Mount Kinabalu

Nostalgia

After our maiden Kinabalu Park visit in Nov 2003, I had a desire to climb Mt. Kinabalu someday. It was before I pick up running. Back then; we thought the 2 km walk to Mesilau Kipuyut waterfall should not be too difficult until we gave up at 0.5 km of the trail.

4 years ago, giving up at 0.5 km.

I ride on the 3+ years of regular running as a foundation to pursue this dream but it is certainly not the only criterion as climbing attributes differ from running. Attaining a good level of fitness and physical strength alone may not be the passport for success as there are other elements that a hiker/climber has to overcome namely acclimatization and sometimes the unexpected.

The credit from the cancelled BKK Airasia flight due to the coup last Sept was used to book the flight to Kota Kinabalu. Our hearts were set to journey this together, to climb the highest mountain in South East Asia.

Training

During weekends, we have trained in FRIM, Gasing Hill, Batu Caves, Gunung Nuang and Gunung Datuk. The longest trek was 4 hours. I took note of all the advice and pointers from people who had climbed Mt. K.
Read the Mt. Everest disaster book “Into Thin Air” by John Krakauer and surfed “ Everest -Beyond the Limits" website.

While reading a mountain disaster book sounds like a bad idea since it induces negativity but then years ago I read a reverse psychology book that advocates “How to make things better by making it worse”- a paradoxical method of overcoming fear.

Anticipation

I meticulously ran through every possible situation that could go wrong during the climb and tasks that could mitigate it:

· Rain – use disposal raincoat, waterproof shoes and extra socks.
· Cold and wind – wear long johns, gloves and parka/jacket with hood.
· Altitude sickness/AMS headache – carry painkiller tablets (Paracetamol/Panadol)
· Hunger/dehydration – carry bananas, chocolates, nuts, Powerbar, gel and Endurance drink.
· Insect bites/cuts/sunburn – insert repellant, antiseptic cream, plasters and sunblock.
· Cramps – analgesic cream Deep Heat.
· Darkness – headlights and spare torchlights/batteries.
· Knee injury – Hiking poles and stick.

Apart from doubting my own ability, deep inside I was silently concerned about Mee Peng’s. I told her not to set our expectations too high as bad weather could prematurely end our mission.

Bags are packed I am ready to go……

We checked into Hotel Daya Kinabalu @ RM132 pernight, right at the heart of KK city on June 22. Visited Sanctuary Sutera office at Wisma Sabah to reconfirm our Mesilau Resort chalet, Laban Rata bunker beds bookings and booked the 2 shuttle tickets from Kinabalu Park HQ back to KK city for June 25.

As this trip was entirely arranged on our own without engaging a travel agent, we were very fortunate the climb date coincide with Tony Lim’s group who arrived a day later. The group leader Peter Lau had 2 extra seats for us in the bus and they too were staying at Mesilau Resort.

A dinner that went wrong.

Tiger fish, clams and snails.

KK is known for its famous seafood. We ate at Sri Selera Kg. Air food court and disaster struck – Mee Peng was hit by severe food poisoning. She vomited and suffered diarrhea the whole night. 3 tubes of Po Chai pills didn’t help.

Cultural show at Kg. Air food court
Next morning 6 a.m we went to a nearby 24-hr Polyclinic but the medication could not stop the diarrhea. Peter’s group was scheduled to arrive and pick us up at around 9:45 a.m. We made a revisit to the same clinic at 9:30 a.m that referred us to the Head Physician.

I explained our predicament that she will be in a bus ride for 2.5 hours and would she be medically fit to climb the next day. Dr. Jeremiah smiled “Yes, she can climb. It is only a stomach upset” and prescribed a dose of 5 tablets.

Joining the Group

While we were in the clinic Tony and Peter called and I told them of our situation. They told me not to worry and soon we joined their group of 28 trekkers in the coach. Tony and his wife Kim were the only people we know in the bus but we soon made friends with the rest.

Oh NO!

As I got acquainted with the person next to me Gary, I realized to my horror I left my 2 digital cameras inside the bag which was stored in the Hotel store room! I agonized over my absent-mindedness and attributed it to nursing Mee Peng the night before. Usually she would organize the packing but that night she was totally knocked out.

Kinabalu Park

We arrived at Kinabalu Park HQ for our shuttle transfer to the 2nd entrance Mesilau Park. Mee Peng was still throwing up and purging.

The shuttle van stopped by Kundasang village, a place famous for its vegetables and fruits. I bought 2 combs of banana for RM3.

