What to prepare for Mount Kinabalu climbing?

Hi! I know, it's been a while right? Well. As some of you know that I'm officially married and have start my new life as a Wife. I know apologize will not satisfied you but I will try to update this blog as much as I could this year. Last year, I have booked my name to climb the Mount Kinabalu on 11th April this year. Due to my career commitment and I have a serious audit going on that week, I have to let go and hand over to my cousin. Obviously, this post I made is special for her and a part of good luck to her as well. Mae, be ready!

Mount Kinabalu is one of the world heritage and one of our proud treasure of Sabah. Every year local and foreign people climb this mount, you need to book early for this trip unless you are trying to get into the Climbathon which held once in a year. This trip is not a cheap, and is not like a normal hiking as you thought. You have to mentally and physically fit for it or you may get injured and worst case, Death.

For first time climber, you can always refer to my previous post - Always Trust Yourself - Climbing The Mount of Kinabalu. There are 2 route of going up, the Timpohon Gate, Kinabalu Park and the Mesilau Nature Resort. If you go from Timpohon gate, you will be pass through a lot of going up steps where I could say, higher but shorter route, while Mesilau route is 2km further and the scenery are better than the Timpohon route. My suggestion would be, going up through Mesilau and going back to Timpohon. This expedition will take 2 days to complete includes eat and sleep.

Before the trip:

1) Get your physical ready. Do regular exercise like jogging, cycling or swimming in order to get your breathing technique right. Remember, you will face a climate change during the climb, prepare yourself about a month.

2) Planning your trip like transportation from home up to the starting point. Mostly, the trip is in group of people, check with them and get confirmation.

3) Now you might think, what should I bring? Do I need to bring more clothes?

In my case, I would try to bring as light as I could, because, the higher you go up the heavier your stuff will be. By this time, if you are not fit enough, you will thought of throwing your bag on your way up or never go up at all. What did I brought last time? Check your list and you may highlight to me if you think I missed something that really important.

What I wear during day 1 (from Mesilau to Laban Rata) - This will take about 5-7 hours walk. Start from 8am, and depends on you to reach early or late, but please do not reach Laban rata at 6pm, else you will missed your dinner and you might turn into a hungry dragon at night.

Clothing

1) Non slippery shoes - light weight recommended

2) Socks

3) Cap/snow cap

4) Sun glasses

5) Underwear/bra

6) Short pants/light weight pants

Inside the bag (where I put inside a plastic bag although my bag is waterproof)

1) 1 jacket - windproof or something that will not get heavy when you caught rain

2) Torchlight - rechargeable. - Additional headlight is recommended.

3) Soap & facial foam

4) Sunblock with high SPF - Don't assume that the weather is cold and we don't need that, remember we are climbing near to the sun

5) Gloves

6) Plastic rain coat - you can get this from the 7eleven store - think budget

7) Jumper or trouser (last time, I wear a legging so that if I got wet, it will dry easily)

8) Scarf is optional

9) Sarung/Towel - I would recommend a Sarung because it's not bulky stuff and easy to dry)

10) Underwear/bra

11) Non slip sandal - u will need this if your foot has blister while going down from the mountain.

12) Camera

13) Extra Battery

14) Mineral water - 1liter

15) Chocolate/Energy bar

16) Apple/Eggs

17) Active Fast Panadol/Aspirin

18) Safety Pins

19) Cotton Buds

20) Handyplast

21) Extra plastic bag

That's all as I remember, so, to Maglynna @ Mae, don't forget to pray for the good weather on that day! Have fun and please bring more photos please. Hold on, I found a good website on the guidelines to climb the mountain also. Check this out! ClimbMountKinabalu

First day in Philippine - 30 May 2012

After so long,here I am again talking about my side of travel junkie.Like usual,no tour,just go. Only this time I'm not alone, Shirley is with me. At the moment, I just done with my shower and sitting on the bed of Belfranlt Hotel located at General Luna Road, 2600 Baguio City, Philippines P1650 (RM119.30) divide by two of us is only P825 (RM59.65) I only can access the wifi at the lobby so I was composing this post earlier before get it publish.

