JessiccaLess than 2 months before departure
July 4th 2008 08:06
“Wanna go to Mount KK?” will forever stuck in my mind when my friend offered me this challenge and opportunity.
What was I thinking actually?
Perhaps, the two of my friends who actually manage to make it up the summit of Malaysia’s tallest mountain after 30s was one of my adrenaline that enthusiast me to take the challenge.
When there was 100 days before the hike, I suddenly felt a shudder… what was I thinking?
But if they could make it at the age of 32, why can’t I?
I forgot my knee pain…. Both that is, which I have neglected for months and years thinking it’s just normal and it can slowly heal.
Not knowing after accepting the challenge, paid my flight and hotel, that hit me to the ground of my current health situation – which you obviously can’t see much outside.
Low bone density reading came out shook me. Then came with high fat and weak muscle report… where was the (almost) fit and energetic me two years back?
Age? No. Age isn’t an excuse. All things are possible if you put your mind into it….
“Do not, and NEVER rush up, Jessie.” A veteran hiker (with weak knees as well) advised me during our choir training last night. “Never EVER rush. Let the fitter ones move ahead and you just stay on your slow and steady pace. Your guide will not (and should not) leave you behind just because you are slow.”
That’s it. I must hang on and look upwards for that challenge to come.
Ok… enough of “self-pity” and “self-encouraging”. The fact that I wanted to note this down on this blog is well I still needed more traffic and hope for the best that Google will pay me faster… (Shame on me), but moreover to introduce this monstrous mountain of Malaysia that sits silently (not to mention nicely printed at the back of the 1 Ringgit Malaysian note) daily awaiting for challengers to tail its track and see what it can see from the top of the world, 4,095 metres above sea level.
Let’s introduce one of Malaysia’s prides – The Mount Kinabalu.
In 1997, a re-survey using satellite technology established its summit (known as Low’s Peak) height at 4,095 metres (13,435 ft) above sea level, which is some 6 metres (20 ft) less than the previously thought and hitherto published figure of 4,101 metres (13,455 ft).[1] The mountain is the fourth tallest in Southeast Asia behind Hkakabo Razi of Myanmar (5881 m), Puncak Jaya (4884 m) and Puncak Trikora (4750 m) of Papua, Indonesia,[1] and is therefore also the tallest in Malaysia and on the island of Borneo, which Malaysia shares with Indonesia and Brunei. (Wikipedia)
The main peak of the mountain (Low's Peak) can be relatively easily climbed by a person with a good physical condition, and requires no mountaineering equipment. Other peaks along the massif, however, require rock-climbing skills.
Note: This “easier” track actually was nicely prepared for hikers where ropes are tied along the track as assistance, but the entire trail is only about 1 foot wide so it is still dangerous if you are not careful – according to my friend.
It currently ranked 20th prominent tallest mountain in the world.
Oh… I just realised that it is higher than K2 and Mount Fuji! How exciting!… (with mixed feelings)
What was I thinking actually?
Perhaps, the two of my friends who actually manage to make it up the summit of Malaysia’s tallest mountain after 30s was one of my adrenaline that enthusiast me to take the challenge.
When there was 100 days before the hike, I suddenly felt a shudder… what was I thinking?
But if they could make it at the age of 32, why can’t I?
I forgot my knee pain…. Both that is, which I have neglected for months and years thinking it’s just normal and it can slowly heal.
Not knowing after accepting the challenge, paid my flight and hotel, that hit me to the ground of my current health situation – which you obviously can’t see much outside.
Low bone density reading came out shook me. Then came with high fat and weak muscle report… where was the (almost) fit and energetic me two years back?
Age? No. Age isn’t an excuse. All things are possible if you put your mind into it….
“Do not, and NEVER rush up, Jessie.” A veteran hiker (with weak knees as well) advised me during our choir training last night. “Never EVER rush. Let the fitter ones move ahead and you just stay on your slow and steady pace. Your guide will not (and should not) leave you behind just because you are slow.”
That’s it. I must hang on and look upwards for that challenge to come.
Ok… enough of “self-pity” and “self-encouraging”. The fact that I wanted to note this down on this blog is well I still needed more traffic and hope for the best that Google will pay me faster… (Shame on me), but moreover to introduce this monstrous mountain of Malaysia that sits silently (not to mention nicely printed at the back of the 1 Ringgit Malaysian note) daily awaiting for challengers to tail its track and see what it can see from the top of the world, 4,095 metres above sea level.
Let’s introduce one of Malaysia’s prides – The Mount Kinabalu.
Picture taken from nationalgeographic.com
Mount Kinabalu (Malay: Gunung Kinabalu) is a prominent mountain in Southeast Asia. It is located in Kinabalu National Park (a World Heritage Site) in the east Malaysian state of Sabah, which is on the island of Borneo in the tropics.In 1997, a re-survey using satellite technology established its summit (known as Low’s Peak) height at 4,095 metres (13,435 ft) above sea level, which is some 6 metres (20 ft) less than the previously thought and hitherto published figure of 4,101 metres (13,455 ft).[1] The mountain is the fourth tallest in Southeast Asia behind Hkakabo Razi of Myanmar (5881 m), Puncak Jaya (4884 m) and Puncak Trikora (4750 m) of Papua, Indonesia,[1] and is therefore also the tallest in Malaysia and on the island of Borneo, which Malaysia shares with Indonesia and Brunei. (Wikipedia)
The main peak of the mountain (Low's Peak) can be relatively easily climbed by a person with a good physical condition, and requires no mountaineering equipment. Other peaks along the massif, however, require rock-climbing skills.
Note: This “easier” track actually was nicely prepared for hikers where ropes are tied along the track as assistance, but the entire trail is only about 1 foot wide so it is still dangerous if you are not careful – according to my friend.
It currently ranked 20th prominent tallest mountain in the world.
Oh… I just realised that it is higher than K2 and Mount Fuji! How exciting!… (with mixed feelings)
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Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
MS Paint Art
May God be with you on your journey, your work gets better and better, all the time.
Let's hope adsense realizes it.
Comment by Jessicca
Learning Something Everyday
Malaysia Found
Awfully wonderful to see you around this side of the post again. ^_^
Do stay tuned as I will be introducing the hills and trails I am practicing where locals (and visitors) can enjoy and exercise!
Glad that you dropped by. ^_^
Have a blessed day
Jessicca
Comment by Wilson Pon
Health 2 Know
Adventure Toes
Techno Stuffs
boxing sound
Business Rope
Fun Places 2 Travel
I've been there before for my university forestry course research and I loved the scenery especially at the peak of the mountain
By the way, thanks for this great article, Jess
Comment by Anonymous
The mount Kinabalu picture you picked looks fierce... should have picked a clear sky or else people get freaked out.
Kidding...
I have never been there before. Do take a lot of pictures and share with us when you get back, ya!
All the best!
Lay-In
Comment by Jessicca
Learning Something Everyday
Malaysia Found
Glad that you find the information useful. ^_^
Hi Lay-In,
Hm... I better search for a nicer Mount KK picture?
Thanks for dropping by, you have made my day. ^_^
Have a blessed day!
Jessicca