Showing posts with label Mt. Kinabalu. Show all posts

Wednesday 26 September 2012

The Majestic Mt. Kinabalu: Fourth Highest in Southeast Asia

Mount Kinabalu
The tallest mountain in Malaysia is Mt Kinabalu. It is located in Sabah, also famously known as "The Land Below the Wind" as geographically, it is located below the typhoon belt, and it also is part of the Borneo islands. Standing at 4,095 Meters, Mt Kinabalu is not only the highest mountain in the country but also the 4th highest in Southeast Asia. It is home to a rich and diversified flora and fauna which are unique and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Climbing Mount Kinabalu is one of the most fulfilling activities. Many local and international tourists do not want to miss the opportunity to climb this mountain when they visit Sabah. 


View of Mt Kinabalu from Kundasang

The best Mt Kinabalu view is before 10am on a bright sunny day

Mt. Kinabalu is actually the peak of the Crocker Range. It is a non-volcanic mountain, deemed to be one of the youngest in the world. The wide climatic range in the mountain is the main factor that contributes to the fertile growth of numerous and rare flora and fauna. It is home to more than half of the flowering plants in the world. It has more than 500 species of ferns, 700 species of orchids, and some unique animals that are native to the land such as Kinabalu shrews and pygmy squirrels. It also has the world's largest plant, the Nepethes Rajah; and home to over 24 species of Rhododendrons. Seventeen of the 29 species of birds endemic to Borneo live in this part of the world. The red-breasted tree partridge and crimson-headed wood can also be found here. Mt Kinabalu, already listed in UNESCO World Heritage record, is a favourite destination for both amateur and professional climbers as it not only offers climbing adventure, the wide range of botanical and biological species attract nature lovers as well as scientists from all over the world.

 

It only takes 2 to 3 days to conquer Mount Kinabalu. Climbers do not need to have any climbing experiences. However, it is advisable for anyone, individual or group, before they climb the mountain to plan ahead. They should check the weather conditions as Sabah often experiences heavy rainfalls and also be physically prepared by doing some exercises before the Kinabalu climb. You don't even need a strenuous exercise regime. Just concentrate on being healthy and fit.

The best start for anyone who is thinking of climbing Mt Kinabalu is to sign up for the mountain climbing package with an experienced and reliable tour agency. You need help from a tour agency to guarantee a smooth, enjoyable, and trouble-free climb. The Kinabalu climbing package is usually an all-in-one package which includes accommodation, meals, transportation, park entrance, transfer, climbing permit, and mountain guide fees. Package rate is quite reasonable and can also be customized according to client's preference. 

24-Hours Guarding

Entrance to Kinabalu Park

Kinabalu Park Office - Here is where you register yourself before you climb

Climbers start their Mt Kinabalu trip at the foothills by registering themselves at the park's office. Then they can stay for a night at one of the nearby accomodations to rest and enjoy a full day sighseeing at Kinabalu Park World Heritage Site. On day two, climbers will gather at the Timpohon Gate to start the first phase of their trekking. On the third day, from Panar Laban, they will wake-up at at 3'oclock in the morning and start their journey to the summit so that they can reach on time to enjoy the beautiful colours of the morning sunrise. The peak is at its most exquisite during the sunrise time.

This rare scenery of swirling mists and rich flora and fauna await climbers and thrill-seekers from all over the world.

Please contact: inquiry@kotakinabalutourism.com to inquire about our Kinabalu climbing package.

Friday 7 September 2012

Leisure Walking at Poring's Treetop Canopy Walkway

I've heard about my friends' and other people's experiences at Poring canopy walkway, how they said it's an experience not for the faint-hearted and height-phobia people. One friend even told me how once a weak hearted lady almost suffered a heart-attack when a squirrel jumped on her head while she was concentrating on crossing the walkway. Before, I tried to imagine and picture myself, tried to feel what it would be like  walking on a walkway that is about 421 meters above sea-level and could feel my hair rising and my goosebumps getting goosebumps. At the time everything about Poring canopy walkway just sounded really scary. 

My friends dared me when we made a trip to Poring but I balked, telling them I was not ready and would rather spend time enjoying myself dipping in the sulfuric mineral bath. But just recently, on a lovely Friday, there I was with my family, wearing a T.shirt and a skirt and carrying a handbag...which makes me look more like joy walking than preparing for a 'live or die' experience. Funny, this time all the scary stories did not bother me at all. I was just, you know, feeling more relaxed and although I was not at my fittest condition (yea, thanks to no exercise, I've gained weight and I panted almost all the way up and stopped a few times, probably every 10 minutes or so, even rested at one of the the gazebos there) I was, I think, ready for the experience amid going there in a very unsuitable gear.

Nabalu Lodge

We started our journey from Nabalu Lodge, our lodging at Kundasang, at about 12.00 noon time. On the way to Poring, we passed by some very well known resorts such as the Kinabalu Pine Resort and Mountain Kinabalu Heritage Resort (used to be Perkasa Hotel), Sabah Tea Garden, the Luanti Fish Spa, Ranau town and we also noticed many new homestays along the way. We arrived at Poring about 45 minutes later. 

The Poring canopy walkway is a visit not to be missed by anyone especially foreigners who are first-time visitors in Poring Hot Springs. Just take a stroll amidst the lush canopy of the Menggaris tree, the tree which is known as 'king of the forest'. The walkway is about 157.8 meters long. It took us about one and a half hour to complete our canopy trip, starting from the bathing center and then back to there.

