Weekend Get Away to Mount Kinabalu
Mount Kinabalu, is probably the most well-known Mountain in Southeast Asia. At a height of 4,095 m, it is the highest mountain in Southeast Asia. In addition, Kinabalu National Park is one of the World’s Heritage Site and also boasts a good diversity of rare Flora and Fauna in its surroundings.
Taller than the highest mountain in Taiwan, Yushan, the trek is definitely more challenging too. The main trail from Timpohon gate, near the park headquarters, to the base camp is manageable, suitable even for beginners. The vegetation changes as you progress, and you get a different glimpse of Mount Kinabalu from the trail. You do not have to burden yourself with too much luggage as there are plenty of water points along the way and there is a restaurant at Laban Rata base camp that will provide you with a hot piping meal. For those who are keen to rough it out all the way, there are other huts further up which will give you a headstart to the summit.
The trek to the summit of Mount Kinabalu often starts in the wee hours in the morning for those who want to catch the sunrise. One will have to be more physically prepared for this segment of the trek as the air becomes thin, and the climb becomes steep and it can be very cold and windy if you are planning to stay at the summit for some time. For mountain climbing lovers, Mount Kinabalu is definitely one of the mountains in Asia that you not missed. The view from the summit is so breath-taking that it is often etched in one’s memory for life. Though the view may get cloudy on a rainy day, the exhilaration you get from the experience will make up for the lost of view. You will be doubly rewarded if you are able to reach the summit of Mount Kinabalu, Low’s peak, on a clear day. Most people attempt Mount Kinabalu as a weekend getaway, and often rushed down the trail and back to the city within the same day.
A more challenging trail up Mount Kinabalu is the Mesilau Trail that was newly opened in 2005. One may consider going up Mesilau Trail and down by Timpohon, but it is definitely not for the faint hearted.
Other than Mount Kinabalu, you can complement the trip with other sights around the park. There is a tea plantation near Mount Kinabalu, one of the many in Malaysia that offers an interesting homestay in the longhouse. Poring hot Springs is not so far away, but there are many other hot springs that offer a more authentic experience. The islands that are scatter around Kota Kinabalu are definitely worth a visit as well. The whole experience will make the getaway a well worth experience.
