LµÇkÿ $†àŘ

Yay!! The long awaited extremes before three zero had finally been accomplished. Following the 8D ‘Yuk Sin Yuk Sei Lui Hang Tuen (YSYSLHT)’ off to Kota Kinabalu for twooo extreme adventures at one go, it was a very fun and tiring trip all over.  Instead of calling it YSYSLHT, I rather name it ‘Chap Sang Chap Sei LHT’ as there is lots of packing to do, especially during the first half of the trip or maybe ‘Hang San Hang Sei LHT’ for its lengthy and dying walk up to Mount Kinabalu.

Climbing up to the highest mountain in SEA (4095.2m) is no easy task. One needs to be very fit (advisable) to survive the whole journey. Since we took Mersilau trail, our average time is about 9-10 hours to reach Laban Rata. I’m sloweee as snail, but I think the porters can make it up mid-way by just half of our duration or even faster. It’s quite scenery view along Mersilau, but the con is that it’s few KM more than the boring environs Timpohon trail. Journey began at 8:22am with few breaks in between to power up. Weather is nice but then it rain when approaching another KM to Laban Rata, so got to put on raincoat. So happy to reach the resthouse at 1845, weather was cold. Had dinner, rest awhile and then check-in to our bunk beds room to rest and trying to sleep by 9pm. Hardly a soundly sleep.

12am the alarm came in, and everyone took turns to wash up and get ready ‘coz we are the first group to start the summit trail at 1:30am. Call us Kiasu, but at least can avoid the jam later. Although we started early, but some latecomers managed to overtook us to the peak…. since we already quite drained up. I must confessed, it’s not easy to walk up in the middle of the night in weather less than 10 degree Celsius, so cold and so tired condition, still yet to recover from the long hours walk earlier. I’m really, really feeling sleepy after 1km walk, and can’t imagine there’s 1.7km more to Low’s peak. Luckily, thanks to our guide, Hamiri who kept pushing me to make it to the peak…. and since my shoe grips weren’t good enough; I tagged with him on the way up. We walked on more edgy and hazardous rocks instead the normal way. It’s too dark to notice the surrounding anyway. But one thing I like about is when I look up the sky, there are plenty stars above and across the horizon… and somehow I feel so bonded, being one myself. It’s no wonder why friends have been calling for me, always… just like they say I’m the Lucky one up there shining the best for them when they need it regardless where they are. Now, I know.

So, I reached the peak at 6am. The sun has rose 200m before I reached. Nevertheless, it was mesmerizing to see the beauty of it. The sea of cloud especially… loves it! Not forgetting the surrounding landscape… they are all awesome!! Going down, I’m more energized. Fast paced, afterall the sun exposure is high up there; you wouldn’t want to get sunburn. Walked with Hamiri for some shortcuts, and do some abs-sailing, dicey. Stop by wishing pond and made a wish or two. 8.5km is the place, the same place where James brought up the ring and proposed to ar lui. It’s a memorable moment for all of us up there, to both of them especially. Congrats!!

Left Laban Rata around 12 noon, and it rained non-stop until the end of the trail. The path was slippery, where steps became waterfall-like and muddy. Not easy, feeling as though the journey is never-ending. Tired and in sleepy mode again. Reaching Timpohon gate 5 plus in the evening, and guess what uttered from my mouth? “I’m so sleepy”…… the exact same phrase that first came out when I reached the peak this morning. Thinking back, a little funny embarrassing it is, ‘coz both are recorded in video.  But everything is OK now… quite an achievement holding the Cert having climbed up to Low’s Peak on 27.6.08. Ask if I’ll be going again? Err…eh… I need to think twice.

Recovering muscles aches from the strenuous climb, 3 days later we embarked on another crazy adventure. It’s the White Water Rafting at Padas (Level 3 & 4) – the best one in Malaysia. Can’t believe we are so extreme and did it!! Believe me; it wasn’t easy either to tuck your legs onto the boat for grip when all of us are having legs pain. And the worst part is to keep paddling on high rapids to prevent our boat capsize.  It’s damn tiring paddle and paddle. Well, at least it’s more balance to have hands muscle ache complement with the leg sufferings at the end of the day. Torturous fun…

Altogether there were 7 or 8 rapids that need steady manoeuvre. The first few warm ups was thrilling for many beginner in us. So scary that all of us panic and simply rows the boat without sync. Screaming wasn’t less of course. Some of us slipped from our seats and quickly get back to position and action. But after awhile, we get used to the rafting and couldn’t be bother anymore… just row if there’s still energy hehe…  Luckily our boat didn’t capsize nor do any of us fall into the water during the rapid. But smash the guides at my back who tricked, pulled me and Jenny into the brownish muddy water. Damn…. Overall, the rafting is really a fantastic experience and as I looked at our rafting video that we bought for RM125, pheww!… Didn’t realise we are on such a huge wavy ride ‘coz when we are on the boat, there’s really nothing felt…. seriously. Hahaha…..

Some YSYSLHT memento:  http://gongjiao.blogs.friendster.com/photos/adventurous_kk_/index.html

P/s: Oh! If you going KK, remember to stop by Bun Shop No.10 at Lintas for its ichiban delicious ‘luncheon meat bun’… best in KK, KL and Malaysia. Also recommended for its polo bun, char siew bun, etc. Their buns are so soft even after overnight. Hmm, mouth-watering just thinking about the yummy tasty bun, missing ‘em now…. *yumyum* Best served with the famous Tenom coffee!! Incredible duo =D