Mulu, Pinnacles 16 June 2008

If you were ask me 'What is the toughest thing in my life?' Without a second, my answer will be Pinnacles. 4.8KM (up & down) is just like never ending journey for me.

Never ending journey

Our never ending journey started at 7.30am. From 100Km.. 200km..300Km..up to 2000Km We took around 3 1/2 hrs. Steepness of 60-80 degree with limestone rocks & bruises was the killing part. We have to utilise our hand and leg in order for us to go future up. By 10am we still at 1500m. We have no choice but to rush since there is a cut off time for us to reach checkpoint by 11am.

With the thinking that life should be better for remaining 400m as most of it is ladder. Proved that I'm totally wrong. Smiled was faded when we saw the vertical ladders, ropes around the limestone's & no clear track. All is based on our feeling & creativity. Special thanks to ChewB as she is in front of us to guide us. On the way, we meet Shih Min (the first to reach the peak), most of the teammates, Yee Hua, Yee Tze, Fook, Yen Erl, Wai Yee, Anne & finally Lee.

Simple question to them. Nice?
Simple answer to us. Em.Nice.

Vertical limestone & ropes. Killing us.

Proven that we are there. No Pain no Gain

Lunch box. 3 pieces of bread with Tuna, eggs & sausage + Claud 9.

After half and hours, we have to proceed to downhill as it will took longer hrs. We are so unlucky. Mr.Rain joined us for the climb. 'He' accompany us all the way down the 400m. Slowly and safety come first as it so slippery. Finally we reached 2000m at about 3pm. Again, thinking that life will be better after this 400m. Again, proved that I'm wrong. Slippery limestone and bruises make us even slower as we scared to fall down. I can't imagine what will happen if one of us get injure.

The experience of darkness

Reward for walk slowly & carefully was hiking in darkness. We started to get worried when the sky getting darker & darker. By 6plus, the sky get totally dark in 5 minutes. I can't even see my own hand. Make me no confident on every step. I am so worried that I will fall down some where to the bruises.Luckily We meet the park ranger, Andrew. He gave Jee Ing a headlight. Life getting better as light is our hope to get out from the jungle. Mr.Lim really cannot harap. Additional reward is 'Mr.Rain' come again to accompany us as about last 200m. At that time, I'm sure Yen Erl is worried about us. Finally we reached Camp 5.

Conclusion

If you were let me know in advance this will happen, I don't think I will be joining the trip. However (to be positive), I will miss such a good experience. Since I am not a regular hiker, happen once in a lifetime is a good experience for me. I think most of the hiker won't have such experience as they always reach on time. If you were say, the track & reaching the submit is a good experience, I think we definitely get more than that. Anyway proud that we all (22 of us) managed to reach the submit. Non is exceptional. Good job.

Thing to bring with you:

1. 2 liter of water

2. Raincoat

3. Glove

4. Torchlight/Headlight (please make sure its big enough)*

5. Lunch box

6. Titbits eg energy bar, asam boi, chocolate, raisin, menthos*

7. Camera

8. Cap

9. Plastic bags to keep all your belongings in case Mr.rain come

*Very important for slow hiker

We are so lucky

1. Same flight with 'Ah Chan' from KL to Miri. One of the old HK actor.

2. Meet Danny at Miri Airport.

3. Tony as our organiser. Everything is well plan. Special thanks to him for all the hard work.

4. New experience, hiking in darkness.

5. No more flight re-timed, depart sharp @ 8.40pm

Reward for reaching the peak.