Mount Kinabalu 20-21 April 2012

(^^) Our last hike was in Mount Batur, Bali, Indonesia; October last year. After that we resolved to have a good rest and no plans for any adventure. The idea of climbing Mount Kinabalu suddenly popped out out of nowhere when a friend of mine told me he was going to do the Via Ferrata on April. This was on January.. I checked the flight ticket from KL to KK; ahah! cheap! Called Mida,

"We are going to do Via Ferrata on April.. Ini adalah satu arahan!"

It took Mida about 24 hours to check what da heck is her crazy friend talking about (Via Ferrata??) and finally decide.. We bought the ticket first and sought the package later. We always go for the most extreme.. So there were two routes; Low's Circuit & Walk the Torq. So, x payah nak fikir panjang, of course we opted Low's Circuit (^^)

But save the story of Via Ferrata for now. Now lets see how we made it up to Low's Peak first (^^)

We actually booked a package which was inclusive of our transfer from KK to Kinabalu Park so on the 20th we were at the Wisma Sabah bus station as early as 6am. It was still too early for breakfast when we left home. So I bought this tasty Nasi Lemak at this Petronas petrol station on our way to Kinabalu Park.. Macam jadi habit pulak makan dalam van ni hehe

When we reached Kinabalu Park, the driver helped us to settle everything; our guide, passes and lunch packs. Each of us were given this tag to wear. You can bring it home after the climb as souvenir! Our guide was a very young man named Jason. He was very quiet at first but during the descend we talked a lot. Maybe he didn't want to tire us during the ascend hehe

So this is the map of the summit trail. A total of ~8.5km from Timpohon gate to Low's Peak. It was all the way up up up and up!!!!!!! Iwas quite nervous about this climb since this is the tallest mountain we ever climb so far. I was worried about my fitness, about altitude sickness, about the weather and my unpredictable bowel activity when the temperature is too cold. But everything went well! Alhamdulillah.. :)

Actually, you can find your own way to the top by just following this sign. They have plenty of it since there are quite a lot of junctions. I was separated from Mida and our guide until we reached our lodging in Pendant Hut. But, a guide is still IMPORTANT. Especially in the case where your pace is too slow and fail to reach the lodging before it turns dark (^^) The guides are very patient, you know. I think nowadays I can no longer be a 'sweeper' like I used to because I can't even follow Mida's pace though she wasn't too slow..

Now lets look at the trail.. I'm okay with trails that doesn't have huge logs blocking the way and low tree branches to bang your head on. But, still, endless stairs can annoy me just the same.. It was not that steep but the steps can be far apart that you have to really climb it with all your might!

More and more and more stairs! Frowning..

You'll find huts like this one every 0.5 to 1 km. Here, you can rest and enjoy watching the fat squirrels running around searching for food. One even tried to carry my handphone away while I was uploading a picture on FB. Every hut has a toilet where you can do your business quite comfortably and a water tank that contain untreated water yet drinkable :) Convenient!

So, after 4 hours and 10 minutes of nonstop climbing-with-brute-strength, I finally arrived at Laban Rata (^^) "But, where is Pendant Hut?" I thought.. And then I saw a white cubicle shape building about 50m up and gave out a loud cry.. It would't be that hard to walk 50m on flat ground.. But after 6km hike up, that was something to be horrified about to see your lodging is waaaaay up from the food supply, Laban Rata..

I actually was battling inside whether to go register myself in Pendant Hut first or eat lunch first since we have this cut off time. I didn't have any watch so I have no idea what time it was. Registering first means I have to walk all the way down to satisfy my hunger.. I finally registered first as to I don't want to exceed the cut off time and was surprised to find it was just 1.40pm when I opened the door to Pendant Hut (^^)

This is the Pendant Hut. They have mixed dorm and some privates. We were in a mixed dorm that has 4 double-decker beds. Our roommates were a British guy who was an avid rock climber and two Chinese from China who was actually father and daughter :) I took a top bunk. The mattress is cozy and they provide you with another sleeping bag since there is no heater.

