Climbing Mt Kinabalu
I've always loved mountains. The majestic view from the top keeps me going back, time after time.
The recent trek up Mt Kinabula trip was terrific. Initially, I had second thoughts about going on this trip as I don't think I'm up to it physically. But at the end, I'm glad I didn't chicken out. Enjoyed it immensely.
The weather dampened my spirits a little as it rained relentlessly from the moment we arrived at the National Park HQ.
But I guess it's a blessing in disguise.
The place was completely full and I didn't book us anything in advance.
But because of the rain, some people cancelled their climbing plans, allowing me to fulfill mine :)
Prior to the climb, I'd spent 3 weeks in various parts of China with very good food and scarcely any exercise. So the climb was quite taxing for me. Thankfully, there were these amazing views to distract me from fatigue and giving up entirely.
The scenery is simply amazing... Beautifully formed trees against a sea of cloud.
Looks like a scene from Sleepy Hollow doesn't it?
Interesting terrain on the way up
We started climbing in the wee hours of the morning - 3 am. The target is to reach the peak before sunrise to catch the sun in action.
There were many climbers before us, each wearing a headlight or carrying a torch. Under the star-studded sky, they form a trail of light reaching up to the stars. Cool.
Sad to say, I didn't make it in time to catch daybreak - was just 15 minutes too late. By the time we reached the peak, dawn has broken.
But day break or not, an overwhelming sense of joy engulfed me the moment I set foot on the platform at the peak. Yay! I've reached Low's Peak!!! Finally.
This is the signage and there were loads of people taking shots against it - proof that they've made it to the top.
Spent some time taking in the magnificent view.
In this shot, you can see the shadow of the clouds across the valley. And if you look really closely, you can see the sunrays streaming through the clouds.
The photos don't do justice to the real thing. (Speaking of which, I'd have to invest in a better camera next time, with wide-angle lens preferrably)
View from the peak
This is Faungin, our guide. Doesn't he look cool?
Coming down was very difficult and slippery.
My muscles ached for a couple of days after the climb. But it's well worth it.
I'd like to climb Mt Kinabalu again. This time, without any rain.
This posting is dedicated to the following people, without which the climb wouldn't have been a possibility for me
- Mum: Happy Birthday!
- Sis: Your voice kept ringing in my ears - It's all mental!!!
- Pauller: Yes, i've gambate-d
- Daren: You're right it's all in the mind
- Faungin: Thanks for all the times you've caught me
Last but not least, LK. Am glad we made it together... :)
The recent trek up Mt Kinabula trip was terrific. Initially, I had second thoughts about going on this trip as I don't think I'm up to it physically. But at the end, I'm glad I didn't chicken out. Enjoyed it immensely.
The weather dampened my spirits a little as it rained relentlessly from the moment we arrived at the National Park HQ.
But I guess it's a blessing in disguise.
The place was completely full and I didn't book us anything in advance.
But because of the rain, some people cancelled their climbing plans, allowing me to fulfill mine :)
Prior to the climb, I'd spent 3 weeks in various parts of China with very good food and scarcely any exercise. So the climb was quite taxing for me. Thankfully, there were these amazing views to distract me from fatigue and giving up entirely.
The scenery is simply amazing... Beautifully formed trees against a sea of cloud.
Looks like a scene from Sleepy Hollow doesn't it?
Interesting terrain on the way up
We started climbing in the wee hours of the morning - 3 am. The target is to reach the peak before sunrise to catch the sun in action.
There were many climbers before us, each wearing a headlight or carrying a torch. Under the star-studded sky, they form a trail of light reaching up to the stars. Cool.
Sad to say, I didn't make it in time to catch daybreak - was just 15 minutes too late. By the time we reached the peak, dawn has broken.
But day break or not, an overwhelming sense of joy engulfed me the moment I set foot on the platform at the peak. Yay! I've reached Low's Peak!!! Finally.
This is the signage and there were loads of people taking shots against it - proof that they've made it to the top.
Spent some time taking in the magnificent view.
In this shot, you can see the shadow of the clouds across the valley. And if you look really closely, you can see the sunrays streaming through the clouds.
The photos don't do justice to the real thing. (Speaking of which, I'd have to invest in a better camera next time, with wide-angle lens preferrably)
View from the peak
This is Faungin, our guide. Doesn't he look cool?
Coming down was very difficult and slippery.
My muscles ached for a couple of days after the climb. But it's well worth it.
I'd like to climb Mt Kinabalu again. This time, without any rain.
This posting is dedicated to the following people, without which the climb wouldn't have been a possibility for me
- Mum: Happy Birthday!
- Sis: Your voice kept ringing in my ears - It's all mental!!!
- Pauller: Yes, i've gambate-d
- Daren: You're right it's all in the mind
- Faungin: Thanks for all the times you've caught me
Last but not least, LK. Am glad we made it together... :)
posted by turquoisebleu | 10:50 pm
