Climbing Down (Part 2 of 2)

Still smiling!! I must look good in photos!

I thought gravity would be my greatest ally just propelling me forward. Yes, I would have to take the same 6 km trail going down, but “down” was my operative word. How hard could it be? Again my overestimation of my skills got the better of me and I refused a porter for my bag. Butgoing down 3,300 meters of mountain is TOUGH. Especially if you just climbed it the day before. Thankfully during the descent it did not rain. After less than 2 km I gave up on my bag and handed it over to another generous colleague. It took less time to go down but midway I started dragging my feet at the back along with the 2 other trip-mates who were having a difficult time. It was even more embarrassing because I was a 30(ish)-year old single girl and they were both older, 2-time moms. My knees shook and threatened to give way with every step and by the time we reached the last 500 meters I was attempting short, crablike movements to alternate the weight on my feet. The last 100 meters consisted of steps going up, the worst torture of all after climbing down so long. Two guys I was with picked up one of my arms each and half-dragged me up the steps.

All of us had difficulty taking steps up or down immediately after that so it was difficult to get up and down the bus, up the hotel steps and so on. But what a relief to get into a hot and strong shower! We capped off the evening with a big buffet dinner at the Shangri-la Tanjung Aru, handing out the official certificates for those who made it to Laban Rata, and those who made it to the top which were about 5 from our group. I proudly help up my own certificate which counted my 3,300 meter ascent to Laban Rata and mentally added the 400 meters more that I climbed to the Sayat-Sayat check point (they should have certificates for that too!). Everyone ached and groaned for days after that but it was all we could talk about for a while, so in terms of a team-building experience, it was drastic but it worked.

My precioussss...evidence

I just wanted to share with some tips that I wish someone (like our more knowledgeable guides!) could have told me for it to be a better experience:

1. Wear waterproof everything! Jacket, pants, shoes and especially gloves. Buy one of those flimsy disposable raincoats which can also help shelter your bag. I wish I could have worn waterproof gloves rather than those lousy knit ones which weren’t much help against the rain and cold.
2. Hire a porter especially if you haven’t really trained for the climb. It will be the best RM 70 you’ve ever spent.
3. Kota Kinabalu bring to mind beautiful beaches and tropical breezes which is why I didn’t believe it could get that cold on the mountain. It does. Invest in warm clothing.
4. Wear good hiking shoes. My rubber soles ripped off before the climb down…your trusty Nikes wont hold up no matter what those guides say that its ok to wear them.
5. You don’t need moisturizer.
6. Check for the best time of year to go. We didn’t even bother about the weather but apparent when we went (June) is right at the start of the rainy season. Earlier in the year might be less chance of rain.
7. Train, train, train with cardio and strength exercises 3x/week for a few months before you go. Otherwise, do a more leisurely climb by staying 2 nights at Laban Rata. Book early because rooms run out fast.

Good luck on your climb!