What I like most would be the Qiblat arrow. I was surprised to see it and later found out that there wasn't any in other lodgings. The staff even allowed Mida and I to use an empty dorm for our prayer since the space in our dorm is not convenient. They also have very clean toilets and showers with heaters :)

We were to start the hike to the peak at 2.30 am so we slept early that night. I think I went to sleep at around 9pm. Dozed off while listening to Hitz.fm

So, the next morning, we had a light breakfast at Pendant Hut first before the hike; some toast and hot drinks. And then start off with climbing stairs AGAIN!!!!! I was surprised to see so many climbers because most of them weren't at dinner. There were Korean, Chinese, Europeans

, one friendly Indian guy and some Malays from west Malaysia.. Surprisingly no Sabahans..Only me :p

We were climbing in a snaking long line. We were at the back of tens of climbers at first. But as we go up, more and more climbers stopped to have a rest and gave way to us. After the stairs, we came to this point where there was this extremely long white rope lying on the ground. We were to follow the rope all the way up and at this point everything was granite... You can hold the rope for support too. See the picture, there's a rope on our left.

The above picture was taken while resting in Sayat-sayat. We didn't intend to rest because it'll be even tiring to start back after you've cooled down. But we have to wait for the ranger and it's not a good idea to reach the peak too early because it'll be too cold up there.

Finally, THE PEAK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Low's Peak to be exact.. There are many peaks, you know. We can't even guess which one is the highest. Low's peak is actually at the back of all the peaks and you'll be thinking like, "Which one is it? Why am I still climbing??"

We reached the peak @ 5.10 am. It was cold indeed and we were told that it was not that cold that morning because there was no wind. But it was still extremely cold!!!!!!!

"Ini namanya sepoi2 bahasa'" said one of the guides.

We performed our Fajr prayer on the peak; which is very epic to me :P

Waited for the sun to rise from the east.. But we cannot see the sun quite clearly since the east side was rather cloudy. The west side was a clear starry sky that morning.

Here are some of the peaks

One ringgit peak.. In our entire life before this trip, Mida and I thought this is the highest peak in Mount Knabalu.. What a shame.. (-_-")

Gorilla.. Can you see that Gorilla face??

We manage to do our epic jump in Mount Kinabalu too. The peak on the right is Low's peak (^^)

This is another great adventure of ours (which made Beijing trip seems even lame)

We met a lot of people during our climb and become acquainted to some too. On our way up, we were given supports by mere strangers.. Those who were on their descend will greet you with a smile and say Good Luck. Makes you know, there's something great up there...

NEVER STOP EXPLORING (^^)

Ascend: 4 hours 10 min; 4 hours 30 min

To the peak: 2 hours 30 min

Via Ferrata: 4 hours plus hundreds of pics

Descend: 2 hours 45 min

Post mountain effect: HUGE APPETITE.. Off to eat some grilled chicken right now!

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All the Good Things In My Life~

Life has been good for me lately. Not up to perfect,though. Just things seem to be under control right now.. So.. What have I been up to lately.. Here goes (^^)

1. I fell in love twice :p

Well, I'm never the lovey dovey type. But, recently I fell in love with two hot guys!!!!!!! Agent Tuck from This Means War and Leo from The Vow!!!!!!! I really like these two characters. They'd kept me smiling throughout the movie (^^) It would be great to have a hot guy who adores you, protects you and most importantly makes all your wishes come true. Recently, I identified what I feared most about marriage. It's the fact that I have to put off some dreams and will only be able to do the things that I want with permission from the hubby.. SO NOT READY!!!!!!!!!!! :p

