Friday, March 23, 2012
Saturday, January 9, 2010
From the Babel Tower into my Home!
A few hours ago, I spoke in a language in which I did not understand. And there was pain, anguish and suffering which I expressed in the most unfathomable way.
Let's rewind.
I had some issues with Kelly and the kids a few weeks ago when I was on leave. Everyone was yelling at each other. During those 12 days, my head was bleeding due to a nasty cut on my head. Kelly slipped and sprained her back. Both Chloe and Abigail was having diarrhoea.
Something is wrong. Can it be the fengshui of the 6-rod windchimes I bought during Boxing Day 2009 in which I hung up?
I wanted to look for a church that have a Sunday school as I drove around with my head bandaged to my jaw. Managed to spoke with the pastor over the phone.
"Excuse me but does this church speaks in tongue?" I have been skeptical all these while since aged 17 (21 years now since then) that I was schooled at my Methodist alma mater for 13 years. Stories like, it's a gift - and it's not right to ask for it. Possession by the devil instead of the Holy spirit spells D.A.N.G.E.R. Later in life after Baptism by the holy trinity in a Lutheran Church, I avoided churches that have names like Assemblies XX, LatterXX and CalvXXX like a plague. Getting to know my church was struck, I did not turn up pretty much for service and later lost the Sabbath to wet shopping in the neighbourhood.
"Yes, you have a problem with that?", quips the chap over the line.
"No. But I had to ask".
That was it I though. There's hardly anymore decent churches these days. Let alone somewhere to place my 2 monsters to attend a Sunday School in order buy time for Kelly to rest and have adult conversations. This is selfish but hey, if there's free service, why not rite?
And just 2 days ago while on the flight to Langkawi onboard a stiff 90 degree unreclinable seat on AirAsia, Jennifer asked me about the issue on the Herald, a private circulation amongst Catholic church goers and what's the issue on Allah all about. Once at home today, Kelly told me about Han2 wanting to come over but his church was razed. WTF!
Then I googed Han2's church and got these images.
Dispicable! Horrible. Han2's church is not EVEN a Catholic church! That does not matter though but such shame on us Malaysians who have the audacity of a pirate and rapist of a place of worship.
While looking at these pages, the topic of speaking in tongue was in my mind and decided to goog it. I ended up looking at this video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezab0vRXpXM
I certainly was not hoping for miracles since my Lutheran church was not able to make me fall to my back, tipped my shoulder so that I should cry etc etc. But I know I follwed and prayed earnestly following it's instructions.
1. Pray to cleanse and rid my sins
2. Acknowledge the presence of the Holy Spirit that is above me ( now I have this goosebumps as I write)
3. Start vocalising a a few syllable... just perhaps 5-6 syllable before I went....
Berzerk! I was whinning, crying, shouting and started yaberring jimberish... I thought I was in a trance for 10 minutes. But looking back at the video, it was just less than a minute!
Kelly ran up and burst open the door, just to see if I am ok. I was. I was very happy! I told her I just spoke in tongue. AShe left and went back downstairs to be with Abigail.
I felt edified, excited, passionate and filled with energy. I ran down and took my bible upstairs. I just did not know why but I knew what I just did and I wasn't exactly 100% concious.
Afterwhich I send an SMS to my extented family members and close friend who are either mainstream Protestants, Catholic, Charismatic, Latterainian of otherwise, I just could not be bothered how will they respond. I just had to spread news God given me a gift.
Wendy called up minutes later and asked about the incident. I was not in the right frame of mind to talk which church that I should be joining as I need to gather my thoughts and must know how I need to deal with this gift. I do not know now how will I deal with this gift but I am assured that He will find me a way + a guiding light included.
Hallelujah! Praise God!
I recall the day I was baptised one fine Christmas almost a decade ago, "...and I hereby baptise you in the name of the Father, the Son and the HOLY GHOST..."
Let's rewind.
I had some issues with Kelly and the kids a few weeks ago when I was on leave. Everyone was yelling at each other. During those 12 days, my head was bleeding due to a nasty cut on my head. Kelly slipped and sprained her back. Both Chloe and Abigail was having diarrhoea.
Something is wrong. Can it be the fengshui of the 6-rod windchimes I bought during Boxing Day 2009 in which I hung up?
I wanted to look for a church that have a Sunday school as I drove around with my head bandaged to my jaw. Managed to spoke with the pastor over the phone.
"Excuse me but does this church speaks in tongue?" I have been skeptical all these while since aged 17 (21 years now since then) that I was schooled at my Methodist alma mater for 13 years. Stories like, it's a gift - and it's not right to ask for it. Possession by the devil instead of the Holy spirit spells D.A.N.G.E.R. Later in life after Baptism by the holy trinity in a Lutheran Church, I avoided churches that have names like Assemblies XX, LatterXX and CalvXXX like a plague. Getting to know my church was struck, I did not turn up pretty much for service and later lost the Sabbath to wet shopping in the neighbourhood.
"Yes, you have a problem with that?", quips the chap over the line.
"No. But I had to ask".
That was it I though. There's hardly anymore decent churches these days. Let alone somewhere to place my 2 monsters to attend a Sunday School in order buy time for Kelly to rest and have adult conversations. This is selfish but hey, if there's free service, why not rite?
And just 2 days ago while on the flight to Langkawi onboard a stiff 90 degree unreclinable seat on AirAsia, Jennifer asked me about the issue on the Herald, a private circulation amongst Catholic church goers and what's the issue on Allah all about. Once at home today, Kelly told me about Han2 wanting to come over but his church was razed. WTF!
Then I googed Han2's church and got these images.
Dispicable! Horrible. Han2's church is not EVEN a Catholic church! That does not matter though but such shame on us Malaysians who have the audacity of a pirate and rapist of a place of worship.
While looking at these pages, the topic of speaking in tongue was in my mind and decided to goog it. I ended up looking at this video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezab0vRXpXM
I certainly was not hoping for miracles since my Lutheran church was not able to make me fall to my back, tipped my shoulder so that I should cry etc etc. But I know I follwed and prayed earnestly following it's instructions.
1. Pray to cleanse and rid my sins
2. Acknowledge the presence of the Holy Spirit that is above me ( now I have this goosebumps as I write)
3. Start vocalising a a few syllable... just perhaps 5-6 syllable before I went....
Berzerk! I was whinning, crying, shouting and started yaberring jimberish... I thought I was in a trance for 10 minutes. But looking back at the video, it was just less than a minute!
Kelly ran up and burst open the door, just to see if I am ok. I was. I was very happy! I told her I just spoke in tongue. AShe left and went back downstairs to be with Abigail.
I felt edified, excited, passionate and filled with energy. I ran down and took my bible upstairs. I just did not know why but I knew what I just did and I wasn't exactly 100% concious.
Afterwhich I send an SMS to my extented family members and close friend who are either mainstream Protestants, Catholic, Charismatic, Latterainian of otherwise, I just could not be bothered how will they respond. I just had to spread news God given me a gift.
Wendy called up minutes later and asked about the incident. I was not in the right frame of mind to talk which church that I should be joining as I need to gather my thoughts and must know how I need to deal with this gift. I do not know now how will I deal with this gift but I am assured that He will find me a way + a guiding light included.
Hallelujah! Praise God!
I recall the day I was baptised one fine Christmas almost a decade ago, "...and I hereby baptise you in the name of the Father, the Son and the HOLY GHOST..."
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
5 Days of Luxurious Singapore
We had many things to buy for our new house. Well it's just an excuse to being a dad to bring the family to Singapore. The family need some time out and I had planned for this holiday for quite a few months now. I purposefully did not book my monthly flights down to Singapore, made some fine hotel arrangements with Helen and organised the dates so Chloe will not miss school and I am able to go to work. We lugged 3 pieces of chrystal salt lamp for Vincent, Alex and Helen - almost close to 60 kgs. Coupled with the baggage for 4 persons, my poor Waja is filled to the brim.
We initially wanted to leave the house on 3am on 10th Oct, 2009 so I could arrive in Singapore and head
straight into the office. Chloe was adamant that she could not sleep and neither was Kelly and I. So what the heck, we drove off at 12am and reached Mandarin Oriental Singapore at 4am. Big beautiful room and most of all clean! It was the suite room that had Abby and Chloe running wild and free. Bose speakers and a kick-arse 52" plasma to boot!
Kelly brought the kids to Suntec City andJurong bird park while I was busy with work for the next few days. We bought 4 pairs of Crocs at just SGD99! Talk about cheap!
When we moved to Singapore Marriott for our last 2 days of stay in Orchard Road itself, we are flabbergasted that the Great Singapore Sales is NOT what it used to be. You name the departmental stores, we were there - all the way from Tanglin Mall to Centrepoint. Honestly the discounts is pathetic. We bought nothing much except food and some knick knacks.
We hardly had time to enjoy the Marriott Club Executive Room Lounge and facilities which Helen so painfully arranged for us.
We went to Sentosa, Singapore Zoo and followed-up the same evening with Night Safari. Nothing special. Perhaps Kelly and I have been to all these places before and expected much more. I did hope the 2 girls had fun and they slept in the car whenever time permitted. And Abigail was superb in throwing tantrums throughout th whole trip. Oh, did I mention that all the entrance fees are NIL? Hahah!