Upon arrival at Mesilau Resort Park, we checked into the private St.John’s Peak chalet/bungalow, which was completely surrounded by thick tropical rainforest. It was a perfect place to rest and focus on her recovery.

Even if we couldn’t climb the next morning, staying here alone was already bliss. At 2000 meters above sea level, the pure clean air smelled of nothing but wood and a freshness that is unparallel to Peninsula Highlands. A cute squirrel greeted me at the entrance as if to say, “ Welcome to the Land Below the Wind. Don’t worry everything will work out fine”.

The Recovery

Tony Lim was so kind to drop by to pass us some Milo powder.
I fed Mee Peng with hot milo, oral hydration pack and chicken essence cordyceps between her naps. Her vomiting finally stopped.

Climb Day

By morning she looked stronger but the purging was still rampant. Since she had no appetite to eat anything solid, I took the gamble of passing her half a PowerBar. The night before she told me that I should go ahead and climb alone if she doesn’t improve. I said I would never leave her alone.

Peter reassured us there are flush toilets along the way at every km. That is positive news and with that we decided to ascend.

The Gate

The Koreans at Mesilau gate .

We engaged a guide, compulsory requirement by the name of Jasirin aka Gungdus. Gungdus, aged 42, has a physique of a stout body builder with a serious look. He also double up as a porter where I passed him a 7kg backpack. Each kg cost RM8 to carry to and fro Laban Rata.
Mee Peng and I carried a 3 and 6kg backpack respectively.

While Peter and Tony’s group were assembling for briefing, I informed them we are departing first and hope to meet them along the way.

With the backpacks lifted to our back, we were ready to ascend. After a few hundred meters, Mee Peng’s bag was weighing her down and I took over her bag.


KM 0.5 revisited.

We reached KM-1 in 54 mins. While I relished each km gained, Mee Peng was “racing” to visit the next toilet ahead. She made no less than 6 toilet breaks sometimes in embarrassing audible reverberations that can be heard from the nearby gazebo where trekkers rest.

Peter and a few others soon caught up with us. I offered bananas and we helped each other to snap photos. Grace a runner who trains daily by climbing 12 flights of stairs in her KLCC area condominium was in good form.




Gungdus collected rubbish even as small as sweet wrappers along the trail. That prompted us to do likewise. The locals believe they have a responsibility to keep the holy mountain clean and presentable to tourists. This is something urbanites can learn and emulate.

KM-3

My Timex stopwatch showed 2:21 hrs. I thought it was good progress covering sub-60 mins/km. We passed the Kipuyut suspension bridge and a series of steep steps awaits us. My right thigh began to stiffen and I knew a cramp is imminent. I immediately applied Deep Heat as richly as possible and massage the affected area.
This part of the muscle never gave me trouble in the past during running!
For the next 3kms the cramp lingered.


Cool forest with occasional drizzle

Wild herb

In one of the rest breaks, Gungdus plucked a few long leaves from a wild plant and said this could cure stomachache. Sensing our doubt, he took a handful and chewed the leaves. While preparing to eat some myself, I told Mee Peng in Cantonese “don’t eat too much first” since we do not know the side-effects. The leaves tasted bitter.

KM-5

We reached the km-5 pondok, a favourite spot for trekkers to break for lunch and congregate. Chatted with Tony and Ben from Klang. Tony offered Mee Peng the potent Thai anti-diarrhea powder of which she consumed without hesitation.

Ripped opened the Vanilla Powergel and shared it with Mee Peng. By now I have finished all the 15 small bananas, Kit-Kat, Cadbury Timeout, Kandos and 4 bottles of 500ml PowerBar Endurance drink that I have rationed for this leg of the climb.

We have trekked for more than 5 hours. The flora has changed to mossy low stunted plants. Though it was 2pm, the thick clouds had completely blocked the afternoon sunrays. The misty trail has a certain dreamy mystique aura like excerpt from a childhood fairy-tale storybook.

Km-5 no sun just mist and mossy plants. Gangdus and Mee Peng trekking ahead.

Earlier, Peter had hinted the weather doesn’t look good and indicated it may rain. His observation was a revelation.

Layang-Layang junction

This is where the shorter original route from Timpohon Gate meets the Mesilau Trail. Just before we reach this turnoff, it started raining, not just rain but heavy rain!
Peter had predicted correctly.