2. Induction

Okay.. This part is no fun but I'm relieved that it didn't fall on the date of my travel haha It was a mental & physical torture~ I have to bear with all the monotonous talks and then have to stuff all those delicious food into my body and voilla! additional 2 kg after only 5 days! Great!!!!! I didn't see the sun for 5 days too!!!! But I enjoy meeting my PRP friends who are now posted to other districts (^^)

3. On Belay!!!!!

I'm back to climbing.. 4 times a week but it's an uphill climb to regain my strength back. Thanks to my additional 7 kg after the 4 months hiatus, now I've to focus more on losing weight!!!!! But I'm trying to see the bright side of this.. If I train with this weight, I'll become very strong once I lose them annoying fats!!!!!!!!!!!!! \(^^)/ These are some pics from my intensive training. I did traverse with all the quick draws for almost half an hour.. I finally gave up because it was extremely heavy!!!!

And the other one is my bag hanged at the discovery wall.. I have to lead climb a route that go side way and I actually didn't reach the top. Just until the 6th panel. My friend rescued my bag for me hehe

4. New friends (^^)

I've heard this saying that sort of say it doesn't matter how many friends you make, what matters are the true ones. Okay, I agree with the last part that true friend matters, but having lots of friends from various walks of life also matters actually. I've been making friends with a lot of people since I left UIA. Some are from my work place, some are from climbing, some are during my travel. Though mostly are just brief conversations, but I think I gain a lot of info that I've never heard of about other professions, about countries around the world, activities they did, things they saw etc etc.. And I think that's why I'm so inspired to travel these days \(^^)/

That's all! Yosh!!!!

The things to look forward to is in 3 weeks (^^) can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!! Seriously!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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We are different...

It's really hard to not be depressed after watching the news these days. The world seem to be brimming with tensions everywhere; social and racial crisis, crimes and whatnot. I'm trying quite hard not to be affected but I didn't totally avoid the news though for I don't want to be ill-informed either.

What disturbs me the most should be the racial tension in my own country that seem to be rising these days. I don't know whether it's true or not and who's at fault.. But I'm happy enough that here in Sabah we live happily together despite difference in belief and race.

This reminds me of this story my assistant once told me. I don't know how it started, but she just start telling me this story of why the ethnics in Sabah never brawl with each other.

"It's because we believe that all ethnic in Borneo originate from this very huge tree. And our forefathers have made a pact that we shall not fight with each other for we are of the same origin.."

I know it sounds mythical there and I'm not sure whether this is known to others or not. But then I think this is a good folklore. You know, somewhat like Aesop's fable; the kind of tale that have moral in it. It reminds us that we are from the same origin, sharing the same ancestor~

This also reminds me of Roald Dahl's, The BFG.. A story about a boy meeting this giant.. The giant said something like "Human is the only creature who kills its kind.." We can ponder on that too :)

To think of it, it is not justifiable to be divided just because we have different language, belief and practices.. We are made different for a purpose and to fight with each other is just not it. Differences can be positive if we can utilize them to complete each other. And there are many other things that can connect us despite our difference; knowledge, interest, hobbies or simply just because we are of the same species.. homo sapiens.. Fighting does not make the world a better place to live in anyway..

Okay, I don't want to get too serious here. Here's a scene from Happy Feet 2. My favourite scene to be exact. My eyes filled with tears every time I watch this. I think it's the unity that touched me most and also the soul of the song itself. Tengok la the penguins from Adelie land came to help, the elephant seals helped even the krill helped although they're oblivious of that hehe (^^) and i think I cried because Erik is just too adorable too!

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The Best Little Book Club in Town..

I haven't been writing about the good books that I read recently. So here's one, The Best little book club in town.

This is a book that picked rather hastily because we were doing our shopping for Beijing and I thought I would need one good book in Beijing because the flight to Beijing is 6 hours and no plans during the night.

But then I only start reading it on the flight back to Malaysia. Anyway.. I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! It is one of the best then.. Why??