Thanks to mom for sending us up to Terminal 2 airport. With flight of AK6264 via AirAsia, Shirley and I depart from Kota Kinabalu (BKI) around 1350 hours and reach Diosdado Macapagal International Airport at Clark Field, Pampanga for the first time. Upon arriving, we have to fill in the Disembarkation card and customs declaration. Remember to ready your passport and the form that you just fill in to the custom officer. Line up, wait for your turn and always stand behind the yellow lines. These process apply in any airport I have been. As we walk out the airport, we head to take a jeepney but in our pocket the smallest note we have was P500 (RM36.15) conversion of our last money changer rate as P100=RM7.23. So we decided to look for a shop where we could get a smal change. We went to the nearest 7 eleven and buy our first grocery. I bought 1 mineral water 500ml cost P13 (RM0.94), Chicken Embutido P15 (RM1.08) and 90ml Dove Shampoo P67 (RM4.84) which total of P95 (RM6.87) only. We meet a lady name Hanni and guide us way to the bus terminal. Took a jeepney with P8 (RM0.58) to Clark terminal and transfer to another jeepney P8 (RM0.58) up to Angeles City near Mabalacat Terminal known as Dau Terminal. We bought the Smart Prepaid sim pack at Jumbo mall P40 (RM2.90) and load another P100 (RM7.23). While waiting for the bus to Baguio City, I went to the comfort room obviously look like public toilet. To enter you have to pay P5 (RM0.36). You might be a little surprise with the toilet design. The door and the wall are only the height from my foot up to my waist only. Around 7pm, we took the Dagupan Bus to Baguio P356 (RM25.74) and bought the Pork snack P35 (RM2.53) known as Pork Chicaron for our long journey. Arrived Baguio about 12am and again I went to the comfort room but with normal saiz of the toilet P5 (RM0.36). Someone help us send up to the hotel where I should have just walk but it's ok to pay his warm help. P50 (RM3.62). So total spent for Clark-Angeles-Tarlac-Baguio is only P2352 (RM170.05) Now I need to get my sleep. Blogging using iphone apps.

Tragedi Oktober - Not The Song

Finally, I have time to blog about my October. AT LEAST. Fiew~. It was a very long and short month for me. Despite of too much paper works on my table, there are few emails to read and need to reply and a lot of things to catch up. For those who just about to know me, I'm a freelance photographer, not means that I'm free to photograph you, but I'm not a full time photographer. I have my day job, 5 days a week and it is not related to any of photography line. My job are something to with logistics, yes, you hear me right, I'm an IT graduated and working in a logistics firm and doing photography as my part time job.

Oktoberfest and halloween are related, because both of them fall under the same month. However, I don't feel like enjoying the feast or any horror stuff except Al-Hijab movie was totally awesome. Good job for a Malaysian movie. Salute! Time is gold, see what I have done this month.

1st October 2011

Waking up at Maureen's house at Petagas, helping them packing up things and household as they moving out from the house the next day. Went to see Merl in the afternoon and visited their land in Babagon. My first time meeting his parent after a few years knowing each other. I had so much fun showering myself with the coldness of the water from Babagon River. Feel like heaven on a summer day.

2nd October 2011

Went to Damai to hand over the photo dvd to Steffie and had breakfast with Merl and then prepare myself for a wedding shooting at Rasa Ria Resort. It was a rush hour. Congratulations to Adeline & Edward and thanks to Frisco for the call about the photo shooting.

3rd October 2011

Wake up early in the morning and found that my secret room floor has a crack on it. Worst, my house warranty has over. JUST IN TIME. Damn. Another story, mom called and told me to change the front tyre, worn out and seriously need attention. Whose attention? Me? No! It's money honey. Owh well, money come and go, that's why my love is a money proof, I don't love a person because of their money. *Tiada Kaitan* In the same time, my youngest brother is sick and I had to bring him to the clinic for treatment before head to the office. After work, we were supposed to watch The Abduction, but I received a called that Merl's was admited. So, the plan was cancelled and we head to visit him at SMC after took our dinner at Upperstar that night. I almost forget, I received my subway sandwich from Sue as well that night. Thank u darling Sue!

4th October 2011

Just ordinary day, had my breakfast in the office, lunch at Laut Garden Cafe and had my Rainbow Paddle Pop ice cream where I tweeted Ivonne after open it. LOL. Dinner at TJ, Tuaran. Had Mee Goreng Tuaran and Hinava. Drooling~!

