Mt. Kinabalu Day 3

The Summit Attempt

The time was 1:30 a.m. we were already up from a good 6 hours rest from the previous day climb. It was quite cold and it’s the first time in my life to put on 3 t-shirts and a jacket to sleep. We quickly wash up and get ready for supper before the final hurdle. By 2:30 a.m. we were ready with our torches and head lamps and anxiously waiting for Billy. It was like the Causeway jam during festive season for the first kilometer. Occasionally we see some climbers unable to continue and head back to Laban Rata.

It was tough as the group in front of us kept stopping and it was breaking the pace. But as soon as the path gets wide enough, we will pass them and march on to our goal. The climb started with some rocky path and wooden stairs which alternates every 50-100 meters or so. After about an hour’s climb, we reached the area where we were required to climb using ropes as the slope is very steep. Full concentration is needed here and any mistake may cost you your life. The steep accend continues till Sayap-Sayap hut. At this check point, you’ll need to show out climber’s pass at the gate. I’m not sure what will happen if you left it at Laban Rata, but according to the guide, you’ll be denied entry. From this point onwards the trail to summit was steep granite flats with occasional rocky paths. The steepest stretch is the one before the 8.5 KM mark. I guess it may be over 60° inclination. At this point, my muscle and joints are feeling the extreme stress and breathing gets very fast and shallow due to the thinner oxygen level. We kept pressing on till we saw Low’s Peak. Suddenly, our minds freed our bodies of the tiredness and pains as our goal is in sight. It’s within 150 meters, and every step we take was overflowing with thrill and excitement. By 5:50 a.m. we manage to scale the peak.

Once again, we whipped out our cameras and started “recording” every moment of our presence on the peak. Sunrise starts early in Sabah, by 6 a.m. we could see the sky evolving in colors. It is dramatic scene and at the same time calming. We stayed on the peak for about 20 mins before descending to lower ground for more photos.

Descending further, our knees start to hurt and our ankle are losing the battle against the steep slope. It took us 2 hours 30 mins to get back to Laban Rata. Although tired, but it worth every bits of effort that we've put in =)