This book is pretty much for adult. I think teens who are expecting for lovey dovey fantasy won't like this much. It's actually filled with short stories from various authors; some that I've known of but some are just new to me. So I love the variety of writing styles, the unexpected endings, the mysteries, the 'moving on' stories...

Most of the stories are about characters that are in their 40's who are facing that midlife crisis. Who are at the stage where they started to realize there are forgotten dreams, who suddenly realize they've been living with the wrong person, who are trying to move on because being left by that person who realize he'd been living with the wrong person.. Stories about one who regret past mistakes.. Stories about apology and forgiveness..Stories about everlasting love.. And a pinch of mystery too!

My favourite would be this story about this old man who was invited for a television interview and he insisted to have his wife beside him because it'll make the memory clearer; he was to tell about this spy he'd written in his book named Tony Jackson. He told the story of how Tony Jackson went to Russia for a mission to find his 'shadow'. Then suddenly Tony Jackson met a girl, Magda and spent days with her and was distracted from his mission. On the fifth day, he was arrested and imprisoned. Suddenly, the door to his cell was opened and it was the girl he'd spent time with. Magda was his 'shadow'... He escaped with Magda's help.. At the end of it, the interviewer asked, "Are you Tony Jackson?" He said yes. And the interviewer turned to his wife of 30 years and asked "And you're Magda, isn't it" and she nodded with a smile :)

I know the way I wrote it is not that interesting. But the way it was written by the author is interesting because he mixed it with some thrilling action stuff. And there's something that's very sweet about this story too! okay I wanna marry a spy too! Like Tuck Henson in 'This means war' haha

(^^) Love this book.

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This is for you WEIRD commentor..

Yes.. This is for you weird commentor who indirectly forced me to close the comment in this beloved blog of mine from the public.

First of all, I have serious problem with pessimist and I think you are one of it. You know why I have serious problem with pessimist? Because pessimist have this serious issue of not seeing the good side of everything!

I think nothing is wrong with my previous post because it was a story-sharing post where I just want to share that terrifying moment that my friend and I had experienced. If you are an optimist, you might just learn lessons from that, dude instead of saying that I'm menyindir, emosi tak tenang and all that weird stuff you write that's too weird to even understand.. Maybe I should list down the moral of the story..

1. Bring your friends along to the public toilet if it's in the middle of the night..

2. Bring your cellphone where ever you go just in case you need help

3. Drive safely

4. Life is short, the clock is ticking and it's beyond our power to control, so live life like you should.

My advise to you,

1. STOP READING MY BLOG

2. I don't need weird advice from you anonymous

3. I hate anonymous.. If you have so many things to say to me and if you are a good thinker and blogger than I am, reveal yourself to me la.. Batumbuk bha kita!

Okay.. Sekian..

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The 'RASA DILINDUNGI' moments~

I really can't understand why some people just don't believe in God.. Don't they ever feel like '*Someone' is watching over them.. I have 2 stories to share; 1 of mine and the other is of my friend.

*Someone here does not refer to a person, that's why that comes with apostrophe

2011

My parents are actually quite strict when I was a child but are much more lenient these days that I don't even have to ask for permission if I want to go somewhere (just inform) and I also don't have any curfew. So, that night was one of my regular night out. There was actually a grand dinner that ended at around 11pm and we decided to go for karaoke after that. We spent almost three hours singing on top of our lungs.

It was almost 1am when I suddenly feel like going to the washroom. I went alone since there were still quite a lot of people in that area because there is also a cinema there. When I stepped into the toilet, nobody was at the sink area. I noticed that the door of the first toilet was closed, the sign showed that it was occupied and I could hear the gurgling sound of water from inside. I stepped into the second toilet but then I sort of feel this weird hunch in my stomach; that kind of nudge that you usually have when riding thrill ride.. I don't know what made me moved to the last toilet instead.

I still have the weird feeling when I closed the door. My heart beat was faster. Suddenly the gurgling sound of water just stop. I heard the sound of a door being opened but I didn't hear the sound of the front door being closed because when I went in, the front door just slam shut by itself and give out a very loud noise.

