So Kuala Lumpur was a roaring success with our beatiful hosts Lauren, Anita and Emma treating us to nights out with stunning views of KL's twin peaks and the KL Tower as well as feeding us until we exploded with a mixture of traditional Malay food, Chinese and Indian cuisine.
With our waistlines rapidly expanding we decided to take the short flight over to Kota Kinabalu in Borneo for a week of 6am starts, diving and (only just) climbing Mt. Kinabalu.
The diving was a mixed affair as despite offering some of the best visibility in the world, we were treated to a storm the night before which reduced what we saw and how far we could see them. Despite that I swam with some HUGE green turtles as well as a white tipped shark which was a real highlight of the trip.
However, the stand out moment of my journey so far was to come climbing the 8km up 4650metres of Mt. Kinabalu.
Now this trip didn't get off to the best of starts as when asked by Maurice in the bus if I had any cash I replied that I'd get some out from the cash machine. He politely reminded me we were off to a mountain site where such machines would be at a premium (none). So between us we had around 150 Ringett (around 35 quid) to survive on for 3 days and nights buying food, equipment and drink.
Comfortable yet cautious with our budget we arrived on our first day ready for the ascent. Now I wouldn't describe myself as "at one" with the great outdoors and so it was no suprise when I was laughed at trying to climb this mountain with some Adidas Classics. According to the climb fraternity they're not the most suitable of footwear.
Anyway, I set of with an I-Pod, a bag full of warm weather clothes and my no grip shoes full of confidence. Having taken around an hour and a half to climb the first 2km and with our guide telling us the record up and down was 2h 16m that blind confidence began to lower.
Slow and steady I made it up to the 6km with a respectable time of 4hours. Now I was warned about the next 2k to take us to the ascent but dismissed it as mere myth. The 2am start was a bit of a shock and when we got to the gates to climb it was lashing it down with rain....if my Adidas Classics weren't appropriate before they certainly were not now. Despite being warned of the dangers we carried on and you can only imagine my delight when we came to this bit and told to haul ourselves up in the pouring rain. My delight was tempered slightly when I asked what technique I should use for this part of the climb. Not being able to afford a proper head lamp I was carrying a small torch and was infromed that I should dump the torch, "use the moonlight" for vision and hold on with both hands for dear life! Hmmm. So in the pitch black, with no grip and slipping everywhere I made my way up.
Despite getting altitude sickness (or I was just shitting myself) Maurice and I reached the top. It was an unbelievable feeling and despite my legs aching, head pounding and being extremely dehydrated it was an unbelievable experience. On the way down the sun rose and I had some stunning views of the mountain and the country below.
On our way back down our guide pleasantly informed us that in his 20 years climbing 3 times a week only 50 people have died through a mixture of heart attacks and falling off the edge. Looks like my footwear made the difference.
Anyway, I leave Borneo and Malaysia as a whole with an overwhelmingly positive picture of the people and culture and will definately return one day.
So I'm back to Kuala Lumpur tomorrow before a flight to Laos to take in the Indochina leg.....
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Now Adam - why did I keep reminding you about all the good things they sell in Milletts - including walking/climbing boots. But mum never knows best does she!!???? However, I am relieved and proud that you climbed Mount Kinabalu. I know what that feeling is like when you reach the summit, although the mountain I climbed was in north wales!!!!! Pleease tell me that this is the only mountain you will be climbing as my nerves can't take it!! Dad of course is brimming with pride at your achievement - but he too tried to persuade you to buy some decent footwear!!!!! Never mind, perhaps Addidas would like to hear your story - for their next advertising campaign.
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