I arrived in Kota Kinabalu around 10.30am, earlier than scheduled. MAS office told me that the flight from Limbang to Kota Kinabalu would take 40minutes, but it turned out to be 20minutes. Bobby (guide) picked me up from the airport and sent me to the town. Then, I tried to meet up with my hometown friend, Mathew but he was only free after 4pm. So in the meantime, I spent my time roaming around Kota Kinabalu town aimlessly. I have been to Kota Kinabalu a couple of years ago, nothing much have changed in the town area.

Hooi yin arrived later at 2 something. Accompanied her for lunch in a Malay food restaurant (which barely please her high Penang food standard).

We then went to Philiphine Market and met Linda (one of my hometown friends for awhile, only managed to snap one photo with her before she literally ran off to catch her bus). Not too long after Hooi Yin had done her shopping and me my window shopping, we met up with Mathew, who drove down from UMS to meet us. He went all the way out of his way to become our 'accidental' host, brought us to Tanjung Aru, a tour of the town area and airport.

Yi Hui, Ronald and Neil arrived later in the evening just in time to join us before we head out of the town area. Luckily Mathew's car could fit us all comfortably enough to feel like sardines at the back. Being Malaysians, we love to car pool. Mathew again brought us around KK, this time with a car filled to the brim. We stopped for coconut drink at the Philiphine Market. A mere RM1.50 for one huge coconut. Very worth it. We then went to Kampung Nelayan Restaurant, originally planning to have dinner there but were heavily discouraged after we looked at the price tags. Nevertheless, we had a wonderful time looking at the numerous aquariums with giant lobsters, clams, and fishes while being entertained with traditional dances. We settled our dinner at a more economical option in a somewhat obscure location, hidden behind small lanes.

Then we went for essential shopping for mountain climbing equipment and survival items such as mineral water and torch light.

After that, we head off to what acclaimed to be the most beautiful university in South East Asia, University Malaysia Sabah (UMS). Really not bad but it covered a huge area. I am happy my university is small enough that every corner is within walking distance. According to Mathew, the University has plenty of nice places, good for sightseeing and lepaking. Unfortunately, we didn't have enough time to visit them all. Most of us were tired and some were not used to the culture of lepaking.

We left UMS around 11PM something and went back to our nice comfy hotel (though unglamorously known as Trekker Lounge which could give you the impression of something substandard). It was actually very clean and comfortable there, even had air-con. Met up with some other members of the group in the hotel, Sean, Grace and Aunty Jeanette and her friends. Called it a day.

Of course, we went to one of the 'strictly no lepak' area in UMS, the Jetty

9 JAN 05

Met with the latest member of our group, Pang Chieng, a local Sabahan. Started the day on a pretty low key basis, strolling around Pasar Tamu at Gaya St. Unlike the pasar tamu in my hometown where things were mostly limited to jungle products, here in Kota Kinabalu, there were plenty of variety, ranged to even hardware tools. "More complicated" as described by Mathew.

Then, we headed off to Padas River for white water rafting. On the way, we stopped by Beufort, a small quiet town. From there, we took a steam train system up the river to the starting point. It was the only train system in Borneo. The journey took one hour and a half and was an adventure by itself. The train was built by the British to connect the interior parts of Sabah. It felt like a train ride back in the colonial time, but of course, instead of sitting side by side with British Soldiers, now you would be cramped together with natives. Interestingly, the train also has its own "inflight" shopping, with natives carrying baskets of jungle products to sell onboard. Further down the river, the water changed from being calm and boring to rapids with waves more than a metre high in certain parts. Predictably, we (especially the guys) got more and more excited. Some of them even openly conspired to throw me into the water (dont know what have I done to deserve that), but in the end we ended up in different dinghy. The rapids in Padas River were given names such as washing machine, headhunters, cobra, and etc. After a short briefing of safety procedures, we head off for the water. It started off pretty gently, then it was simply thrilling for rest of the journey. The water was fast and the level high. I personally liked the "washing machine" where our dinghy literally plunged into the water from high up. By chance, we didn't capsize, though if we did, we would have been able to put the safety briefing theory into action, body rafting, "bicycle kick" and fending off crocodiles. Though we covered 10 KM, it all felt like 10 minutes. Obviously I didn't have enough but oh well. Here are some practical tips :

1) Sit in front of the dinghy. You get wet. More likely to fall into the water. But the experience is much more exhilirating.

2) Don't wear contact lens or white shirt, unless you dont mind they get dirty.

3) If you want a more lively atmosphere, sit in a dinghy with some girls as they tend to scream. Sitting with a bunch of boys, you will get this very quiet dinghy, everyone concentrating seriously on the task at hand.