Well it still boils down to who you are travelling with and not where you are travelling to. We did enjoyed all the breakfast we had in the hotels, the jolly good food we had in Or Hwu in Yong
Peng (juicy pork balls, fookchew fishballs, hokkien mee), the joy of not driving and finding a parking spot, the airconditioned malls and obviously our stay in these 2 top Singapore hotels. Knowing Kelly's standards, her giving me a thumbs up for the hotel room is more than satisfying. I'm saved for now planning the next holiday next year!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
One Night Only in Tanjung Malim
Scumbags of the earth has succesfully terrorise the sleepy hollow town of Tanjung Malim on 29th May, 09. Departing from the h3lls of Sri Petaling where Neo succesfully got himself and the old farts car coming in from Puppy's house in some God-forsaken place in Mutiara Damansara, we met in Rawang toll circa 9.30pm. It was the 1st day of school holidays and people are returning back to their hometown - caught badly in a jam where a stewpid Stinkapurian car was smashed up atop of a hilly divide. Bodoh punya Stinkapor drebar - mana dapat lesen kopi wan?
Upon arrival a Tjg Malim bus station waiting for our local contact, the two drivers Neo and Hobbes begin their antics of comparing their dicks against their cars.
Salty laid the contact and followed-up closely with Ah Cheong for the menu of the day. Makan apa? Dunno. He cook what you eat what lorh!
Arriving at Ah Cheong relative's restaurant called Fei Chui, the scums waited and waited for the food to arrive. Beh tahan, dem hungry worh! Pathetic faces all!
First up was the Chue Tai Cheong broiled then fried with wine and chung. Wah, dem shiok osso whack this. "No smell wan!", claimed Harry.
Secondly came the wild boar curry. Sapu clean aa. Puppy was caught milum-ing the chaap.
You guys saw haam-chung eat wild boar or not? This self-proclaimed Chicken King was relishing this boar and sucking the curry from the bones. Look at how he squint when doing the sucking motion. Wild boar taste nicer when on the bone. Juicy and tender. But lots of splintered bones though.
Next up was the 4-legged snake in thick curry sauce. Bender was caught scooping up the curry. The actual name is (nope, not iguana, not big lizard, nope not gecko, komoda dragon or all that sh1tte) is 4 -legged snake in Cantonese terms. It has a tough texture where the meat is sealed tighly with the bones. I guess the actual flavour is not really that good as it was cooked in curry to disguise something.
This chicken essence arrived first before the froggy. Ok, it's a toad. Nope it was not the size a chicken drumstick but suffice to taste the fresh succulent taste of froggy legs.
Definitely this was one of the best dishes I enjoyed most that night. The chicken essence did it's job in bringing out the moist or otherwise tender and "off the bone". These froggy are relatively young but these are wild froggies mind you. So they are still tender and the texture is like calf meant compared to an old cow.
Mind the picture as this was taken very quickly and the shake was unavoidable. This has to be my favourite for the night. A wild black tilapia of about 800gms. No taste of mud. I was told that this is reared on the river where the fishie cannot swim to the river bottom and hence no mud taste.
The texture of the fish was flaky and extremely sweet lingering aftertaste (It was still flapping mad when I took this picture). It was also done right where the fish is steamed to the right heat then placed with hot oil and garnishing. When it landed onto the table, it was JUST right.
I believe that if the prawns are fresh, no matter how you cook it - it will taste good. This is the case with the big-headed prawns steamed with salty egg-whites. Good I must say the salty egg-white is the only way to go - not the usual egg whites.
Next comes CK (Chicken King)'s dish. It is the eunuch chicken otherwise knowns as Pondan Chicken referred to by Harry. Honestly I have not seen such a big chicken before. The skin is white in colour(!) and atop the 4kg chicken is some friend garlic oil. There's two sauces, chilly wz garlic and garlic with ginger oil. The texture of the skin is crunchy and the testure of the meat is quite tough. If you look at the meat structure and the colour, it is a dark meat.
I have some some research on it and it is called capons. A capon is a castrated male chicken. Surgical caponising (complete removal of both testes) is performed when the chicken is 2 to 4 weeks old. Capons are marketed at 15 to 18 weeks, commercial broiler chickens at six to eight weeks, and roasters in about eight weeks.
Caponisation produces a bird prized for its tenderness, and takes the stringiness out of a male chicken's meat. But the operation is a major and painful one to remove internal organs. The bird is first taken off food and water, then given antibiotics, but there can still be complications such as air pockets appearing, and cannibalization by other chickens. Because of cruelty issues, capons are illegal in the UK, but they remain a traditional food for festive occasions in some other countries including Malaysia (Malangsia BOlehhhhh!)
Next up was the Soon Hock. It was a usual fare but the chef used a slighly better soy sauce, slightly thicker than usual. You see puffy face meat? Gua sapu liao!
Taking a breather after all the makaning and sapuing. So burped up and "sextisfied", better than sex someone told me. More Danish Crowns and British Bulldogs. We had almost 20 bottles for the 10 of us. The chef and a friend later joined us. Ah Cheong and Yvonne joined us much earlier but did not really ate much. Chef are picky little eaters.
Hobbes was struggling to walk out with an versize belly to join us for some fresh air. It rained and brought a whole pile of negative ions. Would be best to stay the night if not for this Ah Beng-kor below was not to go back home to cook the the fillings for the dumplings. By the way, where is my dumplings?
And if not for this Ah Beng below also whom failed to fake a car breakdown, we would have stayed another night where Ah Cheong can bring us to the wet market, do some fishing and dive into a fresh river pond. Ah Beng, next time I drive ok?
Had some 4 legged snake soup which was extremely sweet and *hic* ... when mixed with chinese "Kwai Fa" liquor. Fantabulustic! I had 2 bowls!
Later we had a sultan fish which was a kamsi-kamsa taste. Oh, we had some paku friend in belachan too but you know la, kamsi kamsa things I won't take pictures. 
What a hearty meal and great company that was. Nice!
Arriving at Ah Cheong relative's restaurant called Fei Chui, the scums waited and waited for the food to arrive. Beh tahan, dem hungry worh! Pathetic faces all!
First up was the Chue Tai Cheong broiled then fried with wine and chung. Wah, dem shiok osso whack this. "No smell wan!", claimed Harry.
Secondly came the wild boar curry. Sapu clean aa. Puppy was caught milum-ing the chaap.
You guys saw haam-chung eat wild boar or not? This self-proclaimed Chicken King was relishing this boar and sucking the curry from the bones. Look at how he squint when doing the sucking motion. Wild boar taste nicer when on the bone. Juicy and tender. But lots of splintered bones though.
Next up was the 4-legged snake in thick curry sauce. Bender was caught scooping up the curry. The actual name is (nope, not iguana, not big lizard, nope not gecko, komoda dragon or all that sh1tte) is 4 -legged snake in Cantonese terms. It has a tough texture where the meat is sealed tighly with the bones. I guess the actual flavour is not really that good as it was cooked in curry to disguise something.
This chicken essence arrived first before the froggy. Ok, it's a toad. Nope it was not the size a chicken drumstick but suffice to taste the fresh succulent taste of froggy legs.Definitely this was one of the best dishes I enjoyed most that night. The chicken essence did it's job in bringing out the moist or otherwise tender and "off the bone". These froggy are relatively young but these are wild froggies mind you. So they are still tender and the texture is like calf meant compared to an old cow.
Mind the picture as this was taken very quickly and the shake was unavoidable. This has to be my favourite for the night. A wild black tilapia of about 800gms. No taste of mud. I was told that this is reared on the river where the fishie cannot swim to the river bottom and hence no mud taste.
The texture of the fish was flaky and extremely sweet lingering aftertaste (It was still flapping mad when I took this picture). It was also done right where the fish is steamed to the right heat then placed with hot oil and garnishing. When it landed onto the table, it was JUST right.
I believe that if the prawns are fresh, no matter how you cook it - it will taste good. This is the case with the big-headed prawns steamed with salty egg-whites. Good I must say the salty egg-white is the only way to go - not the usual egg whites.
Next comes CK (Chicken King)'s dish. It is the eunuch chicken otherwise knowns as Pondan Chicken referred to by Harry. Honestly I have not seen such a big chicken before. The skin is white in colour(!) and atop the 4kg chicken is some friend garlic oil. There's two sauces, chilly wz garlic and garlic with ginger oil. The texture of the skin is crunchy and the testure of the meat is quite tough. If you look at the meat structure and the colour, it is a dark meat.
I have some some research on it and it is called capons. A capon is a castrated male chicken. Surgical caponising (complete removal of both testes) is performed when the chicken is 2 to 4 weeks old. Capons are marketed at 15 to 18 weeks, commercial broiler chickens at six to eight weeks, and roasters in about eight weeks.Caponisation produces a bird prized for its tenderness, and takes the stringiness out of a male chicken's meat. But the operation is a major and painful one to remove internal organs. The bird is first taken off food and water, then given antibiotics, but there can still be complications such as air pockets appearing, and cannibalization by other chickens. Because of cruelty issues, capons are illegal in the UK, but they remain a traditional food for festive occasions in some other countries including Malaysia (Malangsia BOlehhhhh!)
