Mount Kota Kinabalu

Dear Pipsqueaks,

The saying goes...
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

Well, try 40,000 steps to cover 16km...up and down Mount KK. Honestly can't feel my legs. But what an experience! It's somewhat hard to describe what was going on through my mind the whole climb. 'What did I get myself into?' 'Why did I pay for this pain?' 'Where IS that damn peak?' All sorts of thoughts. That feeling of endless walking and walking and walking without knowing how far more to go is one of the most scariest feelings ever. Probably because there are no other option than to keep walking.

(READY, SET & GO!)

(It begins here - at Timpohon Gate)

The first 6km from base camp to Laban Rata was still bearable, with signs and huts along the way for us to take a breather. Definitely felt easier to know that there was a rest stop almost every 1km. But I tell you, the last 700m to 300m was the OMG of day one. I can remember feeling almost faint and just wanted to lie down on the side. Brain tired. Then, you see the roof of a building...and hope reignites!

 (I made it to mid-camp!)

It took me 5hr5ms to reach Laban Rata, and surprisingly, I managed to reach before the porter did with my bag. So I waited around for the rest of the gang and lucked out on being able to have a nice hot shower. Yes, super spoiled :P But I really needed it. Dinner at 6pm and lights out at 7pm.

(meeting new friends - say hi to Ninety) 

(The youngest in our group Ezen - chillaxing before bedtime!)

We didn't get much sleep because one of our roomies weren't feeling well, so by 12:30am, we were all up. Such a brilliant idea to sleep in whatever you're climbing in the following day. Just had to brush up and we're ready to go.

(We're all ready to go at 2:30am)

The next 4hr17mins was mentally the toughest for me. And it didn't start well either. As soon as I walked out into the dark, I found out my headlights didn't work. That was enough to throw me on a panic. Luckily, a fellow groupie Ah-Ben happened to be right beside me saw that I was struggling to switch on my lights, and offered me his extra set of headlight. This was one of those moments on this trip where I knew my guardian angel wasn't slacking off :P

It started with wooden steps, which were terrifying enough because it rained until 1ish in the morning, so they were a bit slippery. Then came the nightmare of all nightmares: rope. This was something people definitely forgot to mention when they talked about their Mount KK climb...having good upper body training. No seriously, my left arm was having spasms by the time I finished the first set of ropes. That wasn't the only problem. I was starting to get REALLY hungry. No joke, I had eaten at every meal time and was still hungry. Then came out all my Kit Kat bars and whatever else was left in my backpack. I could feel I've reached my physical limit.

And that's when having good hiking buddies really count. Patience and constant encouragement, Ah Ben and Ninety helped me get back on my feet every single time I felt I couldn't continue. 'We're almost there! Another 30 steps, okay?' Eventually, we made it to the plateau before the peak where the Mount KK sign was placed. 

(Just look at the view!)

I couldn't remember much of the next 20mins, so don't ask me how I got up to the sign. Some serious body on auto, and the next thing I knew, I was there!

(Proof I made it to the top!)

(Climbed 8 boulders again to take a photo with Christine)

From the peak to Laban Rata was seriously a blank to me. By then, I already couldn't feel my legs and all I wanted was to use the toilet at Sayat Sayat check point, which was mid of the way down. Zombie-mode on for 2hr10mins until I walked through the door to the dining area of Laban Rata. Found a chair and parked my butt for the next 10mins. I waited until Christine arrived to change into a fresh set of clothes before walking down the next 6km to base camp.

When I say I feel lucky, I really do mean it. We were told that it might start raining around 2pm, and that we should be ready for it. Sure enough, as soon as we reached hut 5, it poured for a good 5mins. Then, when we got up ready to brave the rain, it stopped raining. This happened again when we reached hut 3. Somehow, we've just managed to miss the periods of bad weather. Not to mention, it was supposed to be windy and perhaps sprinkling when we reach the peak. Not even close. The temperature was nice and crisp - just perfect.

4hr33mins later, we crossed Timpohon Gate at 3:15pm. No photos here because none of us had the strength to take out our phones. Best part was, the only place to rest was the restaurant...which was down a flight of stairs. At this point, I want NOTHING to do with stairs. I don't want to see them. I don't want to hear about them. I don't like them. Period. Unless, I have a tongkat (walking stick). You think it's a joke, but seriously, after that climb, you feel like you're one with the stick. Insecurities flood in if I didn't have it in my hand. But what to do? Hungry right? So we limped our way down all in the name of food.

And the rest they say, is history. Or in my case, herstory. 

If you had asked me before departing KK about hiking again, my answer would be 'that was my first and last climb'. Banned words: climb, stairs, hike, mountain and 2km. Just don't. Having said that, after a couple days of thinking, I think I could perhaps consider doing it again maybe in 2 or 3 years' time? I don't know - too early to tell but knowing now my time and what I could manage, I'd be in a better position to pace myself. Then, I could really learn to 'enjoy' the view. Perhaps. We'll see how I feel by the end of the year. 

It's been an adventure full of self-learning and realization of what I could do when I stay persistent. Though, not forgetting all the encouragement from others along the way. I'm grateful for being physically and mentally able to complete the challenge. I'm thankful for the company. I'm blessed and I know it.

(Came & Conquered)

(Until next time, peeps!)