Hiking Adventure #1
It was about a year ago when I proposed to our Dojo Sensei to climb the highest mountain in South East Asia - Mt Kinabalu. He agreed and so did 3 other students. I have always wanted to climb this mountain for as long as I can remember but never had the guts nor time to plan for it - more of the former on hindsight.
When I told my husband of my plan, he agreed to accompany me much to my surprise because in 2006, he had already been there and had vowed not to go there again..
Thus the hikes began. First try was Broga Hill in Semenyih as this was suggested by my eldest daughter. It is also known as Bukit Lalang - named after a type of grass/weed that covers the most part of the top of the hill. It is 400 metres high and is about 40 minutes drive from the Klang Valley.
The essentials that we brought were headlamps (as we planned to go before sunrise), drinks (of course), dates and chocolate. We woke up at 5am and we reached there at 6.20am after we stopped at a Rest and Relax area for Fajr prayers. The car park is within an oil palm estate and the parking fee was RM2.00 and were we surprised at the number of cars! Definitely not a desolated place as I imagined it to be.
The carpark area - taken after the hike
The trail going uphill after the carpark
The ascend was in total darkness but we had the headlamps and also torch lights from other hikers to lead the way. It was quite scary at first but fortunately the track was quite established plus there were other hikers and that made it more bearable. There was one part where we had to cling to a rope to climb up a steep slope but I made it.. In between the climb, we took 4 stops - definitely not fit. Nearing the first peak, the climb was extra steep - for a first timer like me and I did wonder why did I get myself into this..
The steep climb was quite taxing for me but finally we reached the peak at about 7.10am, just before sunrise. Phew! I made it! Actually I almost felt like fainting when I reached the first peak- yes another sure sign of my soo unfit body. But looking at the view.. it was well worth it! It was really breathtaking and awesome - almost surreal. I was also amazed at the number of people especially the young ones at the peaks and it almost seemed like there was a hilltop party there!
Views from the first peak
Views from the second peak
Definitely an upworthy experience!!!
