Via Vertigo

Legendary Mountaineer on Mt Kinabalu!

2011-01-16T23:41:00.005+08:00

Sir Chris Bonington’s recent visit on Mt Kinabalu had him rock climbing on the summit plateau and also experiencing the world’s highest via ferrata.

After these 2 experiences, Sir Chris Bonington declares that the rock on Mt Kinabalu is one of the finest he has climbed and it is suitable for novices and experts making it an amazing location for a mountaineering training center in South East Asia. Click here to read the 2 part blog.

Click here for the press release.

MountainTorq: Legendary Mountaineer on Mt Kinabalu!

thanks!

2008-12-12T10:14:00.000+08:00

Air Asia Flight AK502

2008-06-24T23:30:00.004+08:00

Air Asia Flight AK502

Kota Kinabalu

2008-06-24T11:17:00.006+08:00

after the climb... walking around the city...

looking for an adaptor for my cellphone charger...
without underwear...
with a wardrobe malfunctioned kamikaze shorts...

eating dinner at the seafood market...
beside the Filipino market...
taking with me my roommate- Hiro...

eating a second breakfast at Museum Kopitiam...

teksi towards KKIA terminal 2...

1hour delayed flight AK502...

Kota Kinabalu

[Day 2] Descending Mount Kinabalu

2008-06-23T21:27:00.008+08:00

I was eating my second breakfast (bread, Kaya jam, strawberry jam, peanut butter, sausage, egg, and coffee) and writing on Mountain Torq’s Guestbook when Nani arrived.

After the meal, I went to my room and prepared for the descent. I thanked Mountain Torq personnel, especially William, for the warm welcome and friendliness they have given me on my stay in Pendant Hut. They were inviting me again to visit Mount Kinabalu again and to try the multi-pitch rock climb on the Sayat-Sayat Slab (that’s because I was telling them that I do rock climbing in the Philippines). I told them I will be back if my best climbing partner/best friend/belay-bunny would invite me.

We started our descent by 1042hrs, but now the pace was faster. Nani asked me to remember her tip on climbing Mount Kinabalu: “Walk slowly, don’t stop, and enjoy the climb.” And added another one: “Stay happy.” But I teased her that we didn’t really ‘walk slowly.’

Nani then introduced me to a veteran guide (Anthony) that guides climbers to the Eastern Plateau. He gave me his number and pointers on how to request for a permit to climb the Bowen’s Route. He was depressed for his clients didn’t (attempted to) climb to Low’s Peak that day.

The descent was the same as the ascent. We overtook everyone that was climbing down. Nani even has in one hand a bagful of garbage from Pundok Paka. We reached Timpohon Gate by 1212hrs. We descended the mountain in 2-hours 10-minutes.

I met three Aussie women on the bus ride from Timpohon Gate towards the Park HQ. I recognize them as the three ladies sitting beside me on Low’s Peak that morning.

Upon reaching the Park HQ, I readily inquired for the climb towards the Eastern Plateau, but the Park Administrator was out for lunch. I would email or call his office (when the time comes) when I’m ready to take-on the Bowen’s Route.

I went to the souvenir shop while I was waiting for ~~Jewel~~ Ju to arrive and bought some memento of my climb. After Jewel obtained my certificate from the Park HQ, I then bade goodbye to Nani and told her that if ever I will climb Mount Kinabalu via the Bowen’s Route, I would request for her to accompany me.

After departing the Park HQ, ~~Jewel~~ Ju treated me for lunch. We ate at a restaurant a few meters away from the Park gate. I ordered Tom Yum Soup. I was not even similar to the Tom Yum soup served in the Philippines! It was really spicy hot! ~~Jewel~~ Ju even told me that a variation of it is even hotter in another Malaysian state.