I can feel something was not right. I looked at the small opening below the door and saw a shadow on the floor. I tried to remain calm and said to myself maybe I was just being paranoid.. And not long after that, I saw a pair of eyes peeking through that small opening! It was a guy!!!!!!!!

I just froze there; shocked! I inhaled a deep breath and tried not to panic. I didn't have my handphone with me and there was nobody else in the toilet and I was in the last toilet which means screaming won't help much because the toilet's location itself is already isolated. I thought that if I scream it would scare the guy and he might just break the toilet door open and kill me.. So I remain silent inside, grabbed the pail as my only weapon. I waited and prayed..

He prod the toilet door a few times and waited silently too. 15 minutes past.. I was still praying inside and hoping for my friends to notice that I've been gone for too long. Suddenly I heard the loud sound of the front door slam shut followed by female voices.

"Alhamdulillah.." I thought. Somebody finally came

I heard them exclaiming something; most probably surprised to see a man inside a ladies toilet. When I think it was safe, I quickly rush out without saying a word, trembling with fear at the same time relieved and grateful that I was safe.. I glanced a the first toilet on my way out and saw a pair of boots! He actually took off his boots so that I can't hear his footsteps!!!!!!

The incident hovered on my mind for many days. I wonder why had I had that hunch.. How come I can sense the danger when actually nothing was unusual when I stepped into the toilet.. I thought, if I hadn't had that hunch, I won't be alert of that shadow on the floor, that someone was waiting for his prey outside. I could have walked out nonchalantly and grabbed by him.. Allah protected me that night...

2012

I was sitting alone in a food court, enjoying a very creamy lasagna when I suddenly remember the phone vibration that I felt from inside my bag when I was on the LRT. I dug inside my bag, took my phone out and saw 3 missed calls from M displayed on the phone screen. I dialed M's number; rather curious why she called me so many times.

GG: Hello, M. Knp ko call?

M: GG!!!! *happy voice* ko katne??

GG: Makan kat klcc..

M: Dengan sape??

GG: Sorang.. Kenape ko call?

M: Cube ko teke ape jadi kat aku??

GG: Heh?? Ape jadi kat ko??

M: Cube teke

GG: Mane la aku tau ape jadi kat ko!!

M: Aku accident!!! *sounding so jolly*

GG: Astaghfirullahalazim! What da...?? OIT!!!!!!!! Ko happy ni apesal??

Then she start telling me the whole story. Actually, she just finish crying so that was why she sound so happy; just to relieve herself that is. She told me she was driving quite slow (for her standard (-_-")) because it was raining. She was on the right lane; the fast lane ((-_-") FAST lane.. but SLOW?? Sukar dipercayai :P). She was at a corner when she suddenly lost control of her car and the car start to spin and swerve to the left lane and finally hit a LONG trailer. Specifically, it was the driver's side that hit the trailer!!!! Luckily, she was alright. Not a single scratch on her body but her car was not unscathed. She said her car 'suffered' some dents but when I saw the picture there were large dents ok! And her back bumper was damaged quite badly!

She told me "Aku rase dilindugi weyh~" I think so too. Not many survive in a collision with a trailer..

Actually I have another 'Rasa dilindungi' moment during the accident in 2006. The time when the attendant in the ambulance said to me, "Awak tau tak, kamu berdua ni la yang pertama saya bawa hidup2 dari terowong ni," but that's a long story so I just take the recent ones hehe

Have you ever had your 'rasa dilindungi' moments? I guess, most of us might have at least one.. It's that moment when you feel you are protected. That moment when you feel you're given another chance. That moment when you feel you're given more time to fulfill your obligations here on earth.. That moment when you feel there's more to life than just that boring routine you use to have.. and there are more that you haven't seen at other parts of the world...

(ok ayat last x bole blah kn :p)

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