Next up was the Soon Hock. It was a usual fare but the chef used a slighly better soy sauce, slightly thicker than usual. You see puffy face meat? Gua sapu liao!
Taking a breather after all the makaning and sapuing. So burped up and "sextisfied", better than sex someone told me. More Danish Crowns and British Bulldogs. We had almost 20 bottles for the 10 of us. The chef and a friend later joined us. Ah Cheong and Yvonne joined us much earlier but did not really ate much. Chef are picky little eaters.
Hobbes was struggling to walk out with an versize belly to join us for some fresh air. It rained and brought a whole pile of negative ions. Would be best to stay the night if not for this Ah Beng-kor below was not to go back home to cook the the fillings for the dumplings. By the way, where is my dumplings?And if not for this Ah Beng below also whom failed to fake a car breakdown, we would have stayed another night where Ah Cheong can bring us to the wet market, do some fishing and dive into a fresh river pond. Ah Beng, next time I drive ok?
Had some 4 legged snake soup which was extremely sweet and *hic* ... when mixed with chinese "Kwai Fa" liquor. Fantabulustic! I had 2 bowls!
Later we had a sultan fish which was a kamsi-kamsa taste. Oh, we had some paku friend in belachan too but you know la, kamsi kamsa things I won't take pictures.We later bade farewell to Ah Cheong, Yvonne, the chef and his friend and drove back to KL around 3.45am. Oh by the way, Waja driver seat is definitely BIGGER than Seifeiloh.
What a hearty meal and great company that was. Nice!
Sumbags will do it again some day.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Chloe, you made me so proud
My Chloe is only 5 years of age and yet she have demonstrated to me the enthusiam and the commitment to her team. She cheered loudly with gusto, she bodily gestured every lyrical cheer she was supposedly to and jumped and leaped as high as she could. What a sight to behold! My Chloe have the makings of a good team member. May she continue to have such good spririts when barriers and troubles thrown at her when my Chloe comes of age.I am very strict with her and screams at her when she refuse to listen to Kelly. I know, I know. I must excercise patience and abundance of it. She is my first born and as a dad like any other dads, I am extremely proud of her when she scores the highest marks in her whole class or brought home a repost card full of A's. It is not obvious that I only wanted the best for her? OK, sometimes the best for Kelly too.
Chloe was once categorised by a child phychologist (in some seminars to bring out the best in children) as an Alpha Female. Gosh I hope she would at least listen to Kelly when I am old, senile and sick. She likes giving instructions without she realiasing it. She would argue and act mercilessly to get what she wants. She would frown and show a high level of distress in her face if she realise that she cannot get what she wants. My Chloe has a lot to learn and I have the work cut-out for myself.
Nevertheless, Chloe is always cheerful, happy and always ready to help (if her mood is good and provided you ask using the most polite intonation and carefully choose your words).
Photos are taken during 2009 Mayter Montessori Sports Day at Cheras Badminton Hall whwere Chloe got 1st prize in her event "Packing for School" methinks.
My Chloe, you will always be loved by your sister Abigail, mommy and daddy.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Against All Odds
What are The Odds? 
I’m not as fit when I was 24. I smoke a pack a day and drinks casually. The only exercise I am on is 2 badminton sessions a week. I’m at 88kgs and have not lifted any barbell since my uni-days. Climbing the office stairs from 9th to 10th floor is a stiffling experience each time I do that.
And I forgot to bring some essential of items for the climb - my lucky charm, my spiked shoes meant for futsal, instant noodles & extra clothes At times, I was totally devastated and angry with myself not having to check and re-check my gear. Be paranoia, check your gear!
And my luck was not with me. My bag broke it’s harness at the Park HQ and my batteries went flat FAST during the final attack to the summit.
And I have neither a good sleep for weeks nor the mental preparation as my thoughts lie with the company’s business that will be effected with the current financial meltdown.
The mental preparation starts on the same hour when Ricky swing by early in a cab at 0610 hrs on 24/10 to KLIA. I realise I must not underestimate the climb.
I knew my odds recently in the office pool, it was 10 : 1 for me to make it to the top.
Getting to the Kinabalu Park HQ
Reached BKI after an uneventful MH flight with the another 11 fellow climbers - mostly my colleagues. A little introduction - Ricky at 55 years of age, Rahman my drinking buddy and wife Shirley, Suen Po and boyfriend James, Maya with her friend Mina, Helen the experienced climber of the lot who made it to Nagasari Peak in Nepal weeks ago, Sue Hwey who window-shops as exercise, Alex who went to Fitness First for the sole purpose to make the climb and our dive instructor, Lawrence. Our Chef’ de mission is none other than Helen Lim who have been dedicated in organising most of the arrangements and a seasoned climber on the Summit Trail.
We met up with our colleagues in BKI and had the most wonderful lunch - Sang Nyuk mee. Sorry Rahman, pork soup
was much more satisfying than mee soto! Got to know James and Sue Hwey a bit better. Took some shots for the blog I am co-authoring too.
We bought things from a mini-mart that includes out staple diet - Cloud 9. What co-incidence, Super 9 consist of 9 staff from Reliance! I am not a sweet tooth but the caramel chocolaty taste sure pack a punch by providing the required energy. Bought a few tinnies of Guiness and drank it the same night too. Bought another 3 cans of Livita recommended by Lawrence for the climb.
The drive was quite interesting, for every 2-3kms or so in the 2 hour van ride to Park HQ, you see signboards staing there is a Catholic Church somewhere. It it when my thoughts went astray if I should be more faithful or should I join a theology classs rather than economics and make meself a pastor. Hah! Fat hopes.
We pit-stopped by at Nabalu Park and went into shopping mode. I am not into shopping but I
love spending time and talking to the locals. There was this young mother with a 1 year old daughter named Princess. Same age with Abigail but she looks much more chubby. She’s a Kadazan Dusun. Helen got herself a bargain T-shirt at RM22 from RM38 as RRRP. Wanted to get one for Kelly too but I though since we’re heading back the same way, I might as well reserve some energy to lug the lousy piece of t-shirt around. It is nice, black baby tee with gold trimmings and letterings depicting Mount Kinabalu as a Unesco World Heritage site. http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1012 
Oh, did I mention that the Kinabalu Park is bigger than Singapore? That it is the largest, tallest and highest via ferrata in Planet Earth? That it has the largest collection of flora and fauna than the whole of Africa continent combined? That’s apart from that it has the largest flower and only place where you see a pitcher plant too. And yes, naturally it’s the highest peak in South East Asia standing at 4,095.2m and climbs 5mm every year due to the movement in the tectonic plates. Well nature is perhaps not my cup of tea, neither is macro photography too despite me bringing my trusty outdated Canon Rebel. I am more worried about the climb ahead of the team and me.
Land Where Fairies Dwell
We arrived after a short nap at the Park HQ to pre-register ourselves, cross check our names on our certificate (if we ever make the summit) and had an overview on how far we are going to climb.
Then we proceeded 1.5km to Fairy Garden Resort. The view from the room is simply breathless at 1,500m above sea level. How I wish Kelly and the girls are here to share this view. Some warm buttery scones and a cuppa earl grey would make it even better. However, sleepless people like Shirley, Rahman, Helen, Ricky and I choose to chat away in the resort’s restaurant. Gee, I did not even know what we spoke about - it must be something engaging because we had a couple of stouts and it carried on until dinner. Standard pricing for 375ml tinnies - RM8.
Helen gave us a briefing just before we dig in. Dinner was simple chinese fare (no pork) but sufficient for us to keep us in bed without the sheets.
The resort had a few swallow making their nest, one was just nestled just at my front door. I guess the owner had no reason to shoo them away. Bird’s nest anyone? This resort is basic. Comes with hot water and toilet roll. They do not have sufficient place to store our urban wear so we had to move them to the Park HQ at RM10 per piece of luggage the next morning.
Had a good night sleep as Ricky had another barritone extraordinaire singing in his ears. Had American breakfast and a Livita. Took some extra salt to avoid cramps. Uh, and the Sabah tea is excellent with 2 full teaspoons of sugar. You need those sodium and glucose - wah, recalling my chemical class terminology liao!
Bring our your winty and your brand new shoes!
I had on a singlet on and my badminton shirt. Shorts, socks and my newbie California sandals. I knew my physical exersion will keep me warm so I was not too interested in my RM79 windbreaker. The unwanted are left at the Park HQ. My backpack weights a mere 4.5kg. Light! I gladly shared the 10kgs minimum weight with Ricky for RM80 porter fees. He will take my backpack up to Laban Rata and down. In it I have a RM6 head torch, RM1.50 gloves, 1 towel, 1 pair of socks, 1 t-shirt, camera, lip balm, a cap, an undy, a runner’s pants, Snickers, Mentos, Cloud 9s, sunglasses windbreaker and supposedly my spanking new spiked futsal shoe.