Hiking on a “Waterfall”

It could not come at a worse time because from here it was the start of a very steep uneven rocky ascend to Laban Rata. The stream of water and mud that came gushing down from the slopes like a waterfall was a shock to us!

It reminded me of the movie “Romancing the Stone” where Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas struggled in the torrential jungles of Columbia.

I told Mee Peng we were lucky to have had bought the waterproof shoes but that virtue soon dissipated. The rain was so heavy that the water started seeping into our shoes through our socks and soon our shoes were soaked inside – so much for waterproofing.
I lamented whether a high ankle shoe would have made a difference.

Applying Deep Heat to my troubled thigh proofed futile as the splashing rain easily washed it away. Inexplicably, the cold weather somehow helped to cool down the convulsive muscle area and eventually it was cured!

The simple Poncho disposal raincoat was an indispensable heaven created clothing that not only shielded us from the wet and cold but was also large enough to cover the backpacks as well.

Mee Peng praised the Made-in-Germany telescopic Leki Hiking poles, which I borrowed from Rohaizad. The 2 poles acted like 2 extra feet and it help her tremendously from slipping in the wet as well as alleviate her weakened condition. Rohaizad was so generous to loan us the poles despite not having used them himself.

As for me, I had earlier bought a RM3 rubber wood stick that function to relieve stress on my back and knees. These are necessities especially for first time climbers.

It rained for 3 hrs.

Somewhere at km-7, giant looking bonsai plants surrounded the trail. I saw Choi’s favourite tree and Ben Lim’s Indiana Jones ridge.

From afar, we could see streams of water flowing down beautifully from the gigantic granite mountain. On the other side of the ridge, the farming villages of Kundasang can be sighted.

Streams of rainfall water flowing down the mountain. A magnificent sight.

The scenery changes by the seconds as the fog moves rather swiftly hindering panoramic views. By the time I took out my slide loaded Canon A2 camera, the view was gone.
With our raincoats on and rain pouring, it was a hassle to remove the SLR for a shot.

8 hours ….

I was feeling extremely hungry when Tony effortlessly caught up and informed us the Laban Rata Restaurant closes at 7p.m. He is forging ahead to order the food first. I jokingly told him I was so hungry I could eat a cow but ordering half-a-cow would suffice.

Laban Rata (3272 meters/ 10,700 feet)

Exactly 10 hours on my stopwatch, we finally reached Laban Rata in the almost dark dusking sky. It was a few minutes to 7p.m. I jubilated the completion of the first leg of our climb.

Our record hike of 10 hrs. Photo taken just behind Laban Rata.

The temperature at the entrance displayed 12 degrees Celsius. Peter and a few others greeted and congratulated our arrival. I was totally exhausted and hungry to the point of insanity.

Thankfully the restaurant was still opened. Advised Mee Peng to take off our wet shoes and socks to prevent blisters.

Walking barefooted, I took the RM33 buffet and whacked the beef for protein. Not much food left and the chef is not replenishing the dishes.
Mee Peng still could not eat a full meal.

After filling our stomachs and chatting with Peter and Ivan, we checked into our room upstairs consisting of 5 sets of double-deck beds. To my surprised, the occupants in the room were already in bed! It was 8:10 p.m.

I tried not to be intrusive as I gently opened the noisy plastic bags to prepare for shower. Laid the shoes and insoles next to the heater, hoping they will be dry by tomorrow. Went back downstairs to the reception to enquire if they sell/rent slippers and luckily the storekeeper had a few used ones, which he obligingly loaned at no cost.

I was advised to have the shower early in the common washroom as the hot water here can run out abruptly. Yes, the hot water was almost gone but it was bearable. I wore my newly purchased long johns and my faithful 21-year-old Adidas jumper.

Sleep is difficult

I quietly tipped toed to my upper bunker bed and was relieved to lie on my sore back. Indiglo-ed my watch and it read 8:40 p.m. Set the alarm to 1:15 a.m., closed my eyes but I could not sleep. Was it the coffee and tea?

By midnight, I was not sure if I fell asleep because I simply kept hearing noises from the wooden walls/walkway, coughs and snoring from room-mates. Watch showed 12:15 a.m, changed the alarm to 1:40 a.m.

1:30 a.m

I decided to get up and that prompted everybody in the room to get up from their beds as well.
Apparently, as I recount later, many of them could not sleep too!

Checked my shoes, alamak! Still wet.
Mee Peng had already gone downstairs to order buffet breakfast while I tried to figure how to dry the shoes quickly.
Since there were no newspapers, I grabbed a stack of serviettes and stuffed them into our shoes to absorb whatever liquid left. It worked.

