Time to write about the LTC@KK trip we had.

Let’s see.

27 of us and 4 mentors met on early Sunday morning 11^th Oct, Changi Airport. We were all excited, running about, sharing photo moments whenever we can. The feeling was nice, taking plane to climb mountain lei!

Boarded Jetstar flight 3K527 for Kota Kinabalu. Ride took approx 1hr55mins; and many of us knocked ourselves out. A fulfilling moment for me was when i saw this other plane fly by in the opposite direction as we were cruising. =D

Landed on time, and shall skip the makan part except that the fried calamari were superb. Then another 2hrs bus to rose cabin near foot of Mt. K.

Arrival @Rose cabin. Feels like Cameron Highlands there, Nice! Could see the mighty Mt Kinabalu in the background and drifting clouds near the summit.

Dinner was rather bland compared to lunch, but nevertheless food means energy which we need!

Woke up early on Monday and caught a glimpse of the rising sun. Thank goodness the heater at the hostel was working la, hahas. Caught the last look of the mountain we were about the climb, then breakfast and bus transfer to the Timpohon gate where our journey begins. Bought a nice looking tong-ka at RM3 (it’s still standing strong in my room). Everyone gathered, and off we go! ;)

It was forest trails at the start but as got to the 3^rd or 4^th huts the trail became rocks of varying heights. Inched our way up to the 5^th Hut for lunch. Along the way saw a few porters passing us. They’re truly amazing people carrying loads like 1 tank of gas, a sack of rice, cartons of drinks on ONE single load; yet they’re going at twice our speed. Pei Fu! Heard they make at least 2 – 3 journeys per day.. woa..

Base Camp at last! Pendant hut’s the name. So good to be out of the wind. And did something unthinkable - BATH! hahahaha, unbelivable as the water was cold to the bone.. woohoo..
Experienced AMS (really bad headache sia), practically everyone did & wento bed.

0130am. Woke up, breakfast. Submit climb today! Very excited - Night trek & sunrise. Nearing the top, there aint trees hence we were all in direct contact with the winds. Following 1 white rope to the submit, the climb is tiring, and looks never ending cus everytime u look up u'll still see the flickering lights from someone's headlamp; the air got thin & thinner..

Low's peak! 4095.2M at last. Rewarding indeed, saw the sun arising from her slumber. ;) heard was 3 degrees there. woa; too cold for pictures and descended.. Haha, climb hard descend easy.. Reached sayang sayang hut, geared up for via ferrata. Wasnt expecting much difficulty from this except to enjoy the scenary..

Back to base camp. had one hell of a morning as waited for everyone to gather back. Was off-schedule by alot for descend. Jacob took the lead and reached down before sunset. "Lunch" at rose cabin and took bus back to KK town, hoping to get chance for KFC dinner which was later denied.

The night was spent at a backpacker's inn called Borneo Backpackers. Somehow or rather i was thrilled at how homely that place felt. Did inspired me a little to want to take up backpacking in the future..
Morning woke up den took a 4hrs bus ride to tenom town for our whitewater rafting. Tried the coffee which was what the town was famous for. Then transfer to train to our launch point. Geared up and off.

More fun and laughs as Gha was the 1st to fell in our raft. Did some other dumb stuff like body rafting, forced capsize. Overall it was thrilling; wonder wad would it be like in a kayak instead..

After that, took a train out and i enjoyed the country breeze and view.. Trains are such majestic things aint? Dinner was OTOT & we enjoyed that KFC at last.. ;)
"It's hard to say goodbye, as all gd things come to an end..."
With that we boarded our flight 3K528 back to Singapore. Hard/mad reality..

Overall, it was a trip i really enjoyed. It was very nice as we began our journey as strangers, but along the way thru motivation and support, we began to look out for one another. Not to forget the climb of Mt KK, Whitewater rafting at pedas river, Via Feratta.. They were all many firsts for me and undoubtingly the best thus far..
Lastly to add, it was the backpacking culture that I experienced in which i also drew the most inspiration from.
Gd trip, Gd company.
Thank You jacob, kwok, helmi, chin yeh, Leaders of tommorrow..

Cheers.
(PS pictures later)