After a few snapshots, purchase of tongkats from the bus driver at RM3 per piece (alway buy a big fat sturdy one that reaches your chest), weighing in, checking of names again (I dunno how Alex you missed this again) and distribution of passes - we went into the bus to move into Timpohon Gate about 1.5km away. Good! 1.5km walk waived!
Walter our chief guide briefed us at Timpohon on the trail and he was right to in his weather forecast that it will rain. Behind the group was another guide Vincent and the 2 porters - Ringgit and Rosie. Yes, a female porter standing at 5’ 3” - she is probably in her prime at 23 years of age. My useless backpack which I bought brand new for RM39 at Jucso coulds not handle its weight and the harness broke. Thankfully, Vincent who was carrying my bag is another McGyver like meself. (cheh!)
Helen the Goddess
Off we went Helen leading the way and I was somewhere in the middle of the pack. Then it began to rain. The 1st km up to Kandis Shelter was filled with unheard voices, “Why did you do this Funky? Are you mad? You are heavily panting and sweating, turn back while you are not too far from the gate - NOW...” The voices are telling the truth. I struggle on after 3 minutes at Kandis and headed onto Ubah Shelter.
There I was already soaking wet (luckily not wearing any undy!) And waited for Vincent so I can puit my RM79 windbreaker on. I waited for a good 10 minutes but he’s still not here. Helen gave me her rain cost and I obliged this Goddess. Someone in our group puked and was in the verge of giving up at this stage. I urged him on.
It was sick voices again to Lowii Shelter for lunch. “Who would want to climb this mountain? You and your competitive spirit? How far can it get you? What do you intend to achieve my doing this? What and who are you trying to prove to?” Shrugging the voices off, I did my best to urge Lawrence, Alex and Mina who was struggling.
By the way, lunch was catered for by the Balsam Restaurant at the Park HQ. It was 100 Plus, bottled water, 4 pieces of sandwhiches, 2 spring rolls, an apple and a piece of fried chicken. It cost me additional RM8 to bring the lunch pack to Lowii. I had 2 pieces of sandwiches, 2 apples (one from Ricky Martin) and gulped down another Livita and 100 Plus. I need food on a consistent basis, not the quantity. The late comers are given applause to forge ahead. This is where the real men gave up their backpack to the porters as cramps and exhaustion kicks in.
There I returned the raincoat to Helen who obviously needed it more than me and I took my windbreaker from Vincent. At this stage, I was buck naked in except for the windbreaker. My singlet and t-shirt was just too wet. Wrong time to climb. The best period to climb I later understood was Jan to April. Sorry about the raincost Helen, there was a small tear and wind was just kept ripping it off - just like mad women craving for my body (hah!)
Speedy Gonzales
I moved on with James, Maya and Helen infront of me. I begin learning from Helen how to walk up a staircase - always choose the longest possible steps without lifting your legs too high on the stairs. Helen went slow and as I reached Mempening when I saw James and Maya removing their backpacks. “You should stop. Take a rest. Look at you, you need to sit and unwind, besides, you’re too fast” I bade them goodluck and surge ahead past Villosa and Paka Shelter. I took a break when I almost reach Waras Resthouse and admire the trail from above. Initially, I thought that Waras Resthouse was Laban Rata but to my dismay, another 300 metres. I was suffering from exhaustion when I reached the steps to Laban Rata resthouse at 2.30pm.
I opened the swing door like like a cowboy open the barn door to the saloon.
Fellow climbers are busy exchanging stories. I was totally drenched as I walked up to the reception and register myself. I did not know I wasn’t staying therewhen I told them I wanted to check-in. Great! I’m early and I don’t have any clothes to change intoa dn don't have a single sen to buy me a cuppa tea or hot water at the very least. I found meself sitting across the barn door where I froze each time it opened. Took of my sandals and my mud soaked socks and knocked myself out for the next 30 minutes. Syuen Po walked in and I gleefully identify myself in the mad crowd of dozen climbers. She bought me a cup of hot water and I enjoyed every slurp. She told me that James and Maya was ahead. I was proven correct subsequently as I suspected they went all the way to Gunting Lagadan where we will be staying the night.
Nightmare after at Gunting Lagadan
The whole team trooped in slightly after 4pm where we waited for dinner to be served at 6pm. Thanks Shirley for the warmth of your clean sheets in your special room in Laban Rata Resthouse. Dinner was ample and sufficient. Bidding Rahman and Shirley adieu and promise to see each other tommorrow at 2.30am tommorrow for the final attack, we left for Gunting Lagadan where we spent a night in this no-nonsense “resthouse”. This is a bloody shack and it was filled to the brim. There I discovered that I did not bring my spiked futsal shoes and was pretty devastated. Then I called Rahman to order a pair of size 42 Fung Keong 100% Malaysian Rubber Shoe. “No 42 lar, largest one 40 niah”, quipped Rahman over the phone (Yes 012 works here - fooohbarrrrr!!!) Buy! Don’t care sh&t!
I had trouble sleeping after a buffalo wash (mandi kerbau) and got everyone to agree the lights off time is at 9pm latest. I checked my gear, had a smoke and got very worried about my if the FK shoe fits and I paced around the shack circa 10 pm. I had an anxiety attack. I was quite mad at Ricky flickering his headlamp above me on the bunker bed - I believe he was a bit worried himself too. Sorry Ricky-o. I was tossing and turning. The bed is awful. It’s small and the bed seem to had Mr Rhino and Ms Elle as guest before me - the middle of the bed is droops down.
Then I heard some rickety planky noises and check with Ricky what time it was. “It’s 1.45 and you can be awake now” Ricky chirped. I did not sleep. Or so I thought. Syuen, James and Ricky resounding said, “You slept the most lar!” Heheh.... I guess I was snoring away. What a give-away!
Prayers Answered by Shirley
James was put to duty by boiling the water and we had 4 noodles in the cups waiting for us - thnaks, you are such a trooper. Don whatever I have and marched out to the kitchen to have oodles of goodness. Went for a smoke in pitch black darkness while waiting for the gang from Laban Rata. I was pacing and my heart was racing, wondering if Rahman will ever bring the shoe and will it be the right size for me. I headed back into the room as the resthouse was now filled with anxiety filled climber. As I trodded back...”KC!” As I turned back, Shirley tugged me my FK shoe and a bottle of charged water. “Bless you Shirley!” And what do you know? Perfect fit!
Then Helen started to number us. It was Walter to go first, Maya, Sue Hwey. your scribe, Suen Po.... Etc” Ok, let’s do this as a team.
Like Rambo strampping on his piece, I did mine with my DSLR shooter. Turning on my headlamp and with my new found confidence, the 1st 50 steps up the stairways just outside the resthouse was horrendous. I had to have some water which Maya helped me carry. Sue Hwey was not doing too well. Despite our encouragement, she turned back. A little later I found out Lawrence had to turn back too. No shame in that bro.
Our pace was slow and we knew the the last 2.5km is ardous and extremely dangerous. The 2.5km stretch will have no vegetation besides some tough grasess and we will be on ledges of clift walls. Adding onto that, that fateful morning wind was howling mad and we were experiencing horizontal rain! The slope is slippery and we were bone wet and cold.
Worse Ever Climb Conditions
As much as possible, I encouraged my team along the way helping them eventhough I find it difficult to help myself. I reported myself Sayat-sayat the last check-point before the summit. While having a smoke in the crowded shelter, a guide who was sharing a light with me told me that he had not seen such bad weather in his 3 years of guiding. I am honestly very surprised that the Park Ranger allow us to go through despite the worse ever weather conditions.
NO, WE MUST GO and WE GO NOW
I wanted to wait for the group by Rahman asked me to continue and lead those infront. Walter was not in sight so I muster the group uphill - my gloves are completey wet by now and I know will will start to lose body warmth if I were to wait for the rest of the team, I had to move on, exert some energy and return some heat. Sorry guys, I just had to move on. And move fast. Despite urging the gang, some just could not move - so I did this favour to myself and moved on with Maya surging ahead past many fellow climbers who were in our way. Although we took our breathe every 20-30 paces but we were quick. After a good 20 minutes while taking a breather, Vincent caught up with us and briefed us on the scenario. He asked Maya and me to turn back with this worsening weather conditions. I was adamant and said a firm “NO, WE MUST GO and WE GO NOW” Picking my weight up not even wanting to look at Vincent, I pushed both Maya and Vincent up. Vincent was holding onto Maya hands and me just half a step back. Step by step we pace - no more than 1 feet each step we took. We huddled together everytime the wind howls past us or every 10 paces. Most of the time, I was shouting for breaks. Very vividly in my mind, Vincent had to shout BREAK or prolong the break period of 3 seconds.
I trudge each step of the way forward, following Vincent’s footsteps, never looking more than 2 paces infront of me. If I were to look, my heart will sink as there is a big boulder after this immediate boulder infront of me. It was scary but I knew if I were to give up so easily, I will fail myself - I have to reach the pinnacle, the summit.
