Mount Kinabalu: Beyond my limit

Hiking the highest mountain in Southeast Asia and a prominent summit in Malaysia - I wanted that bragging rights.

"Arghhh. Sh*t!" Falling onto the ground, unglamorously on one evening while doing my cardio workout. Spraining my left ankle was undoubtedly excluded in my training plan for my hiking success to the peak of Mount Kinabalu, just two-month shy. Walking was difficult for me after that as my ankle got swollen and weak. At times, my left leg would slip off easily. I cried horribly.

Ever since that day, the dubiety of my victory of reaching the summit crept into my mind.

July 28, 2018. Kundasang

I, together with my team, stood mesmerizing the charm of Mount Kinabalu blanketed with cotton clouds from Kundasang while the cold breeze caressed us. The only concern on my mind was, "Can I do this?". There were five of us: Judith, Shirley, Georgina, and Esther, including me. We stayed for the night at one of the lodges nearby before our hike the next day.

July 29, 2018. The Hike

Waking up feeling anxious about the uncertainties because of my barely healed ankle. On top of that, my training routine had slowed down since the day my ankle sprained. Jungle trekking once at Grand Old Lady, Miri was my only immunity. I deemed to be the most unfit of all - at least from my perspective. Well, I put on ankle guard for support and be optimistic, "Oh yes, I can do this!"

With a maximum of 185 climbing permits per day, I assumed there were 185 hikers on that day. Sensing the enthusiasm of the crowd as we gathered at Kinabalu Park Headquarters, kindled my spirit. Only equipped with our hiking gears like a small towel, a one-litre water bottle, and a hiking pole, we started our hiking from Timpohon Gate by 9.30 am-ish after being briefed. Whereas, the mighty mountain guides carried our other bulky essentials.

The journey to Panalaban Base Camp was very challenging. The first few steps up were a piece of cake. 90% of the trail made of either wooden staircases or steps carved out of rocks. Every step we made had to sync with the height of each staircase level, so it got even harder.

Rephrasing the well-known saying among hikers, "Follow your own pace, fast or slow, whichever that floats your boat. Catch your breath, never give up. You'll eventually get there." Trust me, it is the best modus operandi for any hikes. Despite the million stops we had from catching our breath to the toilet, water, and lunch breaks, we kept on moving.

Anyway, it took us about nine freaking hours! We were way behind other hikers, and that's okay. Reaching at our resting pit-stop for the night was our first achievement. It was drizzling and cold. Pat on our shoulders, guys!

After our scrumptious dinner, we rested at Laban Rata Resthouse. We went to bed with our smelly dried sweats. Our mixed dormitory room with 12 bunk beds occupied with at most 24 pax, imagine how cramming it was. The degree of the water at the washroom was unfathomable icy-cold. I wish the management could fix a heater in every room. Well, it's not going to be an entire adventure if it's hellish comfortable, right? Private rooms come with a heated shower at an extra cost, of course.

Falling asleep was extremely hard that night with an aching, shivering body and a restless mind. Plus, there was a snoring rivalry going on. The most excruciating bedtime ever. Haha!

July 30, 2018. The Summit Attack

Our final hike began at 3.30 am. Making it up to Sayat-Sayat Hut before 6 am was our goal for us to pursue the summit. The distance to the summit was only 3.22 km compared with yesterday's hike, which was approximately 5.5 km. Sounds easier this time? Nah, not at all. The route was proportionally elevated and demanding. I got fidgety.

The closer you get there, the higher the intensity level.

At this stage, most teams got separated. Some paired with their teammates, and some joined another group along the way, who climbed at the same pace. With the promise, "See you at the summit."

Arriving at Sayat-Sayat Hut just 5 minutes before the cut-off time was a massive relief for me. It was only Judith and me. The last ones among the hikers who managed to proceed the climb towards the summit. About 30 to 40 hikers were able to surpass this checkpoint that day. Furthering the journey up was not allowed after the cut-off time.

With the mantra in my head, "Just a little bit more. I can do this," and with my firm belief that God was with us, we finally could reach the summit at KM 8.0. Unfortunately, our zing ended here. The thought of climbing just another 720 m more to the Low's Peak Summit was too overwhelming. So near yet so far. It was freaking steep!

Negative thoughts crept in, "It's just 30 minutes left before the summit cut-off time at 7 am. What if we won't make it in time?". With our wiggly frail legs, the success rate was close to zero. So, KM 8.0 was pretty perfect for us. Also, we had run out of water. Enjoying the breathtaking view from here was the phenomenal option.

Blessed with perfect weather, I felt grateful to be able to witness the astonishing God's creation from 3929 m above sea level. Astounding! Enduring the pain while keeping my sanity in check throughout the journey was a humbling and awe-inspiring experience for me, definitely beyond my limit.

Indeed, the hardest climb in my life so far. An avid hiker? Nope. Fit isn't my middle name. Mentally sharp with some fitness training, I believe you can do it better.

"Exceptional mental strength is vital for moving forward in life. The journey to the summit is similar to our mission in life. Never surrender. It's okay to stop and take a deep breath. Live in the moment. Slowly but surely, we will find success."

- SandraOfAllTrades

 

It was a special day too because we were at the top of the world on our mom's birthday. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOMMY!

Dear Mount Kinabalu, 

I still owe myself that last 720m.

Perhaps, we will meet again.

Shout out to my dear sisters: Judith, Shirley, Georgina, and Esther, well done! No matter at which level we've reached, we're all badass for even trying! Thank you for not giving up!

Source: https://www.mountkinabalu.com/map/mt-kinabalu-trail-map

What was the experience you had that entail you to go beyond your limit? Drop on the comment section below!