Top 10 places I would love to visit if given a chance
1) TURKEY– Istanbul
Do I need a lengthy explanation on why I should visit Turkey? Turkey from what I know is a country that has so much to offer on Islamic history. The sultan Ahmad mosque can be a good place to start.\
2) SPAIN - Cordoba – Granada
This was the essence of Islamic culture in Europe and a place that I must visit. I’m hoping I could visit the Roman Catholic cathedral which was once the great mosque of Cordoba, and also the ever so popular Al-hambra. There is so much to see and so much to learn.
p/s To my friend Ardi if you are reading this , I have something to say….I sangat jealous! : )
3) EGYPT –Cairo
I have always wanted to see with my own eyes these gorgeous pyramids. I’m amazed how until now they are still revealing secrets and hidden passages of the pyramid
4) ITALY – Rome
5) MALDIVESMaldives offers beautiful white sandy beaches like you see in pictures but I don’t want just to see it in pictures. I want to experience it myself….. Oh when oh when can I go
6) UNITED KINGDOM – London
7) INDIA – Taj mahal
8) UNITED STATES – CALIFORNIA :- San Francisco and LA
I have been longing to visit the rock a historical prison in San Francisco. Im not sure about LA, but my husband says it’s the place to be .
9) INDONESIA - Bali
10) THAILAND – Bangkok
Monday, June 15, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Mount Kinabalu - Malaysia (Part 2 of 2)
DAY 1 : - 6 KM climb
KOTA KINABALU - KINABALU PARK - LABAN RATA
After 2 ½ hours in a taxi, we arrived Kinabalu park at 8 am, Paid the taxi driver Rm150, Grab our bags and head to the information counter to register ourselves. The name you write on the book will be the name that will be printed on your tag. Paid another RM 100 for our guide, one guide can take a maximum of 6 people and that RM100 should be shared between the 6.
You can also pay someone to carry your stuff for RM8/kg. you will have to pay I think about RM 3 for a van to drive you to the starting point.
After we registered, they gave us food coupons for 2 days. Our first coupon is packed breakfast consist of an apple, a can of 100plus, a piece of fried chicken and white bread with cheese and mayo spread.
We started the climb as soon as we can because the earlier we reach laban rata the more rest we can get before our second climb. They might sell you a stick for RM3, Its personal choice; I did find it useful especially during my descend. If you happen to get the stick make sure you get a light one.
Some did this 6Km climb in 5 ½ hours, we did it in 6 hours, just follow your pace. Minimize your stops, take plenty of pictures along the way because the scenery is absolutely amazing.
We had a few stops a long the way, you can refill you water bottle too with REAL mountain water at every stop.
LABAN RATA
It was a relief upon reaching Laban Rata. The room has 6 single beds and it was equipped with a heater but somehow we didn’t feel the heater functioning but the blanket provided by the rest house and my snow jacket was sufficient to keep me warm during the night. Tamimi brought along a poncho and we used that as a praying mat in the room.
DAY 2 : - 2.5 Km climb
LABAN RATA - LOWS PEAK - LABAN RATA - KINABALU PARK
Woke up at 2am, got ready, went downstairs for Breakfast and it was raining pretty heavily so the guide said we had to wait till 3am. if the rain doesn’t subside we might have to cancel the climb. fortunately the rain did subside and we began our climb at 3.10am.
after a few minutes of climbing I started to feel some heat since i was wearing 5 layers of cloth, but husband said leave it on, it will get cold on the way. Which was actually true, too many stops to take out a few layers and put it back on is time consuming, and time is all you need to get a nice view of sunrise.
This second part of the climb was a little challenging because at one point we had to climb the rock using a rope. Also There will be a check point at ‘sayat- sayat’ and that will be the final pit stop with a toilet, after that, you will be on your own : ).
I had Tea without sugar that morning so I wont need to go to the toilet : ).
Snapped some pictures a long the way, couldn't take that many because it was freezing cold and i cant take off my gloves for long.
Satisfied with our victory, we took our own sweet time to climb down n reach our cabin. Once there, had something to eat and went to sleep till the room service knocked on our door at 12pm. Bags packed and ready for our 6km descend to kinabalu Park. It took me and my Husband 3 hours to climb down.
used our last coupon for the lunch buffet at Kinabalu park, paid RM10 for our colored certificate and finally found a taxi for rm150 to bring us back to Kota Kinabalu.
p/s - Your Guide will inform you on the time he would like to start the climb as well as the meeting point.
Day 2 Essentials : - Torch, gloves, Rain coat, snow cap, camera, some snacks and 500ml of water.
