|
Lofty and awesome, the summit of Mount Kinabalu (Sabah, Malaysia), which rises 4095m (13432 ft) above the
rainforests of north Borneo, poses a challenge to the conquering spirit
of man. Since British colonial officer Hugh Low began its climbing craze
in 1851, the granite massif has seen countless attempts to scale this
peak in Sabah, Malaysia. The true summit of Kinabalu is named Low's Peak
in honor of the first foreigner to reach it. Spenser St. John has a peak
named after him next to Kinabalu South which he succeeded in scaling
when accompanying Hugh Low on his second trip in 1858. A UNESCO-listed world heritage site, its
brooding landscape is both inviting and forbidding to extreme sports
fans. Among the dozen peaks on Mount Kinabalu, the most dramatic are the
twin crags known as Donkey's Ears.
For most people, no climbing experience is
needed but fitness helps a lot. From Kota Kinabalu, it is a
two-hour drive to the Kinabalu National Park headquarters where food and
lodgings are available at 1500m. The park encompasses the mountain and
its surrounding where many unique flora and fauna exist. The huge
butterfly called Rajah Brooke's birdwing, the rafflesia renowned as the
world's largest flower, the hairy orang utan and other unique species of
animals and plants inhibit the lower montane forests of the park. Monkey
cups or pitcher plants are common in the montane forests below the 3350m
level. A wide range of plants including ferns thrive well in Kinabalu
Park.
But nothing can compare with the
mountain's rocky pinnacles and summit plateau as you ascend to the
highest point between India and Papua New Guinea. From Timpohon Gate,
porter guides lead climbers up the well-marked trail to the wooden huts
for shelter, rest and fresh water. As the scenery and vegetation changes
with the altitude, the exhilaration of communing with nature is
sufficient reward. The two-day track is a botanist's dream as rare
rhododendrons, wild orchids, pitcher plants, ferns mosses and lichens
are to be seen en route.
The views from the cliffs and precipices
are stunning and mind-blowing. One false step and oblivion awaits you
below in a chasm. Yet people persevere and continue to face the daunting
task of surmounting this massive peak. For some, the adrenalin-pumping
adventure and sheer thrill of the journey are worth all the efforts.
From the Laban Lata rest hut at 3280m, climbers awaken well before dawn
to venture out in the pitch blackness with torchlight. Warmly clad to
counter the near freezing temperature and cold air, they reach the
stairs that lead to the last 300m of Mount Kinabalu which is crowned
with 12 peaks. The rope along the steep granite slopes is of immense
help as the wind howls, your teeth chatter and knees go soft confronting
this majestic mountain with altitude and attitude.
The pace quickens, the heart races and
muscles exert their strength in this final assault under a starry sky
above. It is important to get to the top before sunrise when the clouds
usually start swirling in and obscure the entire route and vision. As
daybreak begins, the panorama is awesome. First, a streak of gold paints
the horizon. Then, orange and red hues light up the sky as the sun
emerges over the features of Low's Peak and Low's Gully. For some
precious moments, you feel on top of the world as daylight reveals
everything before your eyes. Victoria Peak looks rosy pink in the early
morn and South China Sea can even be discerned in the distance on a
clear day.
The joy and jubilation may be elusive but
the sense of achievement is real. You have made it! Conquering Mount
Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia can finally be added into your diary as
another "been there, done that" experience. Pushing yourself the limit
is its very own reward. If you are fit enough, you may consider to
compete for the US$26000 prize money offered by the Kinabalu
International Climbathon, one of the world's toughest mountain races
testing true grit, stamina and endurance; they jagged pinnacles of the
summit.
#Ads - Get the above cooking ingredients here at discounted price
|