Adidas Kampung

A lady from Penang who was observing my antics told me I should buy the RM5 local made “Adidas kampung” shoes, which provide better grip, instead of spending hundreds of ringgit on branded trekking shoes.

She said the branded shoes were useless! I asked her to show me the sole of her beloved shoes, it had studs similar but shorter than those found in soccer boots.

Guides wearing the "Adidas Kampung" shoes. Observe the studded soles.

The Summit Trail

After hearing from a few people how cold the final Summit Trail could be, I wore 2 T-shirts, an orange Schwarzenbach jacket over my Adidas jumper.

The RM15 water-resistant gloves were completely soaked from the previous day’s rain. Luckily I brought another pair of acrylic gloves as spares.

We left around 2:45 a.m. There were already scores of trekkers beaming their headlights like “Cyclops” in the dark. I notice the Caucasians wore smaller headlights that produced more directional and brighter lumens than our “pasar malam” China-made ones.

20 minutes into the ascent I was already feeling hot. I have over-cloth myself! Peter’s group was nowhere to be seen probably way ahead. I took deep breaths and stop for breaks as often as possible.

From as far as the eye can see, the string of lights illuminated by the scores of climbers was like a silent ritual procession. The local KandazanDusun believe the mountain is the resting place of their dead ancestors soul. The tribe believes the spirits dwell among the forbidden peaks.

After the relative easy part of multiple stairs walking, the woods disappeared and came the challenging rock section with rope.

Granite all the way….

I remember my office colleague Wong Siu told me he used the “Spiderman” technique to tackle this sector. The degree of ascent could be as much as 45%, it was synonymous to placing a plank on a stairway and walking on it using a rope as leverage.

The gloves not only provided warmth but also protection from the abrasive rope.
It wasn’t too slippery as the rock surface was rough and our Timberland and North Face shoes held well.
I reminded Mee Peng should we fall, we should lie flat on our tummy with our limbs clinging to the surface to immobilize inertia.

This had to be the highest degree of difficulty because to pull our bodies upwards, bursts of energy were required. Occasionally, I crawled using Wong Siu’s method.

Despite the nearby dark cliff, I did not feel it was too dangerous as a number of Guides coolly walked upright on our side supplementing the torch lighting where necessary. They were totally unperturbed by the dangers.

Came to think of it, it was kind of silly having to crawl like a toddler when the Guides took it like a Walk in the Park!

The Stillness of the Night

Mid-way I stopped to look back; I could see the lights from the foothills of Kundasang town. At eye-level the infinite non-blinking stars spread across the vast universe like I have never seen before.
The sky was cloudless; we were at level with the sky.

I was 12,000 feet above sea level and was rather pleased I had no symptoms of altitude sickness.

Sayat-Sayat Hut

We registered our names at the last pondok, Sayat-Sayat counter and from here onwards it was a safe but arduous 1.7 kms incline to Low’s Peak. The massive granite slabs stretched endlessly almost like walking on the moon’s surface.

This was the part where Ben Lim told me he has to stop to catch breath for every 10+ steps gained before going for another set of 10+ steps.
He was absolutely right.

As a runner, I thought I could sustain a continuous walk but not here, where the mountain rules.

South Peak

Donkeys Ears

I was surprised some climbers were already hurriedly making their way back even before sunrise – the pinnacle spectra. They do not look sick.
As dawn came, the shadows were replaced by the glow of the South Peak and Donkeys Ears appeared on our flanks.

Sun rise between St. John's and Low's Peak

Surprisingly, we saw rodent-like creatures scurrying between cracks in this non-habitatable zero vegetation land. Perhaps, they survive on the daily disposal of human food crumbs?

After passing the majestic South Peak, I could see the famous Low’s Peak about 600 meters away. Gungdus knowing that we would be slow went to join his group of friends for a chat.

Low’s Peak

I took out my camera from my bag, went up to him, told him to take care of my backpack and wait for me here while I make the assault to the peak.

I should have known better not to instruct a person who lived all his life in a territory home to them but a mystery to first time explorers.

Mee Peng made friends with everybody who was like us struggling to reach the foot of Low’s Peak. Soon Gungdus appeared carrying my backpack and followed Mee Peng guiding her through the steps. I guess he had a call of duty to look after us.


Mee Peng's new found friend, a photo enthusiast and half-marathoner.

