide. After hours of climbing and even more photos, we were nearer to our target. The view was simply breahtaking. With the great Mount Kinabalu standing proud in front of us and the cottony white clouds below us. By then, it was already getting dark. Luckily we had our headlights ready. Some were not and had to share our light or walk in the near dark to reach Laban Rata.

Anis and Sue with Pak Jo, our guide

The T-junction signboard

That's Mohd Nor on his way down

A picture perfect view of Kinabalu

Above the clouds!

Me above the clouds! I was wearing two layers of T-shirt by then

Superb view

I have never been so relieved to see a lighted small hut up ahead. We knew our pain for the day was almost over, or so we thought. The first hut was not the Laban Rata chalet. The chalet itself was about another 100-200m away. We summoned the last drop of energy we had and dragged our feet to reach Laban Rata at 7:00PM, where Fahizam, Erwan & Irma were already waiting in the cosy cafe, with another 100 climbers or so. It was already dark outside and very cold too. So we had our jackets on already. Sue joined us barely 15 minutes later, accompanied by tears of sheer relief and joy. We had good dinner at the cafe, even though it was just a simple buffet.

Getting dark on the way up, but nice view of the sunset

Finally, we reached Laban Rata!

But little did we know, our sleeping quarters, Gunting Lagadan hut is actually another 10-15 minutes trek up *sigh* And more bad news, there was an electrical problem and the heater (both air and water) was not working! We had to sleep in the cold, with our warm clothing on and again for us guys, without shower. We were too tired to smell ourselves anyway.

Tomorrow will be D-day for us, so we need all the rest we can get.