There were times where Vincent took us away from the slower crowd and led us in the opposite. direction of the rope that serves as a guide. Looking back, I was quite amazed how my FK shoe held onto the steep slopes. We struggled each and every step of the way. Fighting cold, wind, fatique, thin air, horizontal rain that pounds on your face, wobbly knees, aching feet, collapsing lungs. I believe our minds are singular in objective that is to reach the summit at all cost.
The Final Attack
Closer now to the summit at 100 metres and still in pitch black, we started to see climbers coming down from the summit and moving downhill. A gwailo pat me on the back and said, “Not far, go on and fight”. Yeah man. Fight it and conquer it.
We saw the 50 metre line and looked up. Darn, dozens of climbers are on the way to the small summit lesst than 10 metres of real estate. Vincent got thinking and he asked both of us to follow him around the South approach where there is less climbers. Bigger boulders and more dangerous. Then... As I make my way up the 2 signboards....We made it! We made it!
I made it!
It was exhilirating and I can feel how Edmund Hillary felt when he conquered Mt Everest. Total bliss and satisfaction at 6.00 am on 26/10. Such joy. Besides, witnessing the birth of my daughters and my bungee jump in Skipper’s Canyon, this is the next best thing.
No time for feelings though. I took my camera out and started snapping away - as if there were great views. Zilch. The sun was not even up yet. I quickly plough a way for Maya to come up to the summit and started taking pictures. Also asked a fellow climber that our photos be taken. Very kind of them. Then dozens of climbers started muscling their way to the top before me and Maya hooked up with Vincent and found an alternative way down. We met Alex after a 30 metre descent and he was found panting away. Then James. Then Ricky who is trying to work the rope up to a steep boulder. Further down the south face, we saw Rahman, Ricky and Helen resting by a wayward boulder trying to defend themselves from the wind. I guess I left everyone there as
I made a hasty retreat downwards powering a 2 hour descend down to Gunting Lagadan. Thanks Maya for storing my DSLR in your backpack.
Blistering Way Down an Even More Dangerous Stretch
On the way down, I was very concious about injury despite my power descent. Ask any climbers - most of the injury occurs when descending. I used a lot of ropes and used all my fours to manage this risk of freefalling. My toes hurt as the decline was steep, some at even more than 45degrees. Blister started to develop but I had no time to check. At Sayat-sayat, I checked out with the ranger and had a drink and a smoke compliments to the Bank Muamalat boys.
Then I literally ran all the way downhill “naked” with my FK supergrip. Upon reaching Gunting Lagadan, I strip naked and bath in hot water. To my dismay, the hot water ran out while I was checking out my blisters in the shower. Darn! My teeth was chatterring away (with no one to talk too!) while I put on my damp shorts and a blanket. Lawrence was awake and we chat. Thanks dude for the plasties and power bar.
Then came the rest of the troop half a good hour later. We had so many stories to tell. I chatted with Vincent and Walter and got to know them better. Just before breakfast at Laban Rata guesthouse, I gave my FK shoes to Ringgit our porter who had the same feet domensions with me. I no longer had any clothes. It was shorts, windreaker (no shirts again), sandals and tongkat all the way down after breaky. I went with Lawrence and Sue Hwey as they were fast in descending but they slowed down quite a fair bit. I’m sorry guys, I had to run down though raining - I’m in bitter cold!
Play Fast, Sleep Fast and Eat Fast
I reached Timpohon Gate at 2.30pm and played a dead duck. Slept for 30 mins and convinced the a bus driver for a free ride to the Park HQ and waited for the gang at Balsam while chomping down a bowl of pasta bolognaise.
The gang came down circa 4pm and it was reported to be true, there was a lot of injury while descending. James was helping Syuen Po and Maya was helping Mina. My utmost respect to James and Maya who cares for their friends. Hey! I will do the same if I am in thermal weather suits. Don’t bother asking if I will wait for my wife. Because it will be a cold day in h3ll before she even set foot in BKI!
Winding Down
We went back to BKI and bypassed Nabalu Park. Headed out for dinner at Oceans which is 100 metres of where we stayed. Promenade Marina Court methinks. Good seafood, cold beer and great company. Flew back after breaky with Lawrence the next morning while the rest of the gang headed to a Filipino market. Oh, I bought some oysters, scallop and sea cucumber from the airport T1. Cheap! RM133 for 2 kgs of seafood. This comes with promises to Kelly with a good meal with mne doing the cooking and washing - NOT!
A Humbling Experience
It has been a harrowing experience where Mother Nature can truly unleash it’s fury. Meseems a small bug living in the ocean where God taketh and giveth. A fact I will carry until my end of days.
I am humbled by the fact on how the locals makes their ringgits portering our materialistic comforts where they do not have too many. The little sharing of thoughts and candies with porters of 15 years of age reminds me of how easy I have got through school. My hats off to the guides and porters of Mount Kinabalu. Tabiks!
I hope that many will follow the footsteps of 50,000 who have succesfully scaled Mt Kinabalu and I am glad to be part of the number. I will challenge my kids to scale the heights and find out what sort of mettle they are made of. Will I do it again? Certainly not. I’m gunning for something more chalenging - like taking a dip in Poring Hot Springs or closer to home - gardening where my choice of beverage is just a few feet away in my fridge.
As to why I climb this mountain? Initially it’s because I have to find how far my mental and physical conditions can take me. Now it’s a mere joy of personal self-satisfaction.
Little meaningful thank you I want to express onto
Helen for loaning me her raincoat during the early stages of the climb. For her amplified responsibilities towards each one of us as a seasoned climber and our Chef ‘de mission. For her dedication to the cause and her superb organising skills.
Lawrence for his plasters for the blisters. And making us all look extremely good! Yeah man!
Sue Hwey for her Yoko. And making us look cultured as she do her laundry in Balsam Restaurant.
Maya for bring up my half bottle of water up the summit. And my shooter down to Laban Rata. Wonderful partner as usual in this climb as per our partnership in the badminton competition.
Suen Po for loaning me RM1 for the hot water I bought from Laban Rata while waiting for my porter to turn up with my wallet. And his boyfriend James who have been a trooper in our ghastly demands.
Shirley and Rahman for charging my water supply, buying that Fung Keong shoes and bring them up from Laban Rata to Genting Lagadan. You rock!
Alex for allowing me to think that Fitness First sarrk big time and it is of no use to run on treatmills. Sorry dude for leaving you to descend Sayat-sayat alone but you are too slow and I am freaking cold!
Ricky for loaning me RM10 each for the extra tip for my guide Vincent.
To my guide Vincent. Syabas! Kita berjaya! God bless you and your family.
Everyone helped each other. Like in any disaster, everyone throw in what they could spare and it tends to brings out the best in each person.
I also believe the common bond we have as Super 9 and Cloud 9 have made us more trusting on one another despite our ages, seniority and beliefs.
Mucho obrigato amigos!
Cammaderie
The following were fellow climbers I managed to chat up with.
Keningau trainee teachers - who would forget your doa selamat at Gunting Lagadan?
Bank Muamalat from KUL - for the smokes and water supply.
Post Malaysia Selangor - for making us look sooooo good!
Scottish climber complaints of the weather is worse than in Scotland!
Dutch printing firm - rah rah rah.... Unbelievable optimism.
Hongkong lady Candy who had no gear, no company and no will. Will not sleep with Lawrence again!
Japanese couple in their 60’s
Dissapointed young dutchman who took our photo in Laban Rata
Singaporean chap who shared a cigi after mine got all wet.
An obnoxious and moronic Stinkapurian who muscled his way into a shelter - shame on you! No bad manners should prevail in this sacred mountain.
Route via Summit Trail
Park HQ 0km
Timpohon Gate
Kandis Shelter
Ubah Shelter
Lowii Shelter
Mempening Shelter
Villosa Shelter
Paka Shelter
Laban Rata 6km -Waras Resthouse
Laban Rata Resthouse
Gunting Lagadan
Edge of vegetation
Summit 8.8km
Must Bring
Never lose your pass!
Everything gets wet down to the bone.
Bring a windbreaker (that comes with a hood). This replaces all needs for ponchos or raincoats which tears easily during the climb. Mine’s a South Korean made windbreaker at discount for RM79 at Sharafali’s that dries off easily. Real life saver.
A pair of gloves made in China, there is no nessity to dunk RM200 for a pair of thermal and wet resistant gloves.
A high quality haversack, the last thing you want is a broken strap. It does not really matter as the porter will be carrying your spanking brand new North Face haversack.
A pair of high quality California sandals for your descent from Laban Rata to Timpohon. Else you toes will thank you openly for it.
Knee support E-bene works the best for weak and wobbly knees when descending
Fung Keong rubber shoe with rubber spikes
Energy food - keep on eating, you’ll need it. Forget healthy energy bars like full grain, wholemeal etc. stick to Cloud 9, Snickers, Raisin, Livita, Mentos
Rehydrating oral salts to avoid cramps. Works wonderfully well.
Deep heat rubs (with something you can rub onto your body)
Headlight (got mine at RM3.80)
Shorts with lining (no nessity to wear underpants as it gets wet) that dries up quick like those from Arena.
Cap - reflective if possible. Wear the cap before the hood else your cap will fly off.
