Mount Kinabalu - Accept the Challenge?

9 September 2013

So a friend has invited me to join him and some friends on a mission, a quest to stand together and camwhore on the highest peak of Malaysia - Mount Kinabalu.

Aby and I somewhere around Kundasang, in front of Mt. K
Now, don't get me wrong, this has been something I've always wanted to do, but I've had easy enough excuses in the past:
"I have asthma!"
"I'm not a fitness freak!"
"I can barely climb the stairs without getting out of breath, 
let alone a mountain!!"

However, while these are still very true facts, I have to say, my mind tells me I'm not in high school anymore, and these are very conquerable excuses (except for asthma, but it's not that bad anymore so, fingers crossed!). 
A close-up of the peak shot with my Samsung Galaxy camera.
Have to say, it was a lot clearer and more detailed in the camera =(
I'd really like to attempt to reach the peak of that beauty in my backyard, and look down from it, instead of just admiring it's beauty from the roadside in Kota Kinabalu.
The majestic Mount Kinabalu at sunrise.
(Yes, you can be jealous, this is just what we see on a daily basis in KK =P)

But my fats are telling me I'm delusional. 
 
The set date for the climb is mid-December; yes, this year! Will I be able to finally get fit enough to not pass out mid-climb in just 2 months?! I've never been fit in my life - when friends tell me they miss their flat tummy or their six-pack, I can NOT relate to that feeling; I mean, how can you miss something you've never had right? 

That doesnt mean I, in any way, am planning to work on getting a six-pack, it's just.. Can this lump of lard, as a dear friend once sadly called me, scale a mountain face without rolling back down..?
Mt Kinabalu in the distance, from the Tamparuli suspension bridge
I'm not sure. Which is why I've decided it's best to find out what exactly it is I'm getting myself into before I sign on that dotted line and hand over that dough.

Have any of you climbed Mount K. before? 
Can you maybe shed a little light on what I can expect? I hear so many different opinions. How did you train before hand? What should I bring VS what is provided? And what is your honest opinion on me trying to scale one of Asia's highest mountains?

Thanks for your help,
Calista xx

17 comments

  1. YES! You can do it! I'll show off my cert to u when i meet you just to keep things exciting for u! :P

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, do! And you better tell me what to expect when you get back down here! =P

      Delete
  2. You got to wake up very early in the morning. :P

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know.. T.T But when it's that early? I usually havent even gone to bed yet! Lol!

      Delete
    2. After the long hike to Laban Rata, you really need a good rest before the final trail. You have to wake up around 2 -3 AM on the next day for that. :D

      Delete
    3. Yeah I know.. Maybe I'll spend 2 days in bed the day before the climb HAHAHAHAHA!!

      Delete
  3. You can do it girl! I'm afraid of height and I guess that's my major reason for not climbing it till today. >.<

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks babe! I'm sure you can conquer your fear one day - especially as I see you've been working out! ;p

      Delete
  4. Lump of lard with lotsa love okehhhh. Hahaha!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm sure you can make it. Just go slow and you will reach the summit eventually. Training is not absolutely necessary. But the more pain (exercise) you gain now, the less pain you do the climb later. Good luck :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Murphy! I think I need to go through quite a bit of pain before the climb considering how unfit I am.. Haha.. Hopefully I'll succeed though! =D How may times have you climbed..?

      Delete
    2. lol I also can't recall how many times I've climbed. It's also important to keep yourself warm & dry and move slowly to avoid altitude sickness. For exercise, regular jogging of 3 or 4 laps in sport complex is already good enough, of course the more the merrier. Have fun! =)

      Delete
    3. lol I also can't recall how many times I've climbed. It's also important to keep yourself warm & dry and move slowly to avoid altitude sickness. For exercise, regular jogging of 3 or 4 laps in sport complex is already good enough, of course the more the merrier. Btw, a trekking pole will help you to save energy. Have fun!

      Delete
    4. Thanks for the tip! Will definitely get a pole/walking stick of sorts, and try to do more than jog! Hihii.. *determined to reach the top*

      Delete
    5. Murphy how's it been since our last meeting? And yes - I think you can rent the pole/walking stick for rm10 at Kinabalu Park (from online research)

      Delete
    6. I was, however, recently told that the walking stick isnt THAT useful.. Hmm..

      Delete