Ascending Mount Kinabalu requires no specialized mountain climbing skills but it pays to be fit mentally and physically. Locals begin climbing the mountain from the age of three. The trail to the highest peak winds along the southern side of the mountain. It is an 8.5 km (5.25 miles) trek to the top. For most people, from a 9 month-old baby (carried by father) to an 83 years-old New Zealander, the journey takes two days.
The terrain stretches upward from lowland rain forest to montane forest, cloud forest and sub alpine meadow, before finally reaching a crown of bare granite.
During our climb to the summit on April 4, 20 out of 120 climbers made it to peak with Ver Castro and Robert Viray of Team EARCOS. The Summit Temperature is 2°C with a Wind Speed of 5km/h plus shower of rain during our ascent to the peak. Let the photo tells the story of our journey to the peak of one of the highest peak in South East Asia Mount Kinabalu. Elevation 4,095.2 m (13,435 ft).
Magnificent Mount Kinabalu in North Borneo, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
Dinner time before the big climb tomorrow. Team EARCOS Dr. Joe Petrone, Ver Castro Dr. K, Me, Robert Viray, and Mary Petrone.
Thanks to Mr. Ravi of Sutera Harbour we’ve stayed in their first class cottage.
Another great view of the mountain.
Waiting for our guide. The condition in the mountain changes every 15 minutes rain starts pouring.
At Mt. Kinabalu National Park getting ready for the first stage of the climb. after 15mins all clear again scary what will be the condition at the peak.
There we go… a long decend.

still feeling relax.
Dr. K decided not to go further due to unseasonably heavy rains and a rapid heartbeat. at this point i’m already waiting at 4km but I had to go back when i heard that he is going back just to give him a big hug that we will try our best to conquer the peak.
After we have reached KM4 this is the most difficult climb big rock and water coming down from the summit and rain never stop at 2,000+ elevation. Those are porter carrying a load heavier than ours.

Soak and Wet. Arriving at Laban Rata base camp. I immediately changed my clothes and take some paracetamol. Altitude sickness starts embracing me.
After an hour my condition start to normalized while waiting for Robert to arrive. with Ver Castro he just finished his Yosi break.
Viola! I made it to the peak. REWIND >> before we ascend at 2:00AM mountain ranger advised our base camp that it is impossible for us to climb because the rain never stops and there is one portion at the peak that we have to crossed some strong running water coming from the peak and the rope might not be visible. But around 3:00AM they signal us that the rain stops that we are now able to climb. BUT the cut-off time is still 6:00AM. I arrived at the peak at 5:30AM.
20 out of 120 climbers made it to the summit.
The Summit Temperature is 2°C grrrrrrr!
The Summit Temperature is 2°C I can’t barely have a good smile.
No pa-BEBE smile this is the real condition. so cold.
Taking a few more shot before we decend.
Decending fast, a sign of relief looking at the base camp for a big breakfast.
Thank so much Dr. K, Dr. Joe, Mary, Sherry, Nora, Finna, and the whole Sutera Harbour for arranging this climb for Team EARCOS.