As I gaze out my window at the sky while watching my children sleep, the brisk winds remind me of a building that I once lived in, wherein I saw, sensed, and were horrified, an encounter with which I'm not comfortable speaking. Fortunately, everything turned up okay. My name is Herman, but my friends called me Er, and the following is a story of what occurred to me 23 years ago. I have had a passion for writing since a kid. Now my guardian thinks I can go even farther. Consequently, they help me submit an authorship application and enrol in further linguistic, writing, and journalistic courses. Little did I realise that I'd be given a job to help me improve my abilities while simultaneously taking part-time writing courses to support my income. I was a young twenty-year-old at the time. Too young, yet inquisitive and willing to try new things. As a young author, the chance pushed me to go outside my comfort zone and acquire essential experience. Pay attention to the sound
9 years ago, I joined a team group to go hiking at the top of Mount Kinabalu. I have to tell you the truth, it's not easy, but it satisfies you. I am 19 years old and knowing that I'll conquer the highest mountain in Sabah at that time probably not included in my bucket lists.
Well, who would think that I'll be able to go there?
Nonetheless, it is such a great experience, and honestly, I'm not just getting the fact that I'll be able to walk through that pain, but the most remarkable achievement I had is when I know the meaning of KEEP GOING ON. So, before I get into a deeper story, I just want to give several tips on preparation before hiking Mount Kinabalu.
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| The team 2011 |
Preparation of Mount Kinabalu
Well, to make a thing simple, do your checklist. The first thing I do was list the important thing; what is the most important thing you bring when you go hiking? - backpacks (you can buy waterproof backpacks or using a cover for your backpack), windbreakers, shoes, bodywarmer (depends on you), snow cap, stick (but also, you can rent at the registration RM10/person), torchlight, bottled water, enough clothes, phone/camera, some foods, enough money, first aid, and toiletries. Then, list the quantity.
- Backpacks x1
- Windbreaker x1
- Shoes x1
- Bodywarmer (depends on you)
- Snowcap x1
- Stick (you can rent at the registration, but you can also check out this item, hiking stick)
- Torchlight or Head torchlight x1
- Bottled water x1 (There's water at every station, so you don't need to bring a lot)
- Clothes x 2 set
- Phone/camera/charger
- Foods (depends on you).
- Enough money and your ID card (probably RM200 for emergency)
- First aid/supplement
- Toiletries (a small towel, soap, toothbrush, face wash)
Extra - I also bring a waist bag to keep my phone, money, and ID card.
Basically, I didn't bring too much, so it's enough for me to carry alone. However, the Malim Gunung will also help you take your bags, but they charged it RM/Kg.
Did I prepare anything like training?
Yes, for me. Of course, I did because I am not fit enough. So, I took training such as jogging, climbing stairs, squatting, and more.
I do that with my friends, but I think it essential for you to do a medical checkup with your doctor. Just to make sure your health is in good condition.
The story:
We all are from the same hometown and nearby, so we do not rent a hotel in Kundasang or in that area, so in the early dawn, we get ready, and we gathered at our friend's house. And from there, we took two rented vans and go straight to the destination. So we set off at 5.00am.
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| Some of the team 2011 |
The person who leads us took care of everything; all of the payment and documents were set on that day. About the fees, I do not remember because it was 9 years ago, but I think around RM150/person. They charge you based on what rate you pick. We decided on the Sabahan rate—the fees including the accommodation and the food.
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| On the way to the cafe for food |
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| The scenery from above |
After the registration was settled, we were picked by a van and bring us to the Timpohon gate. The guide was giving us a briefing on what you can and can't do. Then, we prayed and started our journey.
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| Notice board |
Because this story was from 2011, and during that day, it might be a lot of things had changed after the earthquake struck. The trial after the incident is more challenging. I forgot how many stations were there. But, every station had this water filling, freshening air, and toilet.
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| How the road look like |
It took me 6 or 7 hours to get to Laban Rata Resthouse. I was too tired. I think I arrived at 4.00pm or more.
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| Laban Rata resthouse |
I continued my journey.
I had to go 6 Km to Panar Laban Hut (it was destroyed in 2015 because of the earthquake). Yup, it is not that far, but the trail was against gravity, so I felt really heavy. Thank God I did arrive there safely, but it's getting darker. So, I know that I arrived there at almost 6.00pm.
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| Road to Panar Laban Hut |
There's nothing more I can do there because it was getting darker. We had to rest because at 1.30 am, we must get ready to continue to the low peak of Mount Kinabalu.
On the second day, at early dawn, we start our second journey to a low peak.
Don't forget to bring your head torchlight, because it was darker and a lot challenging compared to daylight. Also, I felt like the road was too high.
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| In the early dawn |
I did not record what time is it, but we manage to conquer the top of Mount Kinabalu. But, unfortunately, I was not able to see the surrounding me because I was too tired. In fact that I didn't have the time to see the beautiful thing. I am so disappointed.
Some other day, I will be back again to climb this mountain.
And here are the link to the Youtube of my team at the top of Mount Kinabalu 2011.
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Thanks for this useful information
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