Conquering Kinabalu For The First Time After The Quake

By Noorazlina Hj.Jindeh After the mountaineering activities resumed on Mount Kinabalu on Dec 1, 2015 Bernama's writer Noorazlina Hj Jindeh joined the group that scaled Mount Kinabalu using a new route for the first time. Part one describes the writer's experience in scaling the Mount Kinabalu through the new Ranau Trail. KUNDASANG (Sabah, Malaysia), Jan 5 (Bernama) -- At 8.30am on Dec 1, a short siren was heard at the Timpohon Gate of the Mount Kinabalu Park entrance, marking the start of climbing activities again that was halted since June 5, 2015 following a moderate earthquake. The 5.9 magnitude earthquake had destroyed much of the Mesiliau Trail, the main route used to reach the peak and thus climbers now have to use the new route known as the Ranau Trail from base camp Laban Rata. From Laban Rata located at an altitude of 3,272m, the 'Ranau Trail' will take climbers to Sayat-sayat (3,668m) before reaching the Low's Peak (summit) at 4,095 m. Another new trail to the peak is set to open this year (2016). This writer was among the 20 media practitioners who joined the 115 climbers to test the new Ranau Trail, a longer route to the peak compared with the old route. The number of climbers to the summit have been capped at 135 per day. Prior to their 9am climb, the media personnel were given a chance to send their pre-climb stories before they were divided into groups with respective guides and porters provided by Sabah Parks. I was assigned to a group with five other media personnel and was accompanied by two mountain guides, Obyzander Sabran and Joeythine Musin, both aged 22. It was during a brief chat with the two guides that I learned that Obyzander was among the individuals involved in creating the new trail up to the peak of Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Southeast Asia. THE CLIMB Their journey started at km 0.5 before passing by seven rest huts namely Pondok Kandis, Ubah, Lowii, Mempening, Layang-Layang, Villosa and Paka at km 5.5. The huts named after plants and birds found in the area are equipped with stretchers to facilitate rescue operations if necessary. A signboard at km 3.5, before Pondok Mempening remind climbers to move fast at the zone to avoid possible rock falls. The notice is a grim reminder of the rock falls that killed 18 climbers during the earthquake. Because only untreated water is provided at the huts, climbers are advised to bring sufficient amount of water. There is also information for climbers displayed on the hut walls, including a guide on temperature drops of about one degree Celsius as they go up every 100 metres. REFUELING After almost 10 hours, the group finally arrived in Panalaban at 6 pm when the sun was about to set. The temperature outside was quite cold but warmth greeted the climbers when they set foot inside the restaurant at Laban Rata. After dinner and a short rest at 1 am on Dec 2, the climbers gathered back at the restaurant for an early breakfast before resuming their journey. Despite the temperature being seven degrees Celcius, the climbers were all excited to head back on the trail. PREPARATION The climbers were again divided into groups that would ascend on the new trail in stages. The media group were briefed by national solo Everest climber T. Ravichandran (Ravi). Participants warmed up their bodies to avoid muscle cramps during the remaining 2.7 kilometre climb to the peak. Some of the climbers also rented lamps from Laban Rata. Climbers have to carry canes to support them, have to tie their shoe laces neatly, use moisturiser to protect their lips and wear appropriate attire for climbing. At sharp 2.30am the entourage started their climb from Pondok Hut which was about 50 metres away from Laban Rata. CHALLENGES As the route got steeper and the oxygen level got thinner, climbers became more lethargic. The participants were advised to walk in an orderly fashion so as not to block other climbers. They depended on the torchlight to see in the darkness. Only the sound of footsteps and breathing could be heard amid the silence, probably less chatter would help conserve energy among climbers who were sweating and struggling. Those who were sweating profusely were then advised to remove their thick sweaters to prevent dehydration. The new 1,050 metre long trail Ranau Trail was undeniably challenging especially for first-timers, as the steps were narrow and the surface being rocky with only one rope to hold on to. By 3.45 am, the climbers began to find their own pace to cope with the increasingly difficult, narrow and rocky ascending path. PUSHING TO THE TOP As advised by Ravi, climbers were asked to keep items such as their canes, cameras and mobile phones in their bag as that stretch of the trail required climbers to rely on a rope. "Don't pull the rope but use it to balance your body," said Ravi to each climber as they entered a dangerous zone. They were encouraged to move fast and keep an eye for rock falls that frequently occur there. One by one they moved with caution but the thought of being in a danger zone made them forget of their exhaustion, at least temporarily. At 4.30pm all members of the media made it past Pondok Sayat-Sayat, the last checkpoint situated 3,666 metres above sea level, before they proceeded to the summit 1.62 kilometres away. Though the remainder of the ascending route was easier, their depleted energy made the final steps somewhat challenging. However, with perseverance and help from the two mountain guides, this writer finally made it to the top at 7.15am. -- BERNAMA