Close to the end point, we detoured into a small waterfall. Quite nice. Then headed off for lunch prepared for us and back to Kota Kinabalu using the same way. For the night, we went for dinner at this place with the smallest calamari ring that I have ever seen. At first, I thought they accidentally gave us a dish full of garlic. On closer observation and a few tentative bites, I realised that they were actually calamari rings so small, the size of chopped garlic. Called it a day.

10 JAN 05

Woke up, got ready and left for Kinabalu National Park. The journey took approximately 2 hours. Along the way, it was all beautiful kampung scenery. Approaching the national park, we could see the majestic mountain in sight. The sheer size of the mountain made our goal to reach the mountain top next morning seemed a bit daunting.

After registering and hiring 2 guides and porters at the national park, we headed for the climb. There was a mess up with the registration. We were supposed to climb using the Mesilau Trek but instead we got the Summit Trek. Oh well, a bit disappointed as there will be much more to see in Mesilau Trek. But I later realised that the Summit Trek was definitely the better for our group as awhole.

We started the Summit Trek around 9AM something, greeted by a waterfall at around 100m. The trek went all the way up to Laban Rata. It was pretty wide and with steps at certain parts. Plenty of people coming up and down. A fit person can run up the mountain and down in 4 hours. The mountain has its own micro-climate with constant threat of rain. The weather was unpredictable. From heavy rain, it can change to clear sky in a matter of minutes.

The thin air was taking its toll on some of my friends. Acute mountain sickness shall I say. Headache, nausea and the such. The best cure is to go down quick, but of course we didn't want to do that. For me, my breathing was short and raspy due to the thin air. There was certainly a big difference between exercise at sea level and high mountain.

We reached Laban Rata pretty late in the evening. But luckily in time for buffet dinner. Quite a pleasant surprise to see a nice buffet in the middle of the mountain.

That night, I spent my time tossed and turned. Dont know why, just couldn't sleep.We got up at 2 am and headed into the icy dawn to climb the remaining distance to the top. It was an easier climb this time for me, maybe because I have acclimatised. No more of those raspy breathing. Unfortunately, it was not so with most of my friends. We later came up with a theory that tall people were more prone to mountain sickness as they actually reach higher into thinner air. Two of the tallest in my group had more severe mountain sickness. I reached the top around 5am, early enough to find myself a good spot to rest, underneath a big rock. It was pretty cold up there due to the windchill factor. Putting into action what I learned from Discovery Channel, I curled myself up like hibernating bears to avoid excessive heat loss. It did work pretty well.

Pang Chieng and Jambili (our guide) joined me sometime later. There wasn't much sunrise for us and the early birds. It was quite foggy. But of course, we did see a few things, such as extra huge mountain rats (the size of a cat). We made our way down shortly after snapping a few photos. I wasn't fond of staying up there for too long. It was a bit too cold for me. Was already shivering excessively (maybe that's why my photos were blurred..). Downhill was much easier (provided you have good shoes and your joints ok). The mountain was not very steep and you could literally run down. Arrived at Laban Rata and met with Aunty Janet. She didn't join us for the final ascend. Had breakfast and a long time to ponder what to do to spend my time. Then I decided to accompany Aunty Janet down as she couldn't go down alone. But it rained just when we were about to step out, so we waited. Waited until Jambili told us that she had to go despite the rain. It was already 10.30am, pretty late for descending 6km down the mountain. Most people were gone by 9.30am. The aim was to avoid the dark. Though Mt Kinabalu was one of the prestigious World Heritage Center, they didn't provide lights to illuminate the path or night vision googles.

I reached the gate (bottom) around 2 pm something and it was still raining. Felt a bit pity and helpless at my friends up the mountain cold and drenched. But well, there is nothing much I could do about the weather. Pang Chieng joint me later, followed by Aunty Janet and Jambili. I was so glad to see Aunty Janet could still walk.

We went for our late lunch after that. The food was wonderful but I didn't have much appetite after the mountain.

After lunch, we joined Mr and Mrs Ong to Poring Hot Spring which was approximately 45 minutes away. The Poring Hot Spring area was actually very beautiful with nice forest, rapids and landscape. The sulphuric water came in several options. Free open-air ones and private ones which you have to pay. For the private ones, apart from privacy, the water would fill up much faster. For me, of course, I went for the free ones. I was a bit heavy hearted to part away with RM15 or something for the private rooms. Predictably, the water level raised awfully slowly. So I had to lie down on the water to get full 'body effect'. Nevertheless, the hot spring was very refreshing and really worth a visit after the mountain climbing. The were chalets there too but I didn't check the price out.

On the way back, Bobby updated us on our friends who were still on the mountain. They have yet to reach the gate and it was 7pm! Pretty dark already. Apparently, Neil had sprained his ankle and was unable to get down by himself. So the National Park sent a rescue team up there to retrieve him and the rest.

We went to the gate to meet them. Neil who had the express service down the mountain (piggy back down by the rescue team) was there already. A big relieve to see him still cheerful and his injury not too severe.