Ears ringing…

I was about 15 meters behind them when my ear and head started humming and ringing. I thought this is normal since I suffer from permanent tinnitus. Unconsciously, I was losing my balance and attribute it to the uneven surface.

Low's Peak in the background. Many tail-end climbers gave-up and turn back here.

Gungdus had been observing me and advised Mee Peng to convince me that I do not summit the peak. “Kalau tak boleh, Jangan Paksa”. He also told her if I did, I would have trouble descending later. He offered to climb alone and help to take pictures from the summit on our behalf.

Mee Peng said my face looked green and lips pale. Gazing at the wedge shaped Peak, it looked intimidating enough to quit and turn back.
Gungdus looked at me and asked “Macam mana boss?”

Speechless, I raised my arm to point at the summit. This is the first symptom of…

AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness)

Gungdus had no choice but to ascend the steep Low’s Peak with Mee Peng. I told them to go ahead while I gingerly pace my climb. By now, my breathing and vertigo were building up.

Assault of Low's Peak. Mee Peng and Gangdus far ahead.

A couple in the 50s who was coming down gave me encouraging words to keep going. Mee Peng had reached the peak and was forming a cheering Malay group to spur me on.

“Lor Kong (hubby), you can do it!” shouted the Malay lady mimicking Mee Peng.
“Cheah Yew (more oil)! Cheah Yew!” yelled the Malay guy.

Finally, I summitted Low’s Peak (13,436 feet/4095 meters) at around 7:50 a.m. I took out Terence P6 bib and said in my heart “Terence this is for you though you may not know me”


After a series of photos, all of them descended. I was the last man on the peak. I thought about Terence and

I cried….

I do not know him in person and neither does he know who I am but I do know he is a jovial and friendly guy who despite his illness lived Life to the Fullest when what many normal healthy people fail to do and cherish. (Terence Leong aka Penguin 6 had brain tumor and succumbed to his sickness on June 8, 2007)

Left view from Low's peak.

Gangdus preparing to descend.

Last Man

At the peak alone, I could see trekkers like ants making their way back to Sayat-sayat. I used the abseiling method to go down, stopping immediately the moment I sense I was losing balance.

I am the King of the Mountain......help!!

St. John's peak. Do you see the rear neck and shoulders of a Gorilla?

St. John's peak from another angle. Now do you see the monkey face?

AMS accentuating

Back to the main trail where now it is the reverse steep rock descent, I found I had trouble walking downhill and withholding my momentum. I was behaving deliriously like a drunkard – denying I was abnormal and impeded speech (classical signs of AMS).
Gungdus and Mee Peng began to worry about my condition.

Mee Peng later told me I walked with my hands slightly apart from my waist, side stepping erratically and wobbling – like a Penguin.

Gungdus kept coming back to aid me but I told him I’m ok and he should take care of Mee Peng. He is confused because Mee Peng on the other hand had been telling him to take care of me.

Fighting back…

At this stage, I acknowledge I was hit by altitude sickness and adopted the rest and walk strategy. I controlled my vertigo by seating 1-2 minutes to overcome the dizziness. I could feel my BP and heartbeat rising each time I got on my feet.
At one point, I laid flat on the rock where there is not a single soul out there since I was the last human on the plateau!

I reached Sayat-sayat gate and drank the refreshing sweetish spring water. The 2 officials were waiting for me to close the gate. I took some chocolates and regretted not bringing a Powergel.

After 10 mins rest, Mee Peng and Gungdus went ahead and unknown to me she had asked the 2 officials to guide me down. I thanked them profusely as both of them followed me throughout the most difficult segment of the rope-cliff area.

The 3 rescuers (I called them pasukan penyelamat....they laughed!). They call AMS "Mabuk Gunung" (Mountain Drunkness)

Severe AMS hit me when I was walking the easier stairs/steps back to Laban Rata. I nearly threw up but managed to hold back.

Gungdus waited for me patiently and in the end I made it back with Peter’s group waiting at the main entrance.

11:40 a.m.

By now, there was no way to make it back to Kinabalu Park HQ by 3:30 p.m for our coach back to KK. Gungdus had already planned and gave me 2 options:

a) Stay overnight and trek down next morning at 2 a.m.
b) Trekked down now and reached HQ around 7-8pm.

I rested one hour and made the decision to trek down the same day. It was time to maximize my carbo and vitamin loading to replenish the lost energy. I ate a bowl of Meehoon soup, Powerbar, multivit and cordyceps tablets.

1:20 p.m.

