Climbing Mount Kinabalu - Kota Kinabalu

Travel — Sat, 30 Sep 2006 05:12:45 -0400

Climbing Mount Kinabalu is not the easiest thing to do and is pretty much uphill the whole way!

You start with a 6km walk to the base camp, heading off from the gate before 11am (or else they won't let you go) with your guide. Make sure you book some accommodation before you go as it is always busy.... it is also mandatory to book beforehand. There is also the problem that many of the big fish tour operators book beds without clients. Given the markup they charge on a bed, they can make money even if they don't manage to sell them all.

After a punishing walk, you get to eat and have a sleep for a little while. Around 2am, you will need to be up and start getting ready to climb to the summit. The last 2.7km is made in the dark. Your aim is to reach the summit just before sunrise. Too early, you will be freezing cold sitting on top of the windy and very cold summit.. too late and you miss the sun coming up. Gloves, a headlamp and some nice warm gear and needed as you will be pulling yourself up ropes. Nothing too serious, but constantly uphill.

Kota Kinabalu

Travel — Sat, 30 Sep 2006 05:10:37 -0400

Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah. It is also one of the friendliest placest I have been. People will wave and call out to you as you pass by, often stopping to talk to you.

It is worth heading over to check out at least one of the islands off Kota Kinabalu if you enjoy a nice beach and a bit or snorkelling. You can also attend some diving schools that will take you here after you complete your learning and exams. Camping is also an option on one of the islands. The islands off Kota Kinabalu are likely the only place you will be finding some nice water to swim in. Around Kota Kinabalu itself, it is the usual asian story of rubbish filled dirty water.