Signboard...Choose where you want to go
Trek to the Canopy Walkway...fairly easy ehhh
If you feel comfortable trekking in skirt...why not huhu


Beware of any falling things...branch, fruit, animals etc
Menggaris tree

Resting at one of the gazebos
I was not the only one who needed a rest...
Pondok Manggas is the starting point of the Canopy Walkway

Canopy Walkway

We're on a suspension bridge under the Menggaris Canopy

Menggaris is a huge tree...see if you can wrap your hands around it
Yahuuu...can't wait to dive-in the sulfuric bath!!

Of course, when we arrived at the sulfur bathing center, we wouldn't in the world miss the opportunity to dip our achy legs in the hot sulfuric baths. We chose the enclosed bathtub and spent about one and a half hour dipping and relaxing to soothe our achy muscles, also hoping for the sulfur to work its miracles on our skin (they say the sulfur kills all the harmful germs on your skin). The rate is RM20.00 per hour for a deluxe size bathtub which includes a jacuzzi and RM15.00 per hour for a standard size bathtub. It is on  first come first serve basis, you cannot pre-book the enclosed bathtubs.


Enclosed bathtub - standard type
Poring Hot Springs' daily opening hours is from 7am to 6pm. The conservation fee is RM5.00 for adult and RM3.00 for students (below 18 years-old). There is also an additional fee of RM5.00 for every camera and video that you bring with you.

Sunday 8 April 2012

Visit Kinabalu National Park, A World Heritage Site

Mt Kinabalu
In December 2000, at the World Heritage Conference in Cairn Australia, an announcement was made that Kinabalu Park had been chosen as one of the World Heritage Sites in the natural site category. It is also Malaysia’s very first world heritage site.

Kinabalu had attained two criteria which warranted for inscription Criteria (ix) and (x): The site has a various biota and substantial endemism. The altitudinal and climatic gradient from tropical forest to alpine conditions  blend together with precipitous topography, diverse geology and frequent climate oscillations to give conditions suitable for the growth of the rare varieties of plants.

Beautiful Valley
The Park features high biodiversity with representatives from more than half the families of all flowering plants. The majority of Borneo’s animals, birds, amphibians and invertebrates, many endangered and vulnerable, can be found in the dense forest of the Park.

Mt Kinabalu at 4095m is the highest mountain in South-East Asia and is located in the Kinabalu National Park in the province of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo. Countless numbers of tourists visit Kinabalu National Park each year and most come here determined to conquer Mt Kinabalu.


Results of Climbathon 2011
The Climbathon, an international sport event which has attracted participants from all over the world, is being held here every two years.

There is good news for the not so confident climbers! Mt Kinabalu is one of the least difficult peaks in the world to overcome. It requires just two days and climbers don't need any previous experience at mountain climbing. At sunrise, the views from Mt Kinabalu's summit at Low's Peak are spectacular, a sweet reward for all of the  hard work.

Frequently, climbers take two days to climb up and descend Mt Kinabalu. The eight-kilometre climb starts from the Timpohon Gate near park headquarters at 1800m, with an over night stay at one of the visitor houses at Laban Rata which is at 3273m high. Early next morning, climbers will proceed to the summit which takes about 2- 3 hours to arrive. If the weather is fine, Mt Kinabalu's summit will be reached in time to view the sunrise, before going back to Laban Rata for morning meal. Climbers then descend the mountain, generally reaching the park headquarters by late-afternoon.

Timpohon Gate, the Starting Point of  Mt Climbing
Anyone with a fair level of fitness and the determination to persevere through fatigue and discomfort can climb to the peak of Mt Kinabalu. It is achievable and extremely fulfilling.

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Monday 19 March 2012

Celebration of Catholic Mass at Mount Kinabalu

The summit of Mt. Kinabalu at over 4,095.2 metre has been a favorite backdrop for many record-setting events. Some 30 years after late bishop Datuk Simon Fung of the then Diocese of Sabah celebrated mass on the highest point in South East Asia, a similar attempt was accomplished last month as catholics worldwide entered the season of lent, a 40-day period of fasting, abstinence and alms giving before Easter.

It culminated in a group of parishioners from the St John's Church of Tuaran celebrating mass near low's peak. Already, a group of seminarians and aspirants will do the same in May and the would be clergy to be led by co-adjuctant Bishop John Wong, and his successor as priest-in-charge of the aspirants, Rev Fr Wilfred Atin.

In the February mission, a group of 24 parishioners from the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement of the St John's Church led by Rev Fr Rayner Bisius succeeded in having mass amid the craggy peaks above the clouds after two earlier attempts failed due to bad weather.

'We thank God that we finally succeeded in celebrating mass there in line with the theme of the climb, Journey of Faith.' Fr Rayner told the Daily Express.'

Asked why did they decided to try it and the theme, the assistant rector of St. John's parish explained that it was in line with the 'Year of Faith' declared by the Pope for this year.

I feel grateful to God, happy awesome...words cannot describe. Our mountain guide said we were lucky because it had been raining the few days before our assault,' said Fr Rayner, on how he felt after the mass.

On whether the group would do it again next year or make it an annual event, the priest said 'may be, why not' adding that preparation for the recent trip started last year and that there was a lot of training and praying as the trip got nearer.

Joining the group recently was Rev Fr Mathius Augustine of Bundu Tuhan.

The feat by the St. John's Church CCR group is expected to spark a renewed interest in other catholic churches throughout sabah doing the same.

Mountains played an important part in the history of Christianity.

Throughout the bible, there were many significant incidents and the ten commandments, Jesus fasted for 40 days and later tempted by the devil on a mountain, the sermon on the mount, just to name a few.


Source: Daily Express, Special Report, Sunday, March 11,2012
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