KK Trip, the ascend to Low's Peak... ~ JedChuan

Reaching Laban Rata ended the climb for that day. We will be resting here before continuing to Low's Peak, the highest point on Mount Kinabalu, next morning. So, there'll be approximately 12 hours to waste, lepaklah! First of all, must makan :: fyi, a meal here without any drinks will cost at least rm10 (manpower were used to carry the goods up, hence the price)... therefore, remember to bring extra cash along because credit cards are not accepted (I think)! At this point, KY was suffering badly from altitude sickness. After filling our stomachs, I was dreaded to find out that we still have to climb about 200m to reach our resting place, Gunting Ladangan! Summore have to carry our own luggage! Seriously can die!

Makan time! Anything edible looks appetizing!

me and munyee

There were close to a hundred people in the resthouse and all the facilities available (kitchen, washroom, baths) are per sharing basis. Before I was even able to begin resting, the worst happened. In the beginning, it was just minor but within 30 minutes, developed into a full-fledge headache. I suspected it was my body not being able to adapt to the altitude that quickly; the head banging continued through to the evening. I could not sleep nor rest, which was bad! Headed down to Laban Rata by late evening to have dinner (freaking 7 degree Celcius then!!!) and we got a taste of the journey tomorrow :: total darkness!!! And I have to carry food for KY while taking care of myself and munyee, damn! I'm good! Funnily enough, the headache only return when I was trying to get some sleep and against advice from many, I took Panadol due to the unbearable pain... Well, I finally managed to get some sleep much, much, much later thanks to some jakuns under the same roof that were as noisy as a thousand monkeys screaming together, maybe even louder... f**kers!

Next morning, awoken @ about 2am to prepare for the next phase of hiking. All I could was wash myself up a bit, because the water was either scalding hot, or freezing cold... munyee was emo-ing me because I adviced her not to continue due to her aching muscles; against my better judgement, she went against me. Cheh! A quick meal of Maggi and Milo later, we're on our way! Even before reaching Sayat-Sayat, the finalest checkpoint, the path was already quite demanding due to the endless flight of wooden steps and rocky paths. As there were quite a number of climbers, the climb was slow and along the way, I could see people resting while gasping for air and some even vomitted. After registering at the final checkpoint and refilling my water, I took a look at my watch and realize that I will not be able to make it for the sunrise...

Sayat-Sayat checkpoint

The final phase of the climb was not only challenging, but dangerous as well. Steep and slippery rocks, narrow paths, plus strong, freezing wind all the way up. I had to stop quite frequently to catch my breath; my lips began to crack as well. Should have put on some lip balm. As I got seperated from my group (so dark, how to see???), I had to join other climbers as my batteries died on me in the most dire times... Have you ever felt really hopeless, or that you would not be able to make it no matter what? Felt like really, really giving up? That's how I felt, standing motionless, looking ahead. Then, the first light broke through the clouds of darkness. It was as if a guiding light managed to find its way, to give me hope; to give renew my fatigue and fill me with the vigor and strength to move on. A new hope. I took a deep breath and strive forward, all the while taking short glances at the light. Much climbing later, I finally reach the foot of Low's Peak and I was more than determined to make it to the top.

The light that got me through, I took this quite sometime after noticing it, looking for a good spot...

@ the foot of Low's Peak

On my way up

Ninja @ work, my nose was freezing and my lips craking too much, had to cover my face completely

Look at how the rock resembles a gorilla's face structure

I placed my right feet on the final step, pulled myself up and sat there, looking far beyond... I was suddenly overwhelmed with joy and pride, I felt estatic! It was definitely my moment! The sense of achievement! On something I was about to give up on just moments ago, which I'm glad I did not... I stood up for some time, savouring my moment of victory...

My moment...

Looking beyond...

Kembang...

Another view from the top

Looking @ other people climbing up, wondering if I will see munyee

All too soon, it was time to head down, as the place was getting quite packed with streams of climbers slowly making it to the top for their moment. Once I turn around to head down, it struck me. Acrophobia, slight one as the path was steep instead of a vertical. I wobbled my way down slowly with my jelly legs, slipping too many a times. Soon I rejoined the others and munyee instead of congratulating me, go and scold me pulak! Say I took so long and left her waiting in the cold... sienz! On our journey back to Laban Rata, I was pretty amazed looking at the distance covered on the way up. I would actually prefer heading down in the dark, at least I have more courage to move along. Now, I'm able to see everything so clearly that I was being extra careful for each step I take, and my mind is constantly imagining myself falling off the slope... dang! I wish I could just fold myself up into a ball and roll down. Upon surviving to Gunting Ladangan, the thought of descending another 6KM back to Timpohon Gates nearly killed me...