Just as I seated myself on the KCTT van, I went Zzzzzzzzzz…

Mount Kinabalu Climb [Day2]

[Day 2] Low’s Peak Circuit Via Ferrata

2008-06-23T21:13:00.006+08:00

While waiting for William to arrive, I removed my midlayer polar fleece jacket and just don my shell jacket (I know I will be sweating hard on the Via Ferrata). I also replaced my polar fleece gloves with my old full-fingered mountain biking gloves (I need more dexterity). After donning our harnesses and helmets, Nani then said her goodbye and headed down towards Laban Rata for some rest before we head down towards the Park HQ.

William gave me the other end of the running-belay rope and I tied it to my harness loop with a ‘follow-thru figure-of-8 knot.’ Then he gave me the go signal. No ‘belay on’ - ‘on belay’ communication ensued here, just ‘OK?’ and ‘OK’ interaction between me and William.

I walked towards the edge of the Sayat-Sayat slab. Time check: 0630hrs.

Clipped both my auto-locking karabiners to the cable and threaded the belay rope to the Prisme rung. Off I go to the rock face and to the next rung.

On the next rung, I stabilized my stance and then I unclipped one karabiner and snapped it on the next cable after the rung; I unclipped the other karabiner and clipped it next the first one. I tugged on the belay rope, which is connected to William, and threaded it again to the rung.

This is the repetitive move that I did on the ‘Low’s Peak Circuit’ Via Ferrata. It is a descending route towards to Summit Trail before reaching the Gunting Lagadan Hut. Asia’s first and World’s highest Via Ferrata.

‘The Preamble’ Via Ferrata is the ascending approach towards the top-edge of the Sayat-Sayat Slab headwall. For ‘The Preamble’, Mountain Torq recommends a 3days/2nights stay on the mountain (Pendant Hut) because of the more strenuous procedure. But the ‘Low’s Peak Circuit’ Via Ferrata (descending) should not to be looked differently or down-rated, because when doing the ‘Low’s Peak Circuit’ Via Ferrata the climber has to endure looking at the exposure beneath his feet every time he has sketch a foothold and clip/thread-in to the ‘iron road.’

At the arête, old bolted and hammered protections can be seen. It is said that it was used by some Japanese rock climbers previously to surmount the slab years ago. Some new bolts can be seen, but these were placed by the French contractors who built Mount Kinabalu’s Via Ferrata.

Looking towards Laban Rata and Pendant Hut, I can see some spectators looking at William and me. Of the 158 climbers on Mount Kinabalu that day, I was the only one who walked the ‘iron road.’ William then radioed the other Mountain Torq guides at Pendant Hut to see if they can see us. William informed me that they were very happy to see us and we were very fast.

The first part is the slab face down-climbing, then the traverse towards the slab arête. After some time of rock, rung, cable, and platform-grabbing, the Via Ferrata leaded me to the hanging bridge. The only fixed system of the hanging bridge was the two cables for holding-on and the belay cable (?). The pathway of the bridge was freely-swinging. Under the bridge was a 100+ feet drop. Then the bridge ended to another sideway traverse.

After a downward climb the iron road exited to a vegetated portion of the route. Unclipped, I walked towards the next route. While walking, I again felt my feet have heels. Here I get to munch on some granola bars.

After some minutes on the jungle trek, the next rung again appeared.

Just I was getting used to the traversing, the cable bridge appeared. The cable bridge spec’d with the two cables to hold-on to and only one cable to walk on. Then the traverse iron road again.

Before reaching the end of the Via Ferrata, the monkey bridge was next. One cable for protection and handhold and another cable for the footwork.

After the monkey bridge, it was only 300-meters to go towards the end of the Via Ferrata. It was mixed emotions time for me. I wanted to stay for the fun of climbing Mount Kinabalu and walking the iron road, but I also wanted to end the climb to go back to my family… and work.

Reaching the yellow-colored warning sign, it indicated that my iron road walk has now ended. Time check: 0900hrs.

