When my dragon boat team decided to compete in the 22nd Sabah Dragon Boat Race in Kota Kinabalu held on June 17, the idea of climbing Mt. Kinabalu came up. I was able to climb some of the mountains in the Philippines in the past and reaching the summit of the tallest peak in Southeast Asia would be something else. I brought up the plan to James, as usual he was hesitant as he insists that the trip to KK is supposed to be for the dragon boat race and not to climb mountains. Nonetheless, he was convinced to join. Two other teammates, Bimbo Andrade and Edsel Segovia, informed me that they are doing the climb as well. With barely a month before the scheduled trip, getting a booking at the Laban Rata Resthouse was a challenge. We tried every trick but Sutera Sanctuary Lodges were elusive. Reservations are usually made at least 6 months before the scheduled trip. Thanks to Bimbo’s persistence, he was finally able to get a booking when he mentioned about the Ministry of Tourism’s recommendation.
Sabahan’s Hospitality
Our team arrived in Kota Kinabalu on June 15, 2007 at 7PM. The race organizers were there to welcome us together with some Sabahan dressed in their colorful national costume. We felt really special. A fancy bus took us to our base hotel for the next days in KK, the Kinabalu Daya Hotel. Our bus marshall and number one fan, Philip, gave us some historical info about the places we saw along the way. The next day, we had our team practice at the posh Sutera Harbour Resort and had a feel of the heavy paddles provided by the organizers. Water was rough and any extra movement on the boat would make it capsize. Though the paddles were heavy, the boat is lighter than the ones we use here in Manila. We were able to move the boat but since most of us are not used to the heavy paddles, there is added effort in lifting the paddle. The oversized life jackets also caused blisters on our skin surrounding the armpit area. That’s when we decided to use the sleeved top to lessen the friction effect on our skin during the race. A cocktail dinner, sponsored by Sabah Tourism Board, was held at Tanjung Aru for the participants in the late afternoon. A cultural show that highlighted the participation of the guests in some of Malaysia’s traditional dances was showcased. We headed back to the hotel for the much needed rest for the race the next day. Some of our teammates who were not able to join us on the Friday flight arrived past midnight as their afternoon Saturday flight was delayed for five hours.
A Well-Fought Battle
The 22nd Sabah Dragon Boat Race was held at Likas Bay, KK. Traditionally held on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month of the Chinese Calendar, the race is also held in conjunction with the Duanwu Festival, a time to honor the spirit of the dragon, which represents unity and working together as a team to one common purpose. Our team competed in the men’s and mixed crew category. We would have had big chances in the mixed crew category if not for the heavy paddles and miscommunication. The go signal was relayed in Malay language and some of the teams started to paddle even without the starting gunfire. There was confusion during the finals that cost us the trophy. We ended up placing fifth in the mixed crew category. For the men’s category, there was only one heat as there were only seven teams including Brunei Darussalam’s National team. It was a disappointing finish but the team accepted the fact that training harder is the key to bringing back the old Drago glory. Despite the not-so-good results, Drago still managed to party back in the hotel. Room 904 was transformed into a bar. Everyone had a great time and the pictures would clearly show it.
Climbing the Majestic Mt. Kinabalu
The cab driver we arranged to bring us to Kinabalu Park was on time. The four of us left the hotel at quarter to 8 and arrived at Kinabalu Park around 10 AM. We didn’t expect that climate would be cold in Kinabalu Park. I started to worry as it might be colder up the mountain and I did not bring enough warm clothes. We registered, got our climbing permit, bought our 16RM packed lunch, met our guide Mercel, and was driven to Timpohon Gate. We initially felt a little uncomfortable with the assigned guide as he seemed to be indifferent. But Mercel eventually loosened up after a while. The game plan was to climb up to Laban Rata Resthouse, which will be our base camp, then do the summit assault early dawn the next day.
