Those close to me can vouch that I’ve been babbling about my intention to climb Mount Kinabalu numerous times in the past few months – been trying to find friends who would be willing to take on the challenge with me but thus far no one dare to commit.
Why, why, why?
It’s not that I haven’t climbed it before – in actual fact I’ve climbed in twice. Once back in 2004 (I think) with colleagues from my first work place – Malaysia National Insurance (MNI – now known as Etiqa). I was only 23 back then (that young?) and should have been most fit.
I did not make it to the summit during that trip.
The story was: It was raining the entire way up from the gate at Kinabalu Park to Laban Rata. It was the first time for most (if not all of us). I can’t remember the exact number of pax in the group but I remember vividly me, my mentor – En Din and my life sifu and close brother back then – Mat Yan being the sweeper for pack to ensure everyone reached Laban Rata safely.
One of members – Tg Maria who later caught the nickname Tanjung Kimono after the trip for her “slow-mo” pace hiking (similar to a Japanese lady walking wearing kimono), was pacing herself throughout the hike. It took us roughly 6 – 8 hours (can’t remember the exact duration) to reach the camp and due to the heavy rain by the time we reached Laban Rata, we were soaking wet! All the clothes we had in our backpacks were drenched too.
We had to leave all the clothes to dry at the in house laundry – obviously it would take time to dry for such a big group. Yan and me (who thought we were superheroes) decided to take one for the team – to wait for everyone’s laundry to be ready and bring it all up to our dorm at Gunting Lagadan.
The hike up to the peak was scheduled at 2am – me and Yan was still waiting for everyone clothes at 12am. While waiting we tried to catch some sleep on the cold floor of the dining hall at Laban Rata, which we failed miserably at getting any – the floor was freaking cold and the chills got through our sleeping bags (that feeling I can remember till today).
Everyone’s laundry was ready just before the hike at 2am so we headed up to Gunting Lagadan hut where everyone was stationed. Not even half way through the climb (which is about 300m if I’m not mistaken), we were light headed. When we finally reached the dorm, we realised we were down with fever and was not fit to climb up to the peak. It was devastating knowing that we could not even attempt the hike so with nothing left to do about it, we went to sleep feeling sad. Tanjung Kimono made it up to the peak – at least being there for her through the earlier climb was worth it.
I just got to know that Gunting Lagadan hut is no longer there and remains a memory for those who once stayed there. The hut suffered beyond repair damages after an earthquake back on 5 June 2015. I remembered the hut clearly as we chose to stay there – which is the cheaper dorm without heater as we were cutting cost for the trip. Me and Yan were known as the Gunting team as we only made it that far. It remains a bittersweet memory for me.
The next trip was in 2007 back when I was in Prudential BSN Takaful. Again with my mentor, we decided to do a Merdeka Climb to Mount Kinabalu so we headed back up with a team in end August 2007. This time around, learning from my mistake before and determined to reach the peak, I ensured I took care of myself first. Moment we reached Laban Rata, I popped in Panadol and went to sleep to wake up for the 2am hike. The hostels were full but somehow our contact managed to book us the staff hostel just across the main Laban Rata hostel – and yes again, no heater.
I made it up to the top this time, Alhamdulillah.
So in my record, I have two Mount Kinabalu climb certificates: one certificate in black and white acknowledging that I’ve at least reached Laban Rata and another in full colour marking my success to conquer the peak of Mount Kinabalu.
Seeing Mount Kinabalu so close this trip down to Kundasang just rejuvenates that intent to climb and conquer the highest mountain in South East Asia one more time. I sincerely hope I’ll be able to do it again soon – 2023 maybe?
Any takers?
