Three months ago, when a few of my guys/gals and me were talking about a possible vacation together, the idea of climbing Mt Kinabalu, SE Asia's 3rd highest peak, was bandied about.
Now, in a little less than 2 weeks' time (from 9 Sep - 14 Sep), we will be climbing Malaysia's highest mountain at 4095m.
And boy are we excited!
On my part, there is this sense of responsibility and trepidation as 'Expedition Leader' to make sure the physical, mental and logistical aspects of the climb are well taken care off. Unlike some others, we are putting the trip up entirely ourselves since we are not on some package tour. From booking the 0730hrs flight from Senai Airport, to arranging for transfers from Kinabalu town to the Base Camp, to getting our beds settled at Laban Rata (the halfway point to the summit), to booking our climbing permits and guides. The wonders of the Internet! =))
My guys and gals are not exactly Sherpas when it comes to tackling mountains but then again, neither am I. As least I am comforted by the fact they each of the 5-man team is making the effort, on their own, to condition themselves for the climb by doing simple mid-distance runs and weights to strengthen the lungs and leg muscles. My mantra is that physical fitness holds the key to an enjoyable and injury-free climb. Yes we know as far as mountains go, Kinabalu is not that difficult to do. But we still want to be sufficiently prepared for a fuss-free ascent/descent and we are certainly going to give the grand old lady its due respect, possible altitude-sickness and all.
Over the next few days, in the run-up to D-day on 9 Sep, I will be giving you guys some updates on what we have been doing to prepare ourselves. For instance, there is this little debate on what shoes we should be wearing (open-toe trekking sandals or waterproof Gortex Army Boots?) and what type of supplies we should be carrying up the 2 day climb.
I am also busy poring over my old Biology textbooks so that I can better appreciate the amazing biodiversity of flora and fauna that Mt Kinabalu is said to contain. There are about 600 species of ferns on Kinabalu for example, exceeding the 500 species found in the whole of the African continent. Plus a whole range of animal species, some of which are endemic to the mountain and its environs. By reading up, I hope to make this trip one of learning as well as bonding for the team. Most of whom are Economics and Arts majors who can't tell an Ant-eater from a Pangolin or Rafflesia from a Pitcher Plant =))
We are also planning to pop over to the tropical waters of Gaya Island off Kota Kinabalu town for a spot of snorkeling before the climb to perhaps soak and sufficiently warm up our bodies for the cold ascent. Pity I won't be diving because I can't anyway due to the complications of decompression sickness associated with diving and immediate mountain climbing thereafter.
Can't Wait! =)
Labels: Adventure