We started the trek up the mountain at 12 noon. Every step seemed to get heavier as we went higher. I started to doubt the reliability of the trip advisory about Mt. Kinabalu as I do the climb. Information on the net mentioned that you need not be an experienced climber to be able to climb Mt. Kinabalu. I beg to disagree. Mt. Kinabalu is not for the weak and unfit. Rain shower started to pour as we reached the 2-kilometer mark. I regret having brought my 10-kilo backpack. It never occurred to me that I would not be needing my vanity kit and other non-essential clothes when I get to the top. I forgot my Mountaineering 101, that is to pack light. Despite the heaviness I felt, I refused to succumb to having my bag carried by Mercel, our guide. Powered by pride, so to speak. But with 1 kilometer left to goand another hour or so, the hell with pride, I can’t take a step further with my backpack. I finally gave in and asked for Mercel’s assistance. Mercel obliged but of course for a fee. Porters are common in Mt. Kinabalu and it is amazing when you see them carrying four to five bags at a time. I wonder how they do it but at the same time pity them looking at their bent backs as they ascend the mountain. Soaking wet from the rain and mist, we finally arrived in Laban Rata after six grueling hours of climbing. The resthouse was filled with noisy tourists of different races and background sharing their experiences with fellow climbers. We shared the room, with six bunk beds, with two English girls, Chrissy and Michelle. The common bathroom for the gentlemen became a unisex bathroom as the ladies room was not working. The water heater seemed to be not working but we didn’t have much of a choice. After a cold shower, we gorged into the buffet table. The food was not superb but we need the nourishment for the next day’s summit assault. You would understand why food are priced as they are in Laban Rata when you see the locals trek up the mountains with LPG tanks and cooking materials on their back. James expressed his intention of not joining the summit assault the next day. His lower back is killing him already and the chilling climate might make it worse. I told him to think about it as we are almost there. We hit the sack early that night given the fatigue from the day’s climb.
The Summit Assault
We woke up at 2AM and got ready for the early climb. At 8.7 Celcius registered in the thermometer, we left the hut at 2:45AM. James was still hesitant to join but came with us anyway. It was freezing cold. We were not prepared for it and tried to make do with the clothes we brought. I put on several layers of clothes. Almost forty climbers trekked to the summit at early dawn. Each equipped with a torchlight and warm clothing, the ascent was easier for the others while it was a challenge for us as we dealt with the cold and inadequacy of a light source. An hour passed and James informed us that he is going back and would not want to continue anymore. I tried to convince him but he said that he made up his mind already. Disappointed, I gave him the other bottle of water and some energy bars for his trek down to the base huts. Edsel, Bimbo, and I continued with the ascent. I really felt disappointed with James’ decision as I pictured us holding our hands together up high in the air when we reach the summit. I was feeling low already when suddenly Bimbo said that James was just a few steps behind us. Yes, James followed us. I don’t know if it was the darkness and the thought of going back alone that made him continue with the climb (LOL) or he was merely motivated to proceed. I felt so happy seeing James again. I stayed with him and saw how he struggled going up. He was feeling really cold already and went down a few times due to pain in his lower back. We reached the 8KM (3,994 meters above sea level) and decided to stay there. James was already chilling and on the verge of suffering from hypothermia. We could see Low’s Peak from there as we were only 700 meters away. The view from where we were was magnificent. The fulfillment of getting that far elated us. As the cliché goes, nothing beats the natural high of reaching the top of a mountain. It was simply amazing. We didn’t stay long as it was really cold. We started the descent and reached Laban Rata at 8:30AM. We had breakfast, rested a bit, and started the descent to Timpohon at 10:30AM. Naturally, the trek going down was faster but it was harder for our legs and knees. In my case, I lost a toenail….sniff. I guess, it’s about time to retire my six-year old ACG shoes too. I should really have gotten one size bigger when I bought it.
We came, we saw, we conquered….
As Edsel put it, we may have lost the battle at the dragon boat race but we have conquered Mt. Kinabalu. We accept the fact that we underestimated the mountain. We went there exhausted from the race and dehydrated from the after-race party. Our gears were also not meant for Mt. Kinabalu. Climbing Mt. Kinabalu requires serious physical, mental, and emotional preparation. Nonetheless, we were still proud of what we have accomplished and experienced. Mt. Kinabalu have a lot to offer the climbers, from its diverse flora and fauna to extreme adventure for thrill-seekers. The next time we climb Mt. Kinabalu, we’ll make sure to be prepared. On that note, let’s continue to explore the depths and heights of our abilities. Life is short, make the most out of it.
Ging Masinda
22 June 2007
(http://angelfish5877.multiply.com/photos/album/6/Kota_Kinabalu_Adventure for more photos)
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