Here’s the fourth miniblog about my Seven peaks – Seven Islands challenge…
As the highest point between the Himalayas and Iran Jara, Mt. Kinabalu stands at 4095m (13,435ft) and towers above the surrounding hills and jungles. First climbed in 1851 by Sir Hugh Low she is now a huge visitor attraction and climbed by over 30,000 people a year.
The ascent takes two days, firstly through the beautiful and changing ecosystems of the lower slopes (where you can get a glimpse of the rare Pitcher Plant) to the hut at Panar Laban where you can rest and take in the sunset, before setting off at 2:45am the next morning to get to the summit for sunrise. It’s impossible to get lost – you must have a guide and the procession of head torches is unmistakable. There were 160 others up there with me..! There was almost a jostling to stand on the top of Lows Peak for the sunrise, which came at 05:30am and cast wonderful beams of reds and orange light across the barren and rocky plateau. Many people then raced down the slopes for home, but I prefer to walk slowly and enjoy some of the peace that can still be found here.
After your ascent there is still plenty to do. You can visit the Orangutan sanctuary at Sepilok, sit in hot springs, head off to tropical islands, or climb further and more remote peaks, such as Mt Trus Madi (2642m – 8666ft) or Mt Api 1750m (5740ft). If you’re lucky you might even hear of a Rafflesia in flower, which is a must see..!
Click here to read my full expedition report…
Want to try the challenge yourself..? Click here to find out more…
Next time I’ll be heading South West to the Indonesian Island of Sumatra…