The main purpose of this blog is not to start a
dialog or discussion forum, or anything else which is common for
bloggers. Instead it’s merely a way to share some photos and experiences
I had while climbing Mt. Kinabalu during April of 2019. But then again,
if any of the information here can be useful or provide inspiration for
future climbers, then all the better.
Note: By clicking on the pictures, a higher resolution will be shown.
Tuesday, April 30, 2019
Background - The mountain
Located at the northeast part of Borneo, Mt. Kinabalu is the highest mountain in southeast Asia with a summit at 4095 meters.
The whole surrounding area is part of the Kinabalu Park, a World Heritage Site since year 2000 by UNESCO.
The whole surrounding area is part of the Kinabalu Park, a World Heritage Site since year 2000 by UNESCO.
The trail
Most people the climb in 3 days and two nights. Due
to landslides and earthquakes, there is only one trail currently open.
Well, there is in fact a variation of trails for reaching the summit as the climbers can take the Ferrata path, meaning "iron road" in Italian. That is just for experienced climbers though (and I myself does definitely not fall into that category) and it involves a series of rungs, rails, cables and bridges.
Well, there is in fact a variation of trails for reaching the summit as the climbers can take the Ferrata path, meaning "iron road" in Italian. That is just for experienced climbers though (and I myself does definitely not fall into that category) and it involves a series of rungs, rails, cables and bridges.
The climb, day 1
First day isn’t spent much on climbing as you would only be transferred to one of the two overnight park areas, Hot Springs or Mountain Park. I choose the later as the altitude was slightly higher there.
My thought was that this would help me with acclimatize a bit before the climb. Regardless of location, it’s recommended to just take a rest and load your body with carbohydrate. Two very enduring days awaits you. I'm now ready and packed to go.
The climb, day 2
The whole trails stars from Timpohon Gate where
your journey and quest to the summit of Borneo’s highest mountain
begins. This is also where the Mountain staff check your id and permit.
They want to have full control of who’s going up and who is returning.
Missing some people on the mountain is bad for business I guess.
From the very first step you will notice how steep it is. You will get tired very fast, so make sure you drink plenty of water as you proceed. There are several shelters along the way.
A very impressive sight is to see the mountain workers passing you along the way. It is said they carry around 40 kg, and make this path several times a day. My backpack had 12 kg and I felt that was heavy!?!
As the trail goes on, you get a better and better view locking down over the valley.
Already at this point you will experience shortness of breath as the oxygen level decreases. The table below shows the amount of oxygen at different heights.
It’s a fantastic feeling to realize you are above the clouds and still climbing up. This can already be experienced at around 2,500 m.
Ladan Rata, the place where you will take some rest, eat plenty of food and re-fill your water supply. The idea is also to get some sleep here but don’t expect too much of that.
Way, way up at the far right of the above picture is the actual area where the summit is. Looks rather daring from here.
The wall of fame at Ladan Rata. The climbers which didn't have so much luck. The rescue team at the mountain does a great job saving people.
Night before the attempt to the summit. Better take some rest.
From the very first step you will notice how steep it is. You will get tired very fast, so make sure you drink plenty of water as you proceed. There are several shelters along the way.
A very impressive sight is to see the mountain workers passing you along the way. It is said they carry around 40 kg, and make this path several times a day. My backpack had 12 kg and I felt that was heavy!?!
As the trail goes on, you get a better and better view locking down over the valley.
Already at this point you will experience shortness of breath as the oxygen level decreases. The table below shows the amount of oxygen at different heights.
It’s a fantastic feeling to realize you are above the clouds and still climbing up. This can already be experienced at around 2,500 m.
Ladan Rata, the place where you will take some rest, eat plenty of food and re-fill your water supply. The idea is also to get some sleep here but don’t expect too much of that.
The wall of fame at Ladan Rata. The climbers which didn't have so much luck. The rescue team at the mountain does a great job saving people.
Night before the attempt to the summit. Better take some rest.
The climb, day 3
This is the day of challenge. It’s time to make an
effort to reach the summit. The day starts already at 02:30 and it’s a
very long day ahead waiting for you. The idea is that not only should
you reach the summit, but also allow yourself with time enough to climb
down as well.
Picture shows two climbers I meet in the morning. They already looked tired but were in good spirit.
Five words best describe this night; very dark and very steep. You have to bring your own head touch.
The only way to proceed the steepest areas is to grab a rope and drag yourself up. The ropes are already placed out so no need to bring your own.
I'm ready to give up now. So tired but maybe I should try to take just one...step...more.
Soooo far away, but we can starts to see the high areas.
A bit closer now.
We have now finally reached the plateau.
and here we go, the summit is right in front of us.
An amazing feeling. All the way to the top. The "only" thing remaining now is to start the decent.
Picture shows two climbers I meet in the morning. They already looked tired but were in good spirit.
Five words best describe this night; very dark and very steep. You have to bring your own head touch.
The only way to proceed the steepest areas is to grab a rope and drag yourself up. The ropes are already placed out so no need to bring your own.
I'm ready to give up now. So tired but maybe I should try to take just one...step...more.
Soooo far away, but we can starts to see the high areas.
A bit closer now.
We have now finally reached the plateau.
and here we go, the summit is right in front of us.
An amazing feeling. All the way to the top. The "only" thing remaining now is to start the decent.
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Located at the northeast part of Borneo, Mt. Kinabalu is the highest mountain in southeast Asia with a summit at 4095 meters. The whole sur... -
First day isn’t spent much on climbing as you would only be transferred to one of the two overnight park areas, Hot Springs or Mountain P... -
This is the day of challenge. It’s time to make an effort to reach the summit. The day starts already at 02:30 and it’s a very long day ah...