SUBUH PRAYER (or Fajar prayer)
Since we will be on our way to the peak at the time of fajar prayer, we constantly looked for a place that was rather flat for us to perform our prayer. My suggestion is that along the way if you find a spot just right for prayer don’t hesitate and just perform your prayer there.
This is my friend on their way down after reaching the peak, you will find somewhat a flat surface like this to perform your prayer.
I took ablution using rain water that ran in between two rocks. Took my gloves off, pull my sleeves up and perform ablution the normal way but left my shoes intact. Used my husband’s Qiblah watch and performed our prayer.
With 6 degrees and strong wind the weather was extremely cold, and I think if you could just perform tayamum it should be enough as this is not a normal situation.
TOP TIP !! - "Travel Light"
KOTA KINABALU - KINABALU PARK - LABAN RATA
After 2 ½ hours in a taxi, we arrived Kinabalu park at 8 am, Paid the taxi driver Rm150, Grab our bags and head to the information counter to register ourselves. The name you write on the book will be the name that will be printed on your tag. Paid another RM 100 for our guide, one guide can take a maximum of 6 people and that RM100 should be shared between the 6.
You can also pay someone to carry your stuff for RM8/kg. you will have to pay I think about RM 3 for a van to drive you to the starting point.
After we registered, they gave us food coupons for 2 days. Our first coupon is packed breakfast consist of an apple, a can of 100plus, a piece of fried chicken and white bread with cheese and mayo spread.
We started the climb as soon as we can because the earlier we reach laban rata the more rest we can get before our second climb. They might sell you a stick for RM3, Its personal choice; I did find it useful especially during my descend. If you happen to get the stick make sure you get a light one.
Some did this 6Km climb in 5 ½ hours, we did it in 6 hours, just follow your pace. Minimize your stops, take plenty of pictures along the way because the scenery is absolutely amazing.
We had a few stops a long the way, you can refill you water bottle too with REAL mountain water at every stop.
LABAN RATA
It was a relief upon reaching Laban Rata. The room has 6 single beds and it was equipped with a heater but somehow we didn’t feel the heater functioning but the blanket provided by the rest house and my snow jacket was sufficient to keep me warm during the night. Tamimi brought along a poncho and we used that as a praying mat in the room.
DAY 2 : - 2.5 Km climb
LABAN RATA - LOWS PEAK - LABAN RATA - KINABALU PARK
Woke up at 2am, got ready, went downstairs for Breakfast and it was raining pretty heavily so the guide said we had to wait till 3am. if the rain doesn’t subside we might have to cancel the climb. fortunately the rain did subside and we began our climb at 3.10am.
after a few minutes of climbing I started to feel some heat since i was wearing 5 layers of cloth, but husband said leave it on, it will get cold on the way. Which was actually true, too many stops to take out a few layers and put it back on is time consuming, and time is all you need to get a nice view of sunrise.
This second part of the climb was a little challenging because at one point we had to climb the rock using a rope. Also There will be a check point at ‘sayat- sayat’ and that will be the final pit stop with a toilet, after that, you will be on your own : ).
I had Tea without sugar that morning so I wont need to go to the toilet : ).
Snapped some pictures a long the way, couldn't take that many because it was freezing cold and i cant take off my gloves for long.
Satisfied with our victory, we took our own sweet time to climb down n reach our cabin. Once there, had something to eat and went to sleep till the room service knocked on our door at 12pm. Bags packed and ready for our 6km descend to kinabalu Park. It took me and my Husband 3 hours to climb down.
used our last coupon for the lunch buffet at Kinabalu park, paid RM10 for our colored certificate and finally found a taxi for rm150 to bring us back to Kota Kinabalu.
p/s - Your Guide will inform you on the time he would like to start the climb as well as the meeting point.
Day 2 Essentials : - Torch, gloves, Rain coat, snow cap, camera, some snacks and 500ml of water.
SUBUH PRAYER (or Fajar prayer)
Since we will be on our way to the peak at the time of fajar prayer, we constantly looked for a place that was rather flat for us to perform our prayer. My suggestion is that along the way if you find a spot just right for prayer don’t hesitate and just perform your prayer there.
This is my friend on their way down after reaching the peak, you will find somewhat a flat surface like this to perform your prayer.
I took ablution using rain water that ran in between two rocks. Took my gloves off, pull my sleeves up and perform ablution the normal way but left my shoes intact. Used my husband’s Qiblah watch and performed our prayer.
With 6 degrees and strong wind the weather was extremely cold, and I think if you could just perform tayamum it should be enough as this is not a normal situation.