I thanked William for accompanying me on the Via Ferrata then I walked towards Gunting Lagadan Hut, Laban Rata, and finally, Pendant Hut. Climbers staying in Gunting Lagadan and Laban Rata took pictures of me while I was descending. One European climber commented that I am ‘hardcore’ and a Malaysian climber said something that I cannot comprehend (maybe he was saying that I’m a fool).

Reaching Pendant Hut, the other guides congratulated me and offered me a second breakfast! Yeah!

Mountain Torq Via Ferrata

[Day 2] Pendant Hut – Low’s Peak – Sayat-Sayat Slab

2008-06-23T20:52:00.007+08:00

I woke-up 0230hrs. Suited-up, grabbed my pack, and went to take my breakfast (bread, butter, peanut butter, Kaya jam, strawberry jam, and coffee). Before 0300hrs, Nani arrived. We headed back to Laban Rata and went right towards the Summit Trail. We went first inside Gunting Lagadan Hut for Nani to refill her water bottle with warm water. After a few minutes we were back on the trail.

The trail is now jam-packed with climbers towards the summit. Nani and I overtook climbers resting on the trail. That was our movement all the way to the summit. We were not really in hurry but many climbers were just sitting or not moving at all, causing the long trail-traffic. I asked Nani if we can see the Bowen’s Wall even if it’s still dark; she said no. We arrived shortly at the Sayat-Sayat Hut. The park staff registered my ID/Permit and wished me luck on the summit climb. I think we overtaken 50+ climbers or so in the process.

By 0500hrs, I reached Low’s Peak; the highest point of Malaysia and once the highest point of Southeast Asia. Nani again asked me of our walking time. I told her that it just took us 2-hours to reach the peak. She then congratulated me for climbing Mount Kinabalu/Low’s Peak ad the fast climbing time. I took photos and reached for my cellular telephone to send SMS to my family and some friends. After some minutes, the summit area was getting crowded with climbers. I told Nani that we can descend already and I was not really keen on waiting for the full vista of the sunrise.

While we still have enough time to meet William at the Sayat-Sayat Slab, we toured around the lip of the Low’s Gully and the foot of both St. John’s Peak and Kinabalu South Peak. Arriving at the top-edge of the Sayat-Sayat Slab headwall, we saw William heading our way.

Mount Kinabalu Climb [Day 2]

[Day 1] Timpohon Gate – Laban Rata/Pendant Hut

2008-06-23T20:34:00.007+08:00

First thing I noticed upon arrival at the park was a group of Japanese climbers getting ready to board the mini-bus. Jewel and I proceeded towards the park office to arrange my climb. I was told by Jewel to just relax at the lobby for she will take care of everything. I got an ID/Permit (that I didn’t notice that I have a name on it! I just found out when I was relaxing at Pendant Hut). After a few minutes, we then went to the operations office to meet my guide, Nani.

We boarded the same bus with the Japanese group to Timpohon Gate, the start of the trek. At the gate, I showed my ID/Permit to the ‘gatekeeper’ to let me pass. My trek started around 0900hrs. Nani asked me what training/s that I did to prepare myself for the climb… I told her about my trail runs and my mountain biking weekends. She gave me one good advice for the climb: “Walk slowly, don’t stop, and enjoy the climb.” So, I did what she said.

I, with Nani, was trekking with a Belgian couple (Diether and Ruth) and with their guide from the start of the trek and towards Laban Rata.

On the trail, I was talking profusely with Nani, so she won’t feel detached from me. I would tell stories about mountain climbing in the Philippines. She noticed that I wouldn’t get tired greeting other climbers we meet on the trail, even guides and porters. I even told Nani that I have previously planned a Mount Kinabalu climb in 2005 and that I was eyeing to explore the Eastern Plateau via the Bowen’s Route.

After some hours of walking and taking pictures of the trail, the view, the flora, the wildlife, and some climbers, we arrived at Laban Rata by 