Mt Kinabalu Plateau & South Peak .
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8 days 27 July to 3 Aug 2003 Sabah's Mount Kinabalu & Sipadan Island
Day 1 KL to KK: The group of 11 ladies and 5 men assembled at KLIA for the very early morning flight to Kota Kinabalu, arriving at about 10am. A local bus took us for breakfast in town before ferrying us to Poring. We visited the canopy walkway, reputed to be the highest in Malaysia and had a soak in the hot springs. Later we adjorned to Kundasang for a meal of freshly grown vegetables, for which this place is well known. We overnight in the comfortable chalets in Kinabalu National Park.
Day 2 Mount Kinabalu: Our planned ascent via Mersilau did not materialise as the group decided to go with the easier Classic Trail, shorter by 2 hours. We were transported to Timpohon Gate, where we started trekking at 10am and it was uphill almost all of the 6km way. There were many rest huts along the way with toilet and water refilling facilities. The fastest in the group arrived at Laban Rata at 2pm and the tail-ender arrived at 630pm. At night we prepared our own dinner of pasta and sauce. Laban Rata at 3290m is the normal overnight stay for most climbers.
Day 3 Peak Mount Kinabalu: We woke up at 3am, breakfast then begin the final ascent 2.6km to Low's Peak 4095m. It was drizzling, windy and it was very very cold. Despite our layers of clothing, it was still bitterly cold. Furthermore, we were trekking in the dark using our torches. Very early into the climb, I lost track of the group but we all eventually made it up to the plateau before the final kilometer and a half to the top. Only 2 members managed to get the top to view the dawn, which unfortunately was not clear because of heavy cloud cover. I took my time descending for photography with a few others and reached Laban Rata at about noon. By then most were exhausted and were soon fast asleep.
Group Photo at Kinabalu National ParkDay 4 Deadline at 2pm: The slower trekkers opted to start as early as 630am in view of our evening flight to Tawau. The previous day rest did wonders for everyone and almost all made good progress and by 11pm, all except two were down in Timpohon. Most even managed time to visit the Mountain Garden with its wide array and diversity of orchids and mountain plants, many only found in Kinabalu Park. Despite my doubts, the last member managed to make the 2pm deadline and we were off to Kinabalu Airport. Upon arrival in Tawau, we were transported to Lee's Resthouse in Semporna for a well deserved rest.
Day 5 Off to Sipadan: It was a hectic morning as there were delays due to the food arrangement. We finally left the jetty at 845am and arrived in Mabul one hour later. After leaving our stuff at the village homestay, we proceeded to Sipadan Island. I took a couple of non-swimmers snorkeling while another bunch opted for the 20mins walk round this small island. Late lunch was served at 230pm after which many simply took a nap on the spacious wooden jetty. Before we return to our accomodation in Mabul, we snorkeled some more. We spent the evening on the long jetty of Mabul Water Village, watching the beautiful sunset.
Day 6 Kapalai Island: There is only one small resort on this atoll that has no beach. All of the resort is sited above the water on stilts. Its only 10 mins from Mabul and has the best snorkeling Its actually an an atol and has the best snorkeling. The boatman arranged for "fun-dive" for those interested. We adjorn to Mabul for lunch and a walkabout in Mabul Island before going back to Semporna in the afternoon. At night we had Lee's Resthouse & Restaurant prepare a 8 course seafood dinner.
Day 7 Semporna Island Hopping: We went to the market to buy some food and fruits for our half day trip on a local wooden boat. We went on a slow boat cruise basically looking at fish and crab holding pens and seaweed farms. At one of the farms belonging to the boatman's relative, we took time to interact with the family. We were back on mainland by 2pm and went shopping at the markets. Many bought sea cucumbers, dried squid and sea shells. Overnight Semporna.
Day 8 Go Home: A few members went back to the market to "buy up" the sea cucumbers, which were much cheaper here than at home. Our van took us to the airport at 9am for our 1255hrs flight home.
Crystal clear waters of Sipadan / Seaweed farm in Semporna
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