Don’t wear long johns. It will wear you down and slows your place down. Your exertion will keep you warm.
No necessity to bring your own toilet paper, creature comforts provided.
Don’t keep drinking water. It weighs you down. Take small sips at a lenghty interval, say 1 hour one sip.
Keep going. Your body is not your temple! It is a bio-mechanical humanoid, it will cool down once it is put to rest. Think about starting your car engine after you rested it in a cold winter.
Maxis works. GPRS only, forget about Edge, 3G and HSDPA. Celcom works too.
Keep your lithium iron batteries warm. Cold weather knocks off the battery fast. And place silica gel in your camera casing (if it matters at all).
Don’t shower. The surface of dirt and grime is a al-natural thermal insulator.
Everyone is filled with anxiety. Join the bandwagon - there’s nothing you can do about it and wait for the next climb.
Way of the Walk
Contrary to the belief of swinging your arms to get the momentum to move and to balance oneself), it will burn your precious carbs off quick. Keep you hands to yourself and keep the momentum up.
Walk small steps, do not step too high, find the right stone to step on to. 2 steps across the same step by walking from left to right rather than an upright upward step saves you precious energy. During the last stages of attacking the summit, breathe-in on one leg and exhale on your nest step. This drives consistency. Do not stop and sit. If you need to, stop for 10 seconds - standing.
Don’t stinge on porters. It’s worth every dime. Your 5kg bag will weight twice or three time the weight after just 1 km. If you plan to pass it onto your guide midway during the climb, you can do so. Still at RM80 per 10kgs.
Stick with your mountain guide for the last league of the climb. They motivate you. In my case, I motivated him despite the adverse weather conditions. (Hah!)
I’m not as fit when I was 24. I smoke a pack a day and drinks casually. The only exercise I am on is 2 badminton sessions a week. I’m at 88kgs and have not lifted any barbell since my uni-days. Climbing the office stairs from 9th to 10th floor is a stiffling experience each time I do that.
And I forgot to bring some essential of items for the climb - my lucky charm, my spiked shoes meant for futsal, instant noodles & extra clothes At times, I was totally devastated and angry with myself not having to check and re-check my gear. Be paranoia, check your gear!
And my luck was not with me. My bag broke it’s harness at the Park HQ and my batteries went flat FAST during the final attack to the summit.
And I have neither a good sleep for weeks nor the mental preparation as my thoughts lie with the company’s business that will be effected with the current financial meltdown.
The mental preparation starts on the same hour when Ricky swing by early in a cab at 0610 hrs on 24/10 to KLIA. I realise I must not underestimate the climb.
I knew my odds recently in the office pool, it was 10 : 1 for me to make it to the top.
Getting to the Kinabalu Park HQ
Reached BKI after an uneventful MH flight with the another 11 fellow climbers - mostly my colleagues. A little introduction - Ricky at 55 years of age, Rahman my drinking buddy and wife Shirley, Suen Po and boyfriend James, Maya with her friend Mina, Helen the experienced climber of the lot who made it to Nagasari Peak in Nepal weeks ago, Sue Hwey who window-shops as exercise, Alex who went to Fitness First for the sole purpose to make the climb and our dive instructor, Lawrence. Our Chef’ de mission is none other than Helen Lim who have been dedicated in organising most of the arrangements and a seasoned climber on the Summit Trail.
We met up with our colleagues in BKI and had the most wonderful lunch - Sang Nyuk mee. Sorry Rahman, pork soup
was much more satisfying than mee soto! Got to know James and Sue Hwey a bit better. Took some shots for the blog I am co-authoring too.We bought things from a mini-mart that includes out staple diet - Cloud 9. What co-incidence, Super 9 consist of 9 staff from Reliance! I am not a sweet tooth but the caramel chocolaty taste sure pack a punch by providing the required energy. Bought a few tinnies of Guiness and drank it the same night too. Bought another 3 cans of Livita recommended by Lawrence for the climb.
The drive was quite interesting, for every 2-3kms or so in the 2 hour van ride to Park HQ, you see signboards staing there is a Catholic Church somewhere. It it when my thoughts went astray if I should be more faithful or should I join a theology classs rather than economics and make meself a pastor. Hah! Fat hopes.
We pit-stopped by at Nabalu Park and went into shopping mode. I am not into shopping but I
love spending time and talking to the locals. There was this young mother with a 1 year old daughter named Princess. Same age with Abigail but she looks much more chubby. She’s a Kadazan Dusun. Helen got herself a bargain T-shirt at RM22 from RM38 as RRRP. Wanted to get one for Kelly too but I though since we’re heading back the same way, I might as well reserve some energy to lug the lousy piece of t-shirt around. It is nice, black baby tee with gold trimmings and letterings depicting Mount Kinabalu as a Unesco World Heritage site. http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1012 
Oh, did I mention that the Kinabalu Park is bigger than Singapore? That it is the largest, tallest and highest via ferrata in Planet Earth? That it has the largest collection of flora and fauna than the whole of Africa continent combined? That’s apart from that it has the largest flower and only place where you see a pitcher plant too. And yes, naturally it’s the highest peak in South East Asia standing at 4,095.2m and climbs 5mm every year due to the movement in the tectonic plates. Well nature is perhaps not my cup of tea, neither is macro photography too despite me bringing my trusty outdated Canon Rebel. I am more worried about the climb ahead of the team and me.
Land Where Fairies Dwell
We arrived after a short nap at the Park HQ to pre-register ourselves, cross check our names on our certificate (if we ever make the summit) and had an overview on how far we are going to climb.
Then we proceeded 1.5km to Fairy Garden Resort. The view from the room is simply breathless at 1,500m above sea level. How I wish Kelly and the girls are here to share this view. Some warm buttery scones and a cuppa earl grey would make it even better. However, sleepless people like Shirley, Rahman, Helen, Ricky and I choose to chat away in the resort’s restaurant. Gee, I did not even know what we spoke about - it must be something engaging because we had a couple of stouts and it carried on until dinner. Standard pricing for 375ml tinnies - RM8.
Helen gave us a briefing just before we dig in. Dinner was simple chinese fare (no pork) but sufficient for us to keep us in bed without the sheets.
The resort had a few swallow making their nest, one was just nestled just at my front door. I guess the owner had no reason to shoo them away. Bird’s nest anyone? This resort is basic. Comes with hot water and toilet roll. They do not have sufficient place to store our urban wear so we had to move them to the Park HQ at RM10 per piece of luggage the next morning.
Had a good night sleep as Ricky had another barritone extraordinaire singing in his ears. Had American breakfast and a Livita. Took some extra salt to avoid cramps. Uh, and the Sabah tea is excellent with 2 full teaspoons of sugar. You need those sodium and glucose - wah, recalling my chemical class terminology liao!
Bring our your winty and your brand new shoes!
I had on a singlet on and my badminton shirt. Shorts, socks and my newbie California sandals. I knew my physical exersion will keep me warm so I was not too interested in my RM79 windbreaker. The unwanted are left at the Park HQ. My backpack weights a mere 4.5kg. Light! I gladly shared the 10kgs minimum weight with Ricky for RM80 porter fees. He will take my backpack up to Laban Rata and down. In it I have a RM6 head torch, RM1.50 gloves, 1 towel, 1 pair of socks, 1 t-shirt, camera, lip balm, a cap, an undy, a runner’s pants, Snickers, Mentos, Cloud 9s, sunglasses windbreaker and supposedly my spanking new spiked futsal shoe.
After a few snapshots, purchase of tongkats from the bus driver at RM3 per piece (alway buy a big fat sturdy one that reaches your chest), weighing in, checking of names again (I dunno how Alex you missed this again) and distribution of passes - we went into the bus to move into Timpohon Gate about 1.5km away. Good! 1.5km walk waived!Walter our chief guide briefed us at Timpohon on the trail and he was right to in his weather forecast that it will rain. Behind the group was another guide Vincent and the 2 porters - Ringgit and Rosie. Yes, a female porter standing at 5’ 3” - she is probably in her prime at 23 years of age. My useless backpack which I bought brand new for RM39 at Jucso coulds not handle its weight and the harness broke. Thankfully, Vincent who was carrying my bag is another McGyver like meself. (cheh!)
Helen the Goddess
Off we went Helen leading the way and I was somewhere in the middle of the pack. Then it began to rain. The 1st km up to Kandis Shelter was filled with unheard voices, “Why did you do this Funky? Are you mad? You are heavily panting and sweating, turn back while you are not too far from the gate - NOW...” The voices are telling the truth. I struggle on after 3 minutes at Kandis and headed onto Ubah Shelter.
There I was already soaking wet (luckily not wearing any undy!) And waited for Vincent so I can puit my RM79 windbreaker on. I waited for a good 10 minutes but he’s still not here. Helen gave me her rain cost and I obliged this Goddess. Someone in our group puked and was in the verge of giving up at this stage. I urged him on.It was sick voices again to Lowii Shelter for lunch. “Who would want to climb this mountain? You and your competitive spirit? How far can it get you? What do you intend to achieve my doing this? What and who are you trying to prove to?” Shrugging the voices off, I did my best to urge Lawrence, Alex and Mina who was struggling.