The rest of the group reached the gate some time later. We met them during dinner time. Thanks God most of them were still ok, alive, alert and cheerful. They have plenty of stories to share, from giant earthworms to the adrenaline-rush scramble down the mountain (in the dark!). Most unforgettable was how God had protected them and provided for their needs up and down the mountain. To make a long short, one coincidece is insignificant for most, but when a lot of coincidences happen in a short period of time, you start to think it's a miracle. I believed God did make a miracle. You can email Neil or Sean if you want to know more, I guess they will be more than happy to share with you what happened.

We then went back to Kota Kinabalu. Climbing Mt Kinabalu was certainly a very memorable experience.

Tips on climbing Mt Kinabalu :

1) Only pack what is necessary (Warm clothing, change of clothes, torch, one bottle of water and snacks). Best is to go as light as possible (unless you really want to keep fit and exercise or pretend to be a porter).

2) Use shoe with good grip and preferably water-proof. I recommend one of those 'kampung' jungle trekking shoes. They are light, cheap, water proof and have good grip.

3) Buy good batteries for your torch. My RM4.70 battery died on the way up. So I was climbing in the dark for quite awhile, stepping into puddles of icy waters several times.

4) Stop and rest if you suffer from mountain sickness (nausea, headache, shortness of breath, vomitting, etc). Go down if it's very severe cause I don't think they have stuff like hyperbaric gas chamber on mountain top. BTW, being tough doesn't mean you won't get mountain sickness.

5) Condition yourself at least 3 weeks before the climb. Though one of the easiest mountains to climb (in terms of technical skills), the sheer altitude is quite intimidating (especially when the most strenuous activity you ever done is climbing your house staircase).

12 JAN 05

A pretty relaxing day. Most of us (predictably) woke up late. Left for Monsopiad Cultural Village in the afternoon. A pretty nice place. Everything pretty traditional. We were welcomed by staff dressed in traditional customes, and served traditional 'welcome drink' (rice wine). The rice wine was pretty sweet and not as strong as I thought, unlike the Air Tuak that I tried in Sarawak. After the drink, we went to see some traditional performances and tour around the village.

Left the village in the evening and had a stopover in Tanjung Aru beach before heading to the town. On the way, some of my friends kept asking Bobby to introduce some local food to them. Thus kindly Bobby bought us 3 types of local Sabah food which we had a very memorable time eating.

We spent the night lepaking (a culture that I tried to instil in my friends but without much success) in the esplanade.

13 JAN 05

The agenda was Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. We went to 3 islands there (Pulau Sapi, Manukan and Mamutik). Each islands were different in terms of the activites that you could do and also its biodiversity. Pulau Sapi was where you would go for sea sport. We did parasailing which was so cool (and cold). I think it would be worthwhile to dress up a little thicker than usual. There were other sports too such as sailing, jet ski, sea walking and etc. But we didn't try them.

Pulau Manukan was the biggest of the 3 islands. There was a Marine Museum there which plenty of things to see. Best of all it was free of charge.

Pulau Mamutik boasted the most beautiful corals among them. But of course you need to swim a bit further from the shore.

14 JAN 05

Did nothing much today apart from having a long lunch, walking around the town and saw some lion dance practise in Centre Point Plaza.

After sending off Sean and Neil to the airport, we went for a short tour to Sutera Habour Resort, the most prestigious resort there.

Left for Kuala Lumpur in the night with our South East Asian best low cost airline Air Asia.

* For those who are looking for organised tour in Sabah, I would recommend Exotic Adventure Holidays Sdn Bhd .

Boarding the plane to Kota Kinabalu

Visiting Tanjung Aru Beach

Humongous Coconut at Philiphine Market

Mathew at Kampung Nelayan

The train's open-air area, suitable for smoking. But of course, we didn't.

Looking cool after the rafting

At the start of the journey

No sweat

Executing Jet Li pose (when no one was looking of course)

Climbing the rocky path

Lepaking along the way

Laban Rata Lodge

A sleepy 2.30am start to climb to the top

Been there done that

St. John Peak

Trying to perform karate on the rocks

Pang Chieng looking composed

Jambili and Pang Chieng going down the mountain

A Sarawak and Sabah guy. Guess who is which.

Trusmandi Ranges far ahead

Introducing chinese kung fu

Participating in Sabah Idol competition . Hey, where are all the audience?

Selamat Tinggal, cultural village!

Captain of the boat ensuring a smooth ride for all onboard.

A big snapper behind me. Nope I wasn't the person who 'finished' it off.

Caught on camera: A suspicious looking ex Singapore National Serviceman on Sabah's coast.

Our next victim to be headhunted

Traditional medium range tactical weapon popularly known as the lastic

They didn't have escalator to go down

Good to go! Moments before took off.

Strolling along the island

Beautiful scenery everywhere

A day of fun in TAR marine park. Heading back to KK with sunset in the backdrop.