Re: climbing mt kinabalu Posted: Tue January 31, 2012 11:04 AM UTC
Hi
I did this hike about 12 years ago, and would highly recommend it. Because it's so long ago, I can't provide up to date info on rangers or tour guides, but perhaps these few suggestions may be of use.
1. It's an energetic hike rather than a proper climb, so should be manageable for anyone with moderate fitness.
2. Most people try to reach the peak to see sunrise, which means leaving the huts in the middle of the night. I would strongly recommend that you invest in one of those headlamps (available at most outdoor equipment stores) which will provide you with light, but allow you to keep your hands free. It's a long, slow slog, but it's well worth it and there's something rather spiritual about plodding along in the dark, following the snaking line of fellow hiker's lights on the trail ahead of you.
3. The final section has been glaciated, so it comprises smooth rock with virtually no soil or vegetation cover. This can be very slippery under foot, so make sure that you have footwear with a good tread - hiking boots are ideal - and it's good to have both hands free just in case you slip (see the point above).
4. It's odd packing advice for someone visiting Borneo, but bringing a hat, scarf and gloves (as well as a thick jacket) will make all the difference - it gets very cold up there, particularly at night.
5. Reaching the peak is clearly the highlight, but don't rush too fast through the rain forest on the way, which is truly spectacular with pitcher plants big enough for a rat to drown in. It's really worth lingering so that you can appreciate your surroundings: the huts are basic and really only somewhere to catch your breath and maybe grab a few hours sleep, so there's no great incentive to rush up there.
Enjoy - it's a wonderful spot!
Regards
Cathy
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