By the way, lunch was catered for by the Balsam Restaurant at the Park HQ. It was 100 Plus, bottled water, 4 pieces of sandwhiches, 2 spring rolls, an apple and a piece of fried chicken. It cost me additional RM8 to bring the lunch pack to Lowii. I had 2 pieces of sandwiches, 2 apples (one from Ricky Martin) and gulped down another Livita and 100 Plus. I need food on a consistent basis, not the quantity. The late comers are given applause to forge ahead. This is where the real men gave up their backpack to the porters as cramps and exhaustion kicks in.
There I returned the raincoat to Helen who obviously needed it more than me and I took my windbreaker from Vincent. At this stage, I was buck naked in except for the windbreaker. My singlet and t-shirt was just too wet. Wrong time to climb. The best period to climb I later understood was Jan to April. Sorry about the raincost Helen, there was a small tear and wind was just kept ripping it off - just like mad women craving for my body (hah!)
Speedy Gonzales
I moved on with James, Maya and Helen infront of me. I begin learning from Helen how to walk up a staircase - always choose the longest possible steps without lifting your legs too high on the stairs. Helen went slow and as I reached Mempening when I saw James and Maya removing their backpacks. “You should stop. Take a rest. Look at you, you need to sit and unwind, besides, you’re too fast” I bade them goodluck and surge ahead past Villosa and Paka Shelter. I took a break when I almost reach Waras Resthouse and admire the trail from above. Initially, I thought that Waras Resthouse was Laban Rata but to my dismay, another 300 metres. I was suffering from exhaustion when I reached the steps to Laban Rata resthouse at 2.30pm.I opened the swing door like like a cowboy open the barn door to the saloon.
Fellow climbers are busy exchanging stories. I was totally drenched as I walked up to the reception and register myself. I did not know I wasn’t staying therewhen I told them I wanted to check-in. Great! I’m early and I don’t have any clothes to change intoa dn don't have a single sen to buy me a cuppa tea or hot water at the very least. I found meself sitting across the barn door where I froze each time it opened. Took of my sandals and my mud soaked socks and knocked myself out for the next 30 minutes. Syuen Po walked in and I gleefully identify myself in the mad crowd of dozen climbers. She bought me a cup of hot water and I enjoyed every slurp. She told me that James and Maya was ahead. I was proven correct subsequently as I suspected they went all the way to Gunting Lagadan where we will be staying the night.Nightmare after at Gunting Lagadan
The whole team trooped in slightly after 4pm where we waited for dinner to be served at 6pm. Thanks Shirley for the warmth of your clean sheets in your special room in Laban Rata Resthouse. Dinner was ample and sufficient. Bidding Rahman and Shirley adieu and promise to see each other tommorrow at 2.30am tommorrow for the final attack, we left for Gunting Lagadan where we spent a night in this no-nonsense “resthouse”. This is a bloody shack and it was filled to the brim. There I discovered that I did not bring my spiked futsal shoes and was pretty devastated. Then I called Rahman to order a pair of size 42 Fung Keong 100% Malaysian Rubber Shoe. “No 42 lar, largest one 40 niah”, quipped Rahman over the phone (Yes 012 works here - fooohbarrrrr!!!) Buy! Don’t care sh&t!
I had trouble sleeping after a buffalo wash (mandi kerbau) and got everyone to agree the lights off time is at 9pm latest. I checked my gear, had a smoke and got very worried about my if the FK shoe fits and I paced around the shack circa 10 pm. I had an anxiety attack. I was quite mad at Ricky flickering his headlamp above me on the bunker bed - I believe he was a bit worried himself too. Sorry Ricky-o. I was tossing and turning. The bed is awful. It’s small and the bed seem to had Mr Rhino and Ms Elle as guest before me - the middle of the bed is droops down.Then I heard some rickety planky noises and check with Ricky what time it was. “It’s 1.45 and you can be awake now” Ricky chirped. I did not sleep. Or so I thought. Syuen, James and Ricky resounding said, “You slept the most lar!” Heheh.... I guess I was snoring away. What a give-away!
Prayers Answered by Shirley
James was put to duty by boiling the water and we had 4 noodles in the cups waiting for us - thnaks, you are such a trooper. Don whatever I have and marched out to the kitchen to have oodles of goodness. Went for a smoke in pitch black darkness while waiting for the gang from Laban Rata. I was pacing and my heart was racing, wondering if Rahman will ever bring the shoe and will it be the right size for me. I headed back into the room as the resthouse was now filled with anxiety filled climber. As I trodded back...”KC!” As I turned back, Shirley tugged me my FK shoe and a bottle of charged water. “Bless you Shirley!” And what do you know? Perfect fit!
Then Helen started to number us. It was Walter to go first, Maya, Sue Hwey. your scribe, Suen Po.... Etc” Ok, let’s do this as a team.
Like Rambo strampping on his piece, I did mine with my DSLR shooter. Turning on my headlamp and with my new found confidence, the 1st 50 steps up the stairways just outside the resthouse was horrendous. I had to have some water which Maya helped me carry. Sue Hwey was not doing too well. Despite our encouragement, she turned back. A little later I found out Lawrence had to turn back too. No shame in that bro.
Our pace was slow and we knew the the last 2.5km is ardous and extremely dangerous. The 2.5km stretch will have no vegetation besides some tough grasess and we will be on ledges of clift walls. Adding onto that, that fateful morning wind was howling mad and we were experiencing horizontal rain! The slope is slippery and we were bone wet and cold.
Worse Ever Climb Conditions
As much as possible, I encouraged my team along the way helping them eventhough I find it difficult to help myself. I reported myself Sayat-sayat the last check-point before the summit. While having a smoke in the crowded shelter, a guide who was sharing a light with me told me that he had not seen such bad weather in his 3 years of guiding. I am honestly very surprised that the Park Ranger allow us to go through despite the worse ever weather conditions.
NO, WE MUST GO and WE GO NOW
I wanted to wait for the group by Rahman asked me to continue and lead those infront. Walter was not in sight so I muster the group uphill - my gloves are completey wet by now and I know will will start to lose body warmth if I were to wait for the rest of the team, I had to move on, exert some energy and return some heat. Sorry guys, I just had to move on. And move fast. Despite urging the gang, some just could not move - so I did this favour to myself and moved on with Maya surging ahead past many fellow climbers who were in our way. Although we took our breathe every 20-30 paces but we were quick. After a good 20 minutes while taking a breather, Vincent caught up with us and briefed us on the scenario. He asked Maya and me to turn back with this worsening weather conditions. I was adamant and said a firm “NO, WE MUST GO and WE GO NOW” Picking my weight up not even wanting to look at Vincent, I pushed both Maya and Vincent up. Vincent was holding onto Maya hands and me just half a step back. Step by step we pace - no more than 1 feet each step we took. We huddled together everytime the wind howls past us or every 10 paces. Most of the time, I was shouting for breaks. Very vividly in my mind, Vincent had to shout BREAK or prolong the break period of 3 seconds.
I trudge each step of the way forward, following Vincent’s footsteps, never looking more than 2 paces infront of me. If I were to look, my heart will sink as there is a big boulder after this immediate boulder infront of me. It was scary but I knew if I were to give up so easily, I will fail myself - I have to reach the pinnacle, the summit.
There were times where Vincent took us away from the slower crowd and led us in the opposite. direction of the rope that serves as a guide. Looking back, I was quite amazed how my FK shoe held onto the steep slopes. We struggled each and every step of the way. Fighting cold, wind, fatique, thin air, horizontal rain that pounds on your face, wobbly knees, aching feet, collapsing lungs. I believe our minds are singular in objective that is to reach the summit at all cost.
The Final Attack
Closer now to the summit at 100 metres and still in pitch black, we started to see climbers coming down from the summit and moving downhill. A gwailo pat me on the back and said, “Not far, go on and fight”. Yeah man. Fight it and conquer it.
We saw the 50 metre line and looked up. Darn, dozens of climbers are on the way to the small summit lesst than 10 metres of real estate. Vincent got thinking and he asked both of us to follow him around the South approach where there is less climbers. Bigger boulders and more dangerous. Then... As I make my way up the 2 signboards....We made it! We made it!
I made it!
