Mount Kinabalu

A GUlDE TO THE SUMMlT TRAlL

The Kinabalu Park is famous the world over for the highest mountain in South-East Asia - Mt. Kinabalu, a Vast jagged granite massif rising to 4,101m. (13,455ft.). The mountain is the focal point of the whole Park which covers an area of 754 sq km (291 sq miles), and includes vegetation types ranging from the rich lowland dipterocarp zone through the montane oak. rhododendron, and conifer forests to the alpine meadow plants and stunted bushes of the summit zone an area that probably has one of the richest flora in the world.The Headquarters is situated on the southern boundary, at an elevation of 1,524m (5,000 ft). Visitor accommodation, restaurants and an exhibit centre are found here as well as the Park offices. It is only a 2 hour drive from Sabah's capital of Kota Kinabalu on a good sealed road and the Park is an ideal spot for day visitors who simply want to get away from it all and enjoy the cool air, as well as those who wish to stay for a few days and climb the mountain or explore the forest trails.If you are a first-time visitor it is well worth your while to go to some of the free visitor programmes organised by the Park. Regular evening slide/film shows and guided trail walks in the mornings are given by the Park Naturalists at the Park Headquarters.

THE SUMMlT TRAIL
To reach the start of the Summit Trail climbers must drive or walk the 4kms (2 1/2 miles) of the Kamborongoh Road that leads from Mt. Kinabalu Park Headquarters to the PublicWorks Department's Power Station at 1,829m (6,000ft).The forest on the steep ridge opposite the Power Station is still the montane oak-forest that surrounds the Park Headquarters. Kinabalu has some of the richest oak forests in the world with over 40 different oak species recorded. Here the Summit Trail itself starts, marked at intervals of 5 chains (50 chains = 1 km.; 80 chains = 1 mile), leading past the Power Station and following the crest of a narrow ridge that dips down onto the main slopes of Kinabalu itself. A little further on, there is a waterfall where waterbottles can be filled. This is known as Carson's Falls, named after the first Warden of this Park. Liverworts and mosses grow luxuriantly in the fine spray of water. A Common moss is Dawsonia, one of the largest in the world, that can reach 3ft (1 m) in height. though it is usually much less. Nearby the KINABALU BALSAM (Impatiensplatyphylla) can usually be found, a delicate little herb growing in between rocks at the edge of the path. Rhododendrons are now more common - the SLENDER- LEAVED RHODODENDRON (Rhododendron stenophyllum) is a lovely sight in bloom.The SMALL MOUNTAlN PlTCHERPLANT (Nepenthes tentaculata) can also be seen by the Sharp-eyed observer grows along the edges of paths, from the Headquarters to as high as 2,439m (8,000ft).



Mountain climbing tips.

Mount Kinabalu is a relatively safe mountain to climb, safeas long as you use your common sense, treat the mountain with respectand not try any stunts. I've even seen little kids climbing it beforethough they didn't reach the summit. During holiday seasons there areabout one to two hundred people climbing the mountain per day. Thesepeople are mostly visitors from all over the world.What's so special about this mountain is that you don't need any specialmountain climbing gear to climb it yet it is just as fun and challenging.There's very few mountain in the world that is as tall as Mount Kinabaluand yet so climber friendly and natural. The only way to access themountain is by walking or helicopter which is used only during anemergency. It takes dexterity to complete the climb but the satisfactionis well worth the effort.

Your basic climbing gears check list:

1-Sport shoes: Make sure you get a pair that can take a lot of abusecause thats what's going to happend especially when you decent the mountain.

2-Warm clothing: Get warm clothing that is wind and rain proof, easy toput on and take off and not too bulky or heavy. Warm clothing may be toowarm at lower altitude so, get extra rain coat. The weather can vary fromsunny to mist to rain and wind within minutes as you move through differentparts of the forest and altitude.

3-Water bottle: One or half litre should be enough. There are at leastsix shelters along the way to Laban Rata Rest House where you can refillyour bottle with REAL mountain water. The second part of the journey youmay want to bring more water cause there's only two stop where you canrefill your bottle and you may want to bring a termos to keep warm watercause its really cold up there.

4-Food: Just bring some high-energy stuff like chocolate, nuts, raisins,glucose sweets, etc. For lunch, dinner and breakfast you can buy from thecanteen at Laban Rata Rest House. Prices are a bit steep, at least twicethe price you pay at the base of the mountain but when you see the localscarrying gas tanks up the mountain you will know why its so expensive.Heck, those locals who carry gas tanks can still climb faster than me!More like run than climb up the mountain. Wait till you see them "fly"down the mountain.

5-Torch Light: Bring one that is ultra bright and ultra lite if youcan. I promise you won't regret it. I still remember those days when Iused to haul along my Jurasic torch light. Six D cels in the torch andsix spares weighs at least a couple of kilos. Now that I am older, wiserever since I got my wisdom tooth, I carry one that takes only two AAbatteries. Not as bright as I would like but it does the job.

6-Gloves: You need one that can take abuse, something that you don'tmind getting bruised. When you are all so tired and still have to decentthe summit, you will most likely grab onto the ropes and run down theslopes and grabbing the ropes to slow down yourself. It is actuallyeasier to run/walk without break than to walk down the mountain.

7-Mask: You need one that can hide your entire face, like the ones robbers use unless you don't mind the wind "biting" at your face.

8-Medicine: Headache tablets are the most useful. I always take thembefore I start the climb and after heavy rain or when I get headache.Diarhea and vomit prevention tablets are useful too. Please take intoconsideration that you will experience variations in atmospheric presureand unpredictable weather. People with high blood presure and other healthproblems are advised not to climb but no one is going to stop you fromclimbing just be careful and know when to quit.

9-Plastic Bags: Put all your things in plastic bags unless your bag israin/water proof.

10-Misc: I always bring along second pair of dry cloths, socks, tissues,plastic bags, etc.

11-Super tip: Travel light.

Good Luck!