TOP TIP !! - "Travel Light"
Mount Kinabalu - Malaysia (Part 1 of 2)
My Mount Kinabalu climb
My desire to climb the tallest mountain in South East Asia for 4 years has proven to be a success. Throughout the years I have been receiving and reading stories of climbers sharing their experiences, some say it’s easy while others didn’t get enough luck. Regardless of what have been heard or read, to me it all depends on the weather conditions and your own determination and willingness to reach the peak.
The key is not to get discourage very easily, if you are not a professional climber, you may face difficulty in breathing on the second day of the climb but keep on thinking that you never know when you will do this again and you have gone this far so you don’t want to give up. Just Take it easy, and take your time your guide will wait for you.
Preparation
My Training basically started somewhere in the end of February till end of March and it had to stop there because I had my wedding to concentrate on. Somewhere during those training period I went to Gunung Angsi with my partner as well as two of our great adventure friend Tamimi and Shifa.
I and my partner did some jogging around Taman Tun area (I would say more or less once a week). In addition to that I also went to the gym, at first it was 3 times a week and somehow towards the end it became once a week …. Yeah! I wasted my money but I did learn a lot (it’s in my gym for dummies entry).
February and March I went searching on the internet to get some insight on what is expected and these two blogs seems to have some worthwhile information.
1) http://mount-kinabalu-borneo.com/blog/climbing-mount-kinabalu-from-a-muslims-perspective.html
2) http://www.climbmtkinabalu.com/
Stuff you may need for the two day climb:-
Basically the stuff that you bring on your first day will be used on the second day too. Of course some can be left at Laban Rata while you do your 2nd day climb.
• Shoes
I bought a Hi-Tec shoe for the climb and tried it on when i did my training at Gunung Angsi. I found it comfortable so that shoe had my approval. My friend used a normal jogging shoe and that worked out well. I also brought my crocs which was useful since I needed a footwear i can use when taking my shower at Laban rata, well a sandal is another alternative
• Socks
• Raincoat
Those emergency ponchos is ok but it's better if you get one that wont get torn easily.
• Energy food
Chocolates would be good ( not ‘cloud 9’ because it will get very hard and you wont be able to chew it), nuts etc
• Drinks
A Liter of water of your choice (500ml 100 plus and 500ml mineral water). We brought 2 liters each and that was more than enough for 2 days, we even had to give our guide on the last day because we didn’t want to bring it down again.
• Hat masks
I would recommend a hat like that picture above, (worn by my friend). It was very windy during our climb and that hat mask will help to prevent the strong wind getting in your nose and mouth. I wish I had one.
• Torch
You will need a torch for your second day because you will start early in the morning, I would suggest you get a head torch which is more convenient than a hand torch. The reason is when you need to climb the rope, both hands can be used rather than using one hand to hold a torch and the other holding a rope. I used a hand torch but I think using a head torch would be better.
• Gloves
Get a proper snow gloves if you can, not those mittens because it can be really cold up there.
• Towel and toiletries
Remember to pack the usual when you got traveling. Toothbrush, soap, facial wash, toothpaste etc , an amount that can last for 2 days. Remember the lighter the better.
• Camera
Have extra protection, wrap it with plastic if you don’t have a waterproof camera just in case it rains really heavily.
• Clothing
I can’t stand cold temperature so I wore 4 layers of cloth underneath and one layer of snow jacket but my husband just had 2 layers of cloth and a snow jacket.
• Medication
I didn’t have to take any but bring some just in case like panadol, headache tablets, plasters if you get blisters, panadol, sun block if you are particular etc...
Getting Ready
Tamimi made the booking for us 3 month prior to the climb. Visit http://www.suterasanctuarylodges.com.my and call the general hotline at +60 88 318 888 for bookings. Once you have confirmed you will have to make your payments. If I’m not mistaken, we had to pay RM300 per person. I think different rate is applicable for non Malaysian residents.
For your additional information, It is better if you can book your accommodation at Laban Rata because of 2 reasons,
a) It’s heated so you don’t need to bring a sleeping bag for extra warmth
b) Food will be served at Laban Rata. Its very tiring if you stay at any other accommodation because you have to walk back and forth to Laban Rata to eat, although it may be a short distance but after walking for 6 hours straight, additional walk is just what you don’t need.
1. Laban Rata – Heated
2. Waras Hut – Non-heated
3. Gunting Lagadan – Non- heated
That's the trail you will have to take to reach 'Lows peak'
My desire to climb the tallest mountain in South East Asia for 4 years has proven to be a success. Throughout the years I have been receiving and reading stories of climbers sharing their experiences, some say it’s easy while others didn’t get enough luck. Regardless of what have been heard or read, to me it all depends on the weather conditions and your own determination and willingness to reach the peak.
