Mt Kinabalu
Posted on 01.26.10 to 30 List, Friends, Personal, Travels by JoanWhat I really like about having friends in media production is – despite the fact that our schedules are so fluid and irregular, we are super efficient in tight time constraints.
Last night, my fellow producer/director friend, Kim, and I booked ourselves on a trip to climb Mt Kinabalu. We talked about it a few weeks ago, and only managed to firm things up yesterday. And we are off tomorrow evening – the shortest notice ever in my history of travel! With NO TRAINING, no less.
Click. Click. Boom! Just like that!
Anyhow, any tips are welcomed – obviously before Wednesday afternoon would be great! And I really am caught between two lenses to bring on my 5DM2 – the 16-35 or 24-70? I will not bring both unless I plan to kill myself on the mountain, so please don’t suggest both (or another prime lens).
I’m really excited, I think largely because I have no idea what I’m in for. It kind of reminds me of giving birth — you know you’re in for a lot of pain and torture, but you have no idea how bad!
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Comments ( 9 )
you’re going to climb a mountain!
ok, I wiki-ed it.
“The main peak of the mountain (Low’s Peak) can be climbed easily by a person in good physical condition, and requires no mountaineering equipment”ok, so I guess you’ll survive. oh btw, you might see the rafflesia there. Tell me if its really smelly.
Have fun!
Mae
mae added these pithy words on
Jan 26 10 at
9:53 AM
Good for you Joan.just don’t underestimate it becos its a first climb and you didn’t train. The first part is more step like and then you will rest for one night to acclimatize.. you MUST climb slowly to acclimitize as many get altitude sickness.If you feel your head is dizzy or you are breathing with difficulty.. stop.Never try to conquer a mountain..go with the idea of enjoying it..then you’ll be fine. There are a few other things but too much to say here.You know where to find me. Good luck!
Shai added these pithy words on
Jan 26 10 at
11:52 AM
I hope you have booked yourself a guide, which is a must. We had a porter with us the last time, because there were 5 of us and we had a lot of bottles of water to bring up. The guide should offer you a walking stick. Take it! If he didn’t offer you one, ask for one. It really helps.
Just take it slow, and enjoy the climb!
Elaine added these pithy words on
Jan 26 10 at
1:49 PM
Good for you! I would bring the 24-70. On a full-frame cam, 24mm will give you plenty of width for panoramic shots. And if you spot some nice birds, you can still stretch it out a little. You have great lenses, I am sooo envious! Have a great trip!
Bing added these pithy words on
Jan 26 10 at
5:21 PM
Oh, bring a monopod if you have one! It doubles as a walking stick for the hard climbs. Wahaha!
Bing added these pithy words on
Jan 26 10 at
5:23 PM
It’s not easy but it is do-able with determination. I felt the stick helped A LOT in my climb. Hire a porter instead of bearing the weight yourself. You need a headlamp for the summit push as well as gloves for holding on to the ropes. Keep warm for the summit. Waterproof jackets/raincoats will be good in case it rains. I hope you are wearing shoes suitable for trekking. Bring some energy food for the summit too. Hope you reach the peak to catch the sunrise – I was too late! :( Will wait for your pictures!
vlazygirl added these pithy words on
Jan 26 10 at
7:08 PM
haha! have fun man :) I wish I could be in your shoes, its always fun to try something new :p
take care nevertheless! and bring back lotsa pictures ;)
carpediem added these pithy words on
Jan 27 10 at
4:26 PM
Hello! All the best on the climb. It’s a one in a lifetime thing and the sense of acheivement is something money cannot buy. Here are some pertinent points:
1) Waterproof jacket, pants and gloves. I just got an ultra-cheap pair of track pants from Giant and chucked it out after the climb.
2) It DOES get cold and I was glad I brought along my winter scarf which I wrapped around my neck, mouth and ears! Everyone forgets the ears!
3) Headlights for the second part of the climb (you climb in pitch dark)
4) Hire a porter to help carry your bags – it’s worth it!
5) The guides are all extremely friendly. Ours was the chap that won 3rd place at the KK runs and actually ran down the mountain whilst PIGGY-BACKING my mother!!! Amazing!
6) Lastly, have utter respect for the mountain. You’ll get what I mean when you get there :)GOOD LUCK!!
Cat added these pithy words on
Jan 28 10 at
5:07 AM
So how was the climb itself? Especially the what seems like a million steps you had to climb on the first half of the journey. But climbing Mt Kinabalu is always an enjoyable experience. I got away from my cellphone for 3 days!
adriansabah added these pithy words on
Feb 07 10 at
11:40 PM
