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Not knowing much about mount kinabalu or how to go about getting there, I took the easy way out and jumped at the chance of taking a trip with friends of friends. There were to be eleven of us on this climb - A few confident veterans and the rest of us pretty unsure if there was time to turn around and head straight home or endure the next 2days climbing, climbing and then chucking out our knees skidding down the mountain.

A day to day account will ease the odd, persistent reader into what to expect on this personal trip of endurance and quiet victory (or maybe not)

Day 1 - Preparation. Day before the climb

1.45pm

The rest of the group was to arrive on Thursday and I was to meet them in KK (Kota Kinabalu). I had already been traveling quite a few days around Sabah - up north to stay a couple of days at the Rungus longhouse and down south for a ride on the North Borneo old steam engine and then further on to the Klias Wetlands for a bit of proboscis monkey spotting in the wild. Having seen the mountain from many angles whilst traversing up and down the roads of Sabah, I was certainly having 2nd thoughts. It's 4095m (13,435 feet) above sea level. It's the highest mountain standing between the Himalayas in India and Wilhemina in Irian Jaya and still growing at the rate of 5mm (1/4 inches) a year. What was I thinking?!

I was certainly not in the least bit prepared for any endurance test - no 10 mile jog, no gym work, no cardiac exercise. Ok yoga, once a week but that really isn't enough, or is it?

The group had taken an early Air Asia flight out of LCCT (Low Cost Carrier Terminal) in KL. To everyone's relief, it was not terribly delayed and they arrived at KK airport on time, give and take 1/2hr.

3.30pm

Before driving off to the park, we stopped by at Tong Hing Supermarket to stock up on some food and drinks having been told that dinner and breakfast will be on our own. Energy bars, chocolates, biscuits, gum, fruits, maggi noodles and bottled water were obvious choices to take with us. I bought myself a pair of nail trimmers, having heard horror stories of climbers bruising their toes because of unkempt nails, especially when coming down steep steps.

Our journey took 2 hours to Kinabalu Park . The first 45mins or 90km was good. Nice straight roads and good views. Then the turning off at a small town called Tamparuli got a little tougher. The roads began to twist and turn .and soon my tummy started to run its course too.

6.30pm

As we turned into the park, out in front of us stood the most awe inspiring landscape i've seen in Malaysia . Mount Kinabalu towering above. All else was forgotten. Its sheer size, its stark appearance - One has to be there in person just to be humbled by nature's creation.

At the Sutera Sanctuary Lodge reception and office about 1,563 meters (5,128 feet) above sea level, everyone welcomed the cool mountain breeze and fresh air. Well, at 1,563m already covered from the long, winding drive - with simple mental math it worked out that we only had another 2/3 of the way to go. Didn't seem all that tough.

Sir Hugh Low and other adventurers had a much tougher time with the task of travelling upriver, trek through thick Borneon jungle which has now given way to agriculture and housing, and scaling up the most treacherous part of the mountain that we no longer have to. Ok, with that mentally instilled - the balance was starting to tip over to 'definitely gonna make it'

The Kinabalu Park lodging is a great place for an overnight stay before the early morning climb. We stayed at the Kinabalu lodge with 4 bedrooms and thankfully.hot water for a much needed shower. A few of us stayed at the Garden lodge which has 2 bedrooms. The lodges we stayed in have fireplaces, dining rooms, TV rooms, kitchens and hot showers. Firewood can be purchased from the Reception office at Kinabalu Park HQ.

Just before sunset, I took a quick lookaround the other lodgings at the park vicinity. All were located a short walk from each other. The refreshing scent of the montane forest made the walk seem tireless. There are a variety of accommodation at the park from hostel dormitories that costs a mere RM46 per bed per night to lodges like the one we stayed in (Kinabalu and Garden Lodge) and even the Rajah Lodge with 3 bedrooms, fireplace, kitchen, dining at RM1,500 per night.

7.30pm

Vistas from these lodges in the late evening are spectacular. One can just about make out the silhouette of mount kinabalu in twilight, stars litter the sky and up in the distance you can see the twinkle of lights from the Laban Rata Resthouse just 2km from the summit.

Dinner was at the resort's liwagu restaurant . A beautiful building with outdoor and indoor dining, a lounge area, a small but informative gallery upstairs, conference rooms and a souvenir shop.

Sitting out at the patio at night is an entomologist's dream. The dim lights attract all forms of winged insects and other wondrous creatures as does the early morning when ornithologists will have the most fulfilling breakfast with a piece of crisp toast in one hand and binoculars in the other.

For those with less enthusiasm but with interest all the same, there are slide shows at 7.30pm on Monday, Friday, Weekend & Public Holidays . This introduces a bit about the park and the climb. Or go on a guided walk held at 11.00am everyday.

If you've left something out from your packing list, try this shop. They have rain ponchos, balaclavas, gloves, snacks, batteries, torchlight and even ski or trekking poles. To go with an evening by the fireplace back at the lodge, this shop also sells a small selection of wines.

But not everyone who visits the park climbs Mount Kinabalu . Many visitors actually stay at the Park for the trails, the cool weather..and the scenery. But book for accommodation in advance though. there are only 30 units of lodges and 48 dorm beds available.

For those with an early start the next day, best to have as much rest as possible. The next day will be a loooong day. Those too excited for sleep, there's TV.

Accommodation and Packages to Kota Kinabalu , Beaches, Nature and Highlands on the outskirts

Malaysia Highlands