.::.

Climb Kota Kinabalu (4,095 m) – June 2013

Pic by Pham Tran Duc & Lee Kah Marn

(1) Physical Condition:

I’m 30 years old, 1.5m tall, 41kg, never climbed a mountain before, never been to a place less than 18 degree Celsius, seldom exercise. I reached the summit at around 5:40am, early enough to watch the sunrise and headed down to Laban Rata in good condition.

Conclusion, it is tiring and painful but totally doable for beginners.

(2) What to bring:

Useful lists by the Pro:

• http://www.amazing-borneo.com/mount-kinabalu/things-to-bring.html
• http://vanillalifestyle.blogspot.sg/2010/06/mount-kinabalu-packing-list.html
• http://www.climbingmtkinabalu.com/2011/08/checklist-to-climb-mt-kinabalu.html
• http://mountkinabalubeckons.blogspot.sg/

My general travel check list: https://khoaimi.wordpress.com/2015/07/24/my-travel-checklist/

(3) Booking

I joined a group of friends who already chose to book with x-trekkers. Everything was quite good. The guides are professional and friendly.

http://www.x-trekkers.com/Travel/Malaysia/East-Malaysia-Sabah/Mt-Kinabalu/View-all-products.html

(4) Costs

• Tour booking with x-trekkers  (4D3N trip Via Ferrata): SGD 620 (hotel, food, transport, climbing fees, guides)
• Return ticket Singapore – Kita Kinabalu with Air Asia: SGD 197
• ‘Accessories’ (hiking shoes, windbreaker, etc.) : SGD 200
• Porter Fee: SGD 5/kg + tips

In total it costs me about SGD 1,000. It is pretty expensive for a 4D-3N trip, partly because I got to buy everything as new (shoes, gloves, windbreaker, etc). I also need a porter’s help to carry my luggage (~10kg)  during up and down climb. It is totally worth it.

(5) Conclusion

I’m completely happy I go for it. The amazing view made up 999% for all the ‘oh god why’ during the climb.

Life is measured by the number of moments that take our breath away? I had a lot of those moments at Mount Kinabalu.

P/S: Pictures?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/66429162@N00/sets/72157635907419105/

2 June, 2013 at 1:53 am Leave a comment