The key is not to get discourage very easily, if you are not a professional climber, you may face difficulty in breathing on the second day of the climb but keep on thinking that you never know when you will do this again and you have gone this far so you don’t want to give up. Just Take it easy, and take your time your guide will wait for you.
Preparation
My Training basically started somewhere in the end of February till end of March and it had to stop there because I had my wedding to concentrate on. Somewhere during those training period I went to Gunung Angsi with my partner as well as two of our great adventure friend Tamimi and Shifa.
I and my partner did some jogging around Taman Tun area (I would say more or less once a week). In addition to that I also went to the gym, at first it was 3 times a week and somehow towards the end it became once a week …. Yeah! I wasted my money but I did learn a lot (it’s in my gym for dummies entry).
February and March I went searching on the internet to get some insight on what is expected and these two blogs seems to have some worthwhile information.
1) http://mount-kinabalu-borneo.com/blog/climbing-mount-kinabalu-from-a-muslims-perspective.html
2) http://www.climbmtkinabalu.com/
Stuff you may need for the two day climb:-
Basically the stuff that you bring on your first day will be used on the second day too. Of course some can be left at Laban Rata while you do your 2nd day climb.
• Shoes
I bought a Hi-Tec shoe for the climb and tried it on when i did my training at Gunung Angsi. I found it comfortable so that shoe had my approval. My friend used a normal jogging shoe and that worked out well. I also brought my crocs which was useful since I needed a footwear i can use when taking my shower at Laban rata, well a sandal is another alternative
• Socks
• Raincoat
Those emergency ponchos is ok but it's better if you get one that wont get torn easily.
• Energy food
Chocolates would be good ( not ‘cloud 9’ because it will get very hard and you wont be able to chew it), nuts etc
• Drinks
A Liter of water of your choice (500ml 100 plus and 500ml mineral water). We brought 2 liters each and that was more than enough for 2 days, we even had to give our guide on the last day because we didn’t want to bring it down again.
• Hat masks
I would recommend a hat like that picture above, (worn by my friend). It was very windy during our climb and that hat mask will help to prevent the strong wind getting in your nose and mouth. I wish I had one.
• Torch
You will need a torch for your second day because you will start early in the morning, I would suggest you get a head torch which is more convenient than a hand torch. The reason is when you need to climb the rope, both hands can be used rather than using one hand to hold a torch and the other holding a rope. I used a hand torch but I think using a head torch would be better.
• Gloves
Get a proper snow gloves if you can, not those mittens because it can be really cold up there.
• Towel and toiletries
Remember to pack the usual when you got traveling. Toothbrush, soap, facial wash, toothpaste etc , an amount that can last for 2 days. Remember the lighter the better.
• Camera
Have extra protection, wrap it with plastic if you don’t have a waterproof camera just in case it rains really heavily.
• Clothing
I can’t stand cold temperature so I wore 4 layers of cloth underneath and one layer of snow jacket but my husband just had 2 layers of cloth and a snow jacket.
• Medication
I didn’t have to take any but bring some just in case like panadol, headache tablets, plasters if you get blisters, panadol, sun block if you are particular etc...
Getting Ready
Tamimi made the booking for us 3 month prior to the climb. Visit http://www.suterasanctuarylodges.com.my and call the general hotline at +60 88 318 888 for bookings. Once you have confirmed you will have to make your payments. If I’m not mistaken, we had to pay RM300 per person. I think different rate is applicable for non Malaysian residents.
For your additional information, It is better if you can book your accommodation at Laban Rata because of 2 reasons,
a) It’s heated so you don’t need to bring a sleeping bag for extra warmth
b) Food will be served at Laban Rata. Its very tiring if you stay at any other accommodation because you have to walk back and forth to Laban Rata to eat, although it may be a short distance but after walking for 6 hours straight, additional walk is just what you don’t need.
1. Laban Rata – Heated
2. Waras Hut – Non-heated
3. Gunting Lagadan – Non- heated
That's the trail you will have to take to reach 'Lows peak'
A Heart for my Husband
Since i have not been updating my blog.. i have decided to write on this thing i did with my friends around 2 days ago. ( safura, i took the pictures from your Facebook : D )
Safura and Nana suddenly had this baking craze that day and i came along to have some yummy cupcake. with my uncreative hands, i made this for my Husband whom i will meet in 2 weeks time... yeay : )
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