A Deadly Climb in Sabah



The Mount Kinabalu in Sabah on the island of Borneo is the highest mountain in South East Asia. It is said to be an easy climb. You don't need special equipment or training to conquer the summit of this mountain. Every one with reasonable fitness and considerable stamina can reach Low's Peak, at 4090 meter high. More then 100 years ago Hugh Low, secretary to the Brittish Minister of Colonies, accompanied by 40 carriers and guides made the first recorded expedition to the summit. It already took him weeks through the jungle to get to the foot of the mountain. The peak was named after him, although he never actually made it all the way up. Nowadys the total track of 8 kms which will take you 2200 meters to the summit can be done in two days. When you start at 3 o'clock in the morning you will be able to see sunset at 6 on the summit. The climb is however not entirely without danger. Over the years people have been lost on the final stage. Despite several safety measures last year the mountain also claimed a life. The natives knew all along not to make a mock of this mountain. The Dusun, a local tribe, would never wander around the slopes which they believe house the spirits of the dead. The mountain owes his name to the expression Aki Nabalu, which means The Revered place of the Dead.