After shaking hands and exchanging goodbyes to Ivan and the rest of the girls, we finally left Laban Rata and made our move to descend. Peter’s group is staying another night in Laban Rata.

Mee Peng had passed me the 2 Leki poles of which I maximize the length to around 5.5 feet. Wong Siu had tipped to use the poles as brakes.

After 10 minutes I was relieved I had no recurring symptoms of AMS or drowsiness. I have acclimatized. We met a lot of friendly people from the opposite direction who stopped for a chat. A few congratulated us.

I was enjoying the conversation with the various nationalities when Gungdus said we would reach Timpohon Gate around 8-9 p.m. Literally hinting we have to stop taking the longer than necessary talk breaks.

Worried

One of the veteran guides who was accompanying a Canadian dual told me, even for guides it is ‘merbahaya” (dangerous) to trek in the dark at night on the Timpohon Gate trail.

I did not ask him what danger lurks in the dark (Wild animals? Supernatural? Weather? Terrain?) but upon hearing his comments, both of us got worried and began to increase our pace and cut down on our breaks.

After 3 hours…

We passed the Layang-layang/Mesilau junction and continued into the Timpohon trail, which looks much easier, something similar to FRIM or Gasing Hill. Another 4 kms to go and the oxygen has increased to yummy levels with the reemergence of rich green forestation.

Mee Peng and Gungdus were surprised and chuckled how much I have recovered. I was running high on adrenalin and going at a race’s pace!
I used the poles to good effect, to alleviate my knees as much as possible.

About 2 kms to go, we heard thunder and thick fog enveloped the forest. We knew it will rain anytime and it was getting dark. Fortunately the path was getting flatter and less tricky.

Mee Peng asked me not to remind her of any pain when I told her my forefoot appears to be forming blisters because she too had to contend with the same soreness.

0.5 km to go..

and it RAINED!

We quickly took out our raincoats and torchlights. It was pitch dark, foggy, raining and muddy. I had visibility issues because my glasses were fogged and the bluish white LED headlight was not effective on misty conditions. My astigmatism compounded to the problem. Mee Peng took the lead while Gungdus stayed between the 2 of us to provide light.

7:05 p.m.

After 5 hrs 34 mins we finally made it to Timpohon Gate. Again we were the last hikers. The Park Ranger waited patiently for our arrival before closing the office for the day.
It was a great relief.

Gungdus had arranged transport for us to return to KK city. We took a shuttle van from the gate back to the main Kinabalu Park HQ entrance, a distance of about 5 kms, where a cab awaits us.
When we were in the van, I confessed to Mee Peng what happened at the peak. She told me she cried too.

We had a dispute with the cab driver on the fare. Eventually we relented.
The cab driver, with his wife beside him, drove at breakneck speed like a man possessed.
We closed our eyes; prayed nothing untoward would happen and slept.

We reached Hotel Daya Kinabalu in 1.5 hrs at about 9pm. Tony called to check if we were ok. After having Klang Bak Kut Teh for dinner, we tucked into the cosy bed and slept like babies.

Klang Bak Kut Teh for the "Sour Legs"?

The next morning, to our delight we suffered minimal muscle aches and more importantly no injuries. We made it in one piece.

The first remark I made when I got up was “I want to go back there again”.

Retrospect

I have always marveled in admiration trekkers who make it an annual affair to visit Mt. Kinabalu. It was the toughest thing that I have ever done in my entire life.

In the span of 34 hrs, we trekked a total of 25 hours covering 19 kms, ascended 2095 meters and descended 2234 meters. Both of us lost 2.5 kgs.
The total trek time was way above the expected norm probably due to our ailments.

Towards, the last km, Gungdus, (already a grandfather!), told me he had never been to KL. He made an honest living by helping trekkers to achieve their dream, aspiration and self-discovery. Perhaps he has a dream too to visit KL someday, to view the KLCC Twin Towers. I wish him well from the bottom of my heart.

Ultimately, the objective was to summit the peak but it was not the pinnacle of this trip. The sentiments I value most was when I came back to KL!

Back home…

Walking on a flat surface and be transported by a vehicle never felt so comfortable. Eating whatever and whenever I want when my stomach growls was something I took for granted in the past. Meeting strangers, new friends and friends who had helped and advised us along the way are memories that we will forever be grateful and thankful.

It felt good to be home…… to feel a sense of change.

Mee Peng said “ I will never ever forget this experience”.
Indeed, it was an incredible journey fulfilling the dream of ordinary people questing for the extraordinary.