Taman Negara Kinabalu Sports Travel
Tips on Taman Negara Kinabalu sports and recreation, posted by real travelers and Taman Negara Kinabalu locals.
Local Time 10:53 pm Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Taman Negara Kinabalu Map
Taman Negara Kinabalu Map
on July 22, 2005
Stage 1 - Kinabalu Park HQ (1,585m) to Laban Rata Resthouse (3,272m) - 6km trek
Clothing should be light - cotton T-shirt and shorts. Have a poncho on standby as rain can be frequent and sporadic.
The climb was a long and sweaty one for an average urbanite. It took me 5 1/2 hours to get to Laban Rata from Timpohon - a 1,687m 6km climb. Temperature was around 17 - 25 degree C.
Didn't find mosquitoes a problem at this stage of the climb. They were all over the place at the Park HQ and lowland especially in the evenings.
A walking stick does come in handy. Its available at the Park's souvenir's store located in the same block as the restaurant. A retractable one cost about RM85 and a rattan one cost RM15.
I took 1.5 liter of water along although there were free mountain water available on tap at each of the 8 shelters along the way to Laban Rata. I didn't want to risk having a tummy ache before the actual climb to the submit. Yes, my day-pack was heavy. that was the price I have to pay.
Stage 2 - Laban Rata to Summit (4,095.2m)
The climb started at 2.30am to reach the summit at 6.30am in time to witness the sunrise till 7am before trekking back down again to reach Laban Rata at 8.30am.
Unless you have the retractable walking stick, leave your rattan walking stick behind, as your will need both your hands for pulling yourself up the robe on some steep rock faces.
Temperature can fall to 3 degree C plus wind factor, so do wear appropriate warm clothings.
A third of my group were down with altitude sickness. I had a bad headache and felt like throwing out when I woke up at 1.30am to prepare for the submit climb. so do bring along altitude sickness pill a a contingency.
The robes and rocks were wet with freezing dew. Gloves should be water-proof, if not, wear a pair of plastic / rubber gloves under your non-waterproof ones, to protect your hands from getting wet. I've to stop using my wet diving gloves near the summit because the chill was numbing my hands.
Against advise from others, I decided to carry my backpack with 600ml of water, energy bar and spare warm clothings, and I was glad I did. The water came in handy. Some who didn't bring along their water have to beg for water from me. It was all dried up well before I reached the summit.
On the way down at Sayat-Sayat hut (the only water stop along the route), I refilled my water bottle with mountain water that flows out from a pipe three times and drunk it right away. It was very "sweet" and refreshing. No chemicals or recycled water. Kept a full bottle of it to enjoy its refreshing quality when I was down at the Park HQ.
Stage 3 - Summit to Kinabalu Park HQ
We had a quick shower, and change to lighter clothings for our trek down to Timpohon. We started at 9.30am and complete it 4 hours. It was not a good timing, but our knees were breaking apart from having to support the body over the high steps.
Knee guards are essential here to prevent any permanent injury to your knees. Invest in a pair.
In addition, invest in a pair of good trekking shoes with deep traction, and "break-in" before using them for the actual climb. Don't use any shoe that you have not used for a period of time. They will break apart in those terrance. Tennis or jogging shoes are not appropriate for the rocky and slippery Terrance. Bring a spare pair of shoes or trekking sandals ( two in my group had their shoes torn apart. One of them didn't have a spare pair and couldn't continue their climb, and have to flip over the top side of his shoes to use as soles and tie it to his feet).
on March 24, 2007
