Kids hiked Mount Kinabalu 8 April 2014

En, near Sayap Sayap Hut.(3,668m)

Hui hiked independently! 

We decided to scale up the Mesilau Trail (8km) rather than Timpohon Trail (6km) because we felt that the former has interesting fauna and flora. This would provide a more interesting route for the children to hike and that helped in a long hiking journey.

Normally, one will take about 4 to 7 hours to reach Laban Rata with Mesilau Trail. 

My children  (En was 9 years + 11 months old whereas Hui was 6 years + 10 months old ) took almost 11 hours to arrive Laban Rata ! They started the journey at 830am and arrived at 730pm. 

With strong determination, they conquered the trail step by step and went through a drizzle too. Hui said the last hour was just going on and on seemed like an endless journey without end to reach Laban Rata. But they kept going and used up every ounce of energy there is in their body, not even a drop left, recall Hui.

When they saw Laban Rata (3,272m), they jumped with joy and couldn't believe they made it there. I am still very much in awe of their strength and determination.

The next day, they needed to wake up at 2am to hike from Laban Rata to the peak. Needless to say, they were exhausted and sleepy. Hui said "This is the first time she felt so cold". With exhaustion and air thinning, the hike was tough ! They fell asleep at rest area.
Shortly after Sayap Sayap Hut (3,668m), 1.5km from the peak, they were advised to turn back. They both broke into tears, refusing to stop. Their dad made the decision to go back to Laban Rata and rest and hiked down through Timpohon Trail.