July 3rd: Adrian and I set off at 9 am, after getting organized with the Park and our guide, Mahali. We set off on the Timpohon trail. Total distance today, approximately 6 km. Destination was to the Laban Rata rest house which was at 3,270 m (10,728 ft).
The easy bit. The trail has been described by a friend to be "easy like a highway".
The walk was tiring but not hard. We met this other couple, Alun and Rebecca, English teachers currently based in Vietnam and started hiking with them. Along the way, porters carrying crazy cargo passed us by: gas tanks, table tops, supplies..easily weighing 30kg? And some of them even hiked in Crocs sandals.
Those crazy porters..
Once we get to higher grounds, the scenery was just beautiful. Especially when we got above the clouds. We were literally surrounded by white clouds. The only disappointing aspect was the lack of wildlife. We saw an occasional squirrel on the way up and the infamous pitcher plant. Would be nice if there had been more information on the local flora or fauna during the hike.
It got harder, colder and higher.
Clouds and amazing vegetation
Finally! Arrived at destination 6 hours later!! The breathtaking environs of Laban Rata. The summit is hidden behind the clouds. Funnily, I can't seem to get a decent picture of the peak. It's always hidden!! Kinabalu's being a tease!!
More clouds!
Adrian at the top of the mountain!
Finally, the summit shows itself. Taken from our hostel- note the Laban Rata resthouse in the middle of the photo (the white spot!) just to have an idea for the sheer size of the mountain. That.we.will.climb.tomorrow.
As dusk
After a delightful meal, catching up with Alun, Rebecca, the two Danish boys whose name we cannot pronounce and meeting delightful Esme for the first time, we went to bed at 8 pm. Ready for a 2 am start the following morning...
The easy bit. The trail has been described by a friend to be "easy like a highway".
The walk was tiring but not hard. We met this other couple, Alun and Rebecca, English teachers currently based in Vietnam and started hiking with them. Along the way, porters carrying crazy cargo passed us by: gas tanks, table tops, supplies..easily weighing 30kg? And some of them even hiked in Crocs sandals.
Those crazy porters..
Once we get to higher grounds, the scenery was just beautiful. Especially when we got above the clouds. We were literally surrounded by white clouds. The only disappointing aspect was the lack of wildlife. We saw an occasional squirrel on the way up and the infamous pitcher plant. Would be nice if there had been more information on the local flora or fauna during the hike.
It got harder, colder and higher.
Clouds and amazing vegetation
Finally! Arrived at destination 6 hours later!! The breathtaking environs of Laban Rata. The summit is hidden behind the clouds. Funnily, I can't seem to get a decent picture of the peak. It's always hidden!! Kinabalu's being a tease!!
More clouds!
Adrian at the top of the mountain!
Finally, the summit shows itself. Taken from our hostel- note the Laban Rata resthouse in the middle of the photo (the white spot!) just to have an idea for the sheer size of the mountain. That.we.will.climb.tomorrow.
As dusk
After a delightful meal, catching up with Alun, Rebecca, the two Danish boys whose name we cannot pronounce and meeting delightful Esme for the first time, we went to bed at 8 pm. Ready for a 2 am start the following morning...
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