It was exhilirating and I can feel how Edmund Hillary felt when he conquered Mt Everest. Total bliss and satisfaction at 6.00 am on 26/10. Such joy. Besides, witnessing the birth of my daughters and my bungee jump in Skipper’s Canyon, this is the next best thing.No time for feelings though. I took my camera out and started snapping away - as if there were great views. Zilch. The sun was not even up yet. I quickly plough a way for Maya to come up to the summit and started taking pictures. Also asked a fellow climber that our photos be taken. Very kind of them. Then dozens of climbers started muscling their way to the top before me and Maya hooked up with Vincent and found an alternative way down. We met Alex after a 30 metre descent and he was found panting away. Then James. Then Ricky who is trying to work the rope up to a steep boulder. Further down the south face, we saw Rahman, Ricky and Helen resting by a wayward boulder trying to defend themselves from the wind. I guess I left everyone there as
I made a hasty retreat downwards powering a 2 hour descend down to Gunting Lagadan. Thanks Maya for storing my DSLR in your backpack.Blistering Way Down an Even More Dangerous Stretch
On the way down, I was very concious about injury despite my power descent. Ask any climbers - most of the injury occurs when descending. I used a lot of ropes and used all my fours to manage this risk of freefalling. My toes hurt as the decline was steep, some at even more than 45degrees. Blister started to develop but I had no time to check. At Sayat-sayat, I checked out with the ranger and had a drink and a smoke compliments to the Bank Muamalat boys.Then I literally ran all the way downhill “naked” with my FK supergrip. Upon reaching Gunting Lagadan, I strip naked and bath in hot water. To my dismay, the hot water ran out while I was checking out my blisters in the shower. Darn! My teeth was chatterring away (with no one to talk too!) while I put on my damp shorts and a blanket. Lawrence was awake and we chat. Thanks dude for the plasties and power bar.
Then came the rest of the troop half a good hour later. We had so many stories to tell. I chatted with Vincent and Walter and got to know them better. Just before breakfast at Laban Rata guesthouse, I gave my FK shoes to Ringgit our porter who had the same feet domensions with me. I no longer had any clothes. It was shorts, windreaker (no shirts again), sandals and tongkat all the way down after breaky. I went with Lawrence and Sue Hwey as they were fast in descending but they slowed down quite a fair bit. I’m sorry guys, I had to run down though raining - I’m in bitter cold!
Play Fast, Sleep Fast and Eat Fast
I reached Timpohon Gate at 2.30pm and played a dead duck. Slept for 30 mins and convinced the a bus driver for a free ride to the Park HQ and waited for the gang at Balsam while chomping down a bowl of pasta bolognaise.
The gang came down circa 4pm and it was reported to be true, there was a lot of injury while descending. James was helping Syuen Po and Maya was helping Mina. My utmost respect to James and Maya who cares for their friends. Hey! I will do the same if I am in thermal weather suits. Don’t bother asking if I will wait for my wife. Because it will be a cold day in h3ll before she even set foot in BKI!
Winding Down
We went back to BKI and bypassed Nabalu Park. Headed out for dinner at Oceans which is 100 metres of where we stayed. Promenade Marina Court methinks. Good seafood, cold beer and great company. Flew back after breaky with Lawrence the next morning while the rest of the gang headed to a Filipino market. Oh, I bought some oysters, scallop and sea cucumber from the airport T1. Cheap! RM133 for 2 kgs of seafood. This comes with promises to Kelly with a good meal with mne doing the cooking and washing - NOT!
A Humbling Experience
It has been a harrowing experience where Mother Nature can truly unleash it’s fury. Meseems a small bug living in the ocean where God taketh and giveth. A fact I will carry until my end of days.
I am humbled by the fact on how the locals makes their ringgits portering our materialistic comforts where they do not have too many. The little sharing of thoughts and candies with porters of 15 years of age reminds me of how easy I have got through school. My hats off to the guides and porters of Mount Kinabalu. Tabiks!
I hope that many will follow the footsteps of 50,000 who have succesfully scaled Mt Kinabalu and I am glad to be part of the number. I will challenge my kids to scale the heights and find out what sort of mettle they are made of. Will I do it again? Certainly not. I’m gunning for something more chalenging - like taking a dip in Poring Hot Springs or closer to home - gardening where my choice of beverage is just a few feet away in my fridge.As to why I climb this mountain? Initially it’s because I have to find how far my mental and physical conditions can take me. Now it’s a mere joy of personal self-satisfaction.
Little meaningful thank you I want to express onto
Helen for loaning me her raincoat during the early stages of the climb. For her amplified responsibilities towards each one of us as a seasoned climber and our Chef ‘de mission. For her dedication to the cause and her superb organising skills.
Lawrence for his plasters for the blisters. And making us all look extremely good! Yeah man!
Sue Hwey for her Yoko. And making us look cultured as she do her laundry in Balsam Restaurant.
Maya for bring up my half bottle of water up the summit. And my shooter down to Laban Rata. Wonderful partner as usual in this climb as per our partnership in the badminton competition.Suen Po for loaning me RM1 for the hot water I bought from Laban Rata while waiting for my porter to turn up with my wallet. And his boyfriend James who have been a trooper in our ghastly demands.
Shirley and Rahman for charging my water supply, buying that Fung Keong shoes and bring them up from Laban Rata to Genting Lagadan. You rock!
Alex for allowing me to think that Fitness First sarrk big time and it is of no use to run on treatmills. Sorry dude for leaving you to descend Sayat-sayat alone but you are too slow and I am freaking cold!
Ricky for loaning me RM10 each for the extra tip for my guide Vincent.
To my guide Vincent. Syabas! Kita berjaya! God bless you and your family.Everyone helped each other. Like in any disaster, everyone throw in what they could spare and it tends to brings out the best in each person.
I also believe the common bond we have as Super 9 and Cloud 9 have made us more trusting on one another despite our ages, seniority and beliefs.
Mucho obrigato amigos!
Cammaderie
The following were fellow climbers I managed to chat up with.
Keningau trainee teachers - who would forget your doa selamat at Gunting Lagadan?
Bank Muamalat from KUL - for the smokes and water supply.
Post Malaysia Selangor - for making us look sooooo good!
Scottish climber complaints of the weather is worse than in Scotland!
Dutch printing firm - rah rah rah.... Unbelievable optimism.
Hongkong lady Candy who had no gear, no company and no will. Will not sleep with Lawrence again!
Japanese couple in their 60’s
Dissapointed young dutchman who took our photo in Laban Rata
Singaporean chap who shared a cigi after mine got all wet.
An obnoxious and moronic Stinkapurian who muscled his way into a shelter - shame on you! No bad manners should prevail in this sacred mountain.
Route via Summit Trail
Park HQ 0km
Timpohon Gate
Kandis Shelter
Ubah Shelter
Lowii Shelter
Mempening Shelter
Villosa Shelter
Paka Shelter
Laban Rata 6km -Waras Resthouse
Laban Rata Resthouse
Gunting Lagadan
Edge of vegetation
Summit 8.8km
Must Bring
Never lose your pass!Everything gets wet down to the bone.
Bring a windbreaker (that comes with a hood). This replaces all needs for ponchos or raincoats which tears easily during the climb. Mine’s a South Korean made windbreaker at discount for RM79 at Sharafali’s that dries off easily. Real life saver.
A pair of gloves made in China, there is no nessity to dunk RM200 for a pair of thermal and wet resistant gloves.
A high quality haversack, the last thing you want is a broken strap. It does not really matter as the porter will be carrying your spanking brand new North Face haversack.
A pair of high quality California sandals for your descent from Laban Rata to Timpohon. Else you toes will thank you openly for it.
Knee support E-bene works the best for weak and wobbly knees when descending
Fung Keong rubber shoe with rubber spikes
Energy food - keep on eating, you’ll need it. Forget healthy energy bars like full grain, wholemeal etc. stick to Cloud 9, Snickers, Raisin, Livita, Mentos
Rehydrating oral salts to avoid cramps. Works wonderfully well.
Deep heat rubs (with something you can rub onto your body)
Headlight (got mine at RM3.80)
Shorts with lining (no nessity to wear underpants as it gets wet) that dries up quick like those from Arena.
Cap - reflective if possible. Wear the cap before the hood else your cap will fly off.
Don’t wear long johns. It will wear you down and slows your place down. Your exertion will keep you warm.
No necessity to bring your own toilet paper, creature comforts provided.
Don’t keep drinking water. It weighs you down. Take small sips at a lenghty interval, say 1 hour one sip.
Keep going. Your body is not your temple! It is a bio-mechanical humanoid, it will cool down once it is put to rest. Think about starting your car engine after you rested it in a cold winter.
Maxis works. GPRS only, forget about Edge, 3G and HSDPA. Celcom works too.
Keep your lithium iron batteries warm. Cold weather knocks off the battery fast. And place silica gel in your camera casing (if it matters at all).
Don’t shower. The surface of dirt and grime is a al-natural thermal insulator.
Everyone is filled with anxiety. Join the bandwagon - there’s nothing you can do about it and wait for the next climb.
Way of the Walk
Contrary to the belief of swinging your arms to get the momentum to move and to balance oneself), it will burn your precious carbs off quick. Keep you hands to yourself and keep the momentum up.
Walk small steps, do not step too high, find the right stone to step on to. 2 steps across the same step by walking from left to right rather than an upright upward step saves you precious energy. During the last stages of attacking the summit, breathe-in on one leg and exhale on your nest step. This drives consistency. Do not stop and sit. If you need to, stop for 10 seconds - standing.Don’t stinge on porters. It’s worth every dime. Your 5kg bag will weight twice or three time the weight after just 1 km. If you plan to pass it onto your guide midway during the climb, you can do so. Still at RM80 per 10kgs.
Stick with your mountain guide for the last league of the climb. They motivate you. In my case, I motivated him despite the adverse weather conditions. (Hah!)
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