5th October 2011

Nasi kuning for breakfast, McD GCB double for lunch and cook for dinner at night. Then after dinner, went to 1Borneo and meet Maureen and siblings to watch The Abduction which we decided to watch the Fright Night at first. After that, met Sebastian & Carey at Starbucks for supper up to midnight and went home after that.

6th October 2011

Kinder Bueno has a new flavour, coated with white chocolate and taste like rainbow because I don't know how to describe it. No lunch. Dinner at home only. Watch Damping Malam with Kibot. YAY!

7th October 2011

No breakfast. Too many things need to do. Had McD again for lunch before attending our sport club meeting at Karamunsing. After meeting, went to 1Borneo and wait for the cool sibling. While waiting, I had a glass of Green Frappucino and charge my phone. Our plan was to watch Al-Hijab. We had KFC before the movie. For the first time, I feel the movie. Goosebump a bit.

8th October 2011

I'm supposed to Balik Kampung the night before, but since mummy also didn't balik, tak jadi lagi me balik kampung. Last minute, I joined Azmier and the gang to explore Sub Stesen Sayap which go through Kota Belud route. Had our breakfast at Restauran Mee Tuaran, drop at Azmier's friend house and head to our destination. This was my first time watching the highest waterfall in my life and get at least one lich on my feet. ;) Imagine, we had to walk about 870m to the waterfall and we only fill our stomach with mee tuaran. After get out from the place, it was already late noon, we drop at one of the restaurant near Petronas and had our lunch at 4pm. Not enough of the tiredness, we come up with a crazy thought of going for movie again, and I manage to bring my brother with us. What was the movie again? Owh! The Three Muskeeters. Not bad.

9th October 2011

Plan to pray at Tuaran in the morning, but ended went to St Simon at 5pm mass with Ivonne. Our plan with Sabas and Igy to watch Nasi LEmak 2.0 that night also cancelled due to 'jejak kasih' session at Upperstar without any intention of doing so. In the other words, it is more like reunion dinner. From a single table to three table joined together.

10th October 2011

It was hot sunny day and I feel blessed with a can of coke with lemon in the morning. And received a call from the main office that a package is waiting for me. Without second thought, I wend and took it. There you go, my nano ipod has arrived. Pink and pretty to me. Yay! I seldom use the word pretty. But the best part was, after work, I went to Maureen's house and pigi minta puji bermake up tangah malam. LOL. Reach home then wash my face. Sayang o kan?

11th October 2011

Usual day, breakfast but no lunch. After work went to Megalong Cineplex to watch Nasi Lemak 2.0, at last. Another successful malaysian movie, big applause to Nam Wee for a very good storyline! After movie, we had our supper at Damai, had my pork mee soup, my favourite yo~ and enjoy chipping the rojak buah with them. I'm without food is like ponds without water. :p

12th October 2011

Training day for our new comer. Bring the ladies to secret recipe for lunch and bought Philipps' Field Guide To The Birds Of Borneo. 2nd Edition. End of the story for that day. I was busy browsing the book the whole night.

13th October 2011

Second day of training day for our new comer. Had my lunch at McD, and rest at home after work.

14th October 2011

Last day training for our new comer. Bring the ladies to Dome for lunch. The other team has arrived Sandakan in the afternoon and my mind couldn't wait to get out from the office and packing my stuff and catch my flight. Mom send me to the airport that afternoon and reach Sandakan for the Borneo Birds Festival around 9.30, delay due to the bad weather. Sampai ja SAndakan, terus pegi makan, and went to SJR and sleep.

15th October 2011

Wake up with stomach in pain, feel dizzy and vomitting. Head spinning and I almost faint. Thank God, the rest has been very supportive and help me to get some help from the pharmacy. Gastrik menyerang dan batuk kering jo. It waS terrible, tapi sempat lagi dorang ni tease kat aku waktu aku muntah kat depan kedai makan. That moment, I really cannot tahan already, sorry but I had to force Wendell to stop and get out from the car and there you go, disgusting morning. It was hard to consume any food that time. I'm so glad, the medicine works, and around 1pm, I can go for a jungle treking for bird watching and get a video of the giant flying squirrel. So happy and joy! And had a great night listening to Ben Duncan's story and the fish taste good too!

16th October 2011

Last day of the Borneo Birds Festival 2011, less bird we found that day, but the result of the photo competition was remarkable. Congratulations to all winners and I hope I will be joining the context by next year, wait for my digiscope to arrived first. :p And thanks to Cede Prudente for the dinner at SJR that night. Not to forget the lunch we took at Sim Sim with the ladies before they left Sandakan.

17th October 2011

Back to KK, drop at Ranau for durian and had dinner at Tuaran at night. I was too tired and unable to remember what happen that day.

18th October 2011

Sick leave. Went to clinic in the morning due to stomach pain and my cough. Went home and rest but after 4pm, my head start to explode like a timing bomb. Crying in pain and thank God I was force to go to the clinic again. This time, the doctor also shock and give me another day leave due to high blood. 147/117. I didn't feel like I had high blood, but more into depression. And it was the 3rd year of dad left us. 18th was the date he left us. Mom text me to inform that they have a rosary prayer for dad in Telipok Ria that night. Send me to Telipok Ria and then I stay there for a night.

19th October 2011

Sleep and rest. I didn't get used to rest and sleep. I feel really bad about it. Although I enjoy watching astro channel, but if my car was there at the point of time, I would rather drive and go home. With all the suffered time, around 7pm, I've been picked up and send up to my house, thank God for the guardian angel you gave to me. Reach home, I clean the house and let myself sweating, and then go to sleep.

20th October 2011

Working alone. My colleague was on leave. Not much. Too weak and try to survive. Had Mi Segera Ayam Kampung. LOL. Tapi sempat juga lepak at Ah Yong Restaurant after work.

21th October 2011

Feels better and ready to capture my best friend wedding at night. Congratulations to Akmal & Suhaila!

22th October 2011

Persandingan di antara Akmal dan Suhaila. Do I need to elaborate more? Balik kg. tampulan malam tu, and almost finish praying. Hee. Nasib sempat juga. Yang saya amat terkejut, my cat is so damn big! I thought he is too old to grow?? My goodness! They say, tuan dia membesar, tu kucing pun ikut membesar.. Adeii..

23th October 2011

Another huge changes, my kampung soon will have a new church replacing the old one. Can't wait for the opening ceremony. Feel like years didn't come back. :D I manage to clean up my room and seriously, I'm looking forward to go back again. I have a few project in mind including painting. :D Starting a new life is fun!

24th October 2011

Back to work. Normal la. Nothing much.

25th October 2011

Working alone, colleague cover another colleague.

26th October 2011

Happy deepavali!! ;)

*I know, my grammar are really bad. Ampun.

The Bridesmaid : Locally Made from Sabah

Who ever expect I shot a bridesmaid shots at these place? A few of my friends asked where the hell is this place. This place is the area where the para gliders take off. Maybe not so many people know that Sabah have para gliding area like this. And yes, I'm the first one and the lucky bridesmaid shots their happy photos here. Enjoy the laughter and congrats to Sue Thien on her recent wedding too! ;)

p/s: There are few words I would love to say but I just let the photo explained. ;)

Climbing Down & Harold & Junko Wedding

Normally, after Mount Kinabalu climb, they will go home, clean up and get rest. Well, this time I made a record for myself, after a suffering climbing down from the mountain, all my nails were injured, I still manage to drive back to KK, send my brother up to Telipok Ria (around 5pm), send his friend to University Apartment and then send the video trailer to Katama reception which held at KDCA, Penampang on 3rd September 2011. After hand over the memory card to Sebastian, I drive back again to Sepangar @ my home (around 6pm), clean up and then drive head to STAR (reach there around 7.30pm already, sorry I'm late), for Harold and Junko's wedding. Thank God I'm still alive. Most of them were shocked but yes, I did attend Harold & Junko's Wedding. Congratulations to both of u! 

   The reception
 
Our Table that night
    Toasting time

  I'm with Mr Dani ;) 

  The Murut Tradition    
The Injured Nails - This is after 3 weeks result

3 Things To Prepare Before Climbing The Mount of Kinabalu

Who thought I can climb up to the peak of Mount Kinabalu again after 7 years! My first climb was in 2004, I was with my friend that time and still young and reckless. My first experience was different than my second climb. Why? In 2004, we are using Timpohon trail which only 6km to Laban Rata, and this time was the Mesilau trail which have additional of 2km more than Timpohon trail. Again, my weight was 15kg more than my first climb. I remind myself, I won't force myself up to the top if I can't. But what actually made me up to the top? The story that I will bring today. If I didn't make myself up to the top, the story will be different and u will never know what't it like to be on top again. Since I have experience the toughnest of climbing and crawling up to the peak, I will share some tips for those who are planning to climb the Mount Kinabalu.

Things you must prepare before the climb date:

1) Do not climb Mt. Kinabalu without physical preparation - Get Fit at least a month before climbing.

2) Bring as light as possible, the higher you go, the heavier it is. I mean, your stuff.

3) If you are a photographer, please decide what would you shoot in order to minimize which lens that you should bring. I brought my 18-200mm lens so more flexible for me.

Special tips for first time climber:

1) Make sure all the booking, transportation up to National Park or Mesilau Nature Park have been confirmed to avoid last minute dissappoinment. Always double confirmed.

2) Check your itinerary on that day, never missed a line. From the point you leave and up to your arrival.

3) Be early! This is important, to avoid rain, misty, and dark weather, you must get ready as early 6-8am, around 8am, you should start walking through Timpohon or Mesilau trail already, not from your house.

4) Always bring your wind proof jacket or warm suit and a good shoes.

5) For Timpohon & Mesilau trail, wear shorts, and cotton shirt is okay, as the temperature not as cold as up there, suggest to wear your sweater or wind proof jacket 2km before Laban Rata.

6) Normally, the program would be, Day 1, 8am-5pm walking up through Timpohon or Mesilau Trail up to Laban Rata, Day 2, 2am - 5.30am up to the Low's Peak of Mount Kinabalu. So, bring your headlight or torchlight at least.

7) When going down from the mountain, do not push hard on your toes, you will ended badly injured or worst case, unable to walk at all.

8) Google for more information

9) PRAY!

Head to register myself..   Part of the group, 10 man, 1 girl which is myself. LOL.
    So refreshing..
    Worth the walk, although Mesilau Trail is further than Timpohon trail..

  See the sign?   It was cold and I just put my camera on the rock and shoot..   I have a story that I have climb the mountain twice.. :D 
 P/s: For those who will be climbing soon, good luck! Bring home inspiring stories!

More Photos and Updates!

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Rock Climbing at SICC

Volunteer with WWF Kudat





Paragliding with Chris and friends at Kokol Hill, Menggatal.

Storm in my heart - KL *My schedule will be full sooner*

The Pearl of Orient - Checked! [Pulau Pinang Travel]

Been there done that. I just arrived from the 'Pearl of Orient' but hardly find the pearl sold like in our local filipino market in Kota Kinabalu. Some may thought I went to Thailand or Myanmar with all the temple design especially who roughly no idea what Penang have. I can't deny to one of Hitz.Fm commercial says why we must travel out of country while we have a lot of thing to see in Malaysia? With my resolution this year, I wish to travel more but on budget wise and decide to visit any state that I have not been before. On 22nd of April, Good Friday, I had to rush to the airport after drop to send my work. Thank God I manage to catch my flight that afternoon and almost break my neck sleeping in the aeroplane. The journey from KK to Penang is about 2 hours and 45 mins.

Friends are forever. This is the value of having a good friends around the world. As I arrived Penang Internation Air Airport approximately around 8pm, KC and his wife have been waiting and gave a warm welcome upon my arrival. Then we head to the nearest Thai restaurant and had my first dinner in Penang. After the special meals, they drop me to my hotel @ Tune, Downtown for check in and then continue our journey again exploring Penang. We went to Gurney Drive which situated along Persiaran Gurney as you can see a few people with their friends, some couples and families hang out and enjoying some street performance. There are a lot of thing you can see here. You can have your snacks or dinner at the hawker stalls opposite the drive way. So convenient but always keep your valueable things safe because snatch thief are quite famous nowadays. About 1 o'clock, we decided to go back and have a rest and continue again the next day. I want to put all the stories here but I am too tired right now and hopefully can continue again tomorrow.

p/s: Most of the photos taken with BlackBerry Bold 9780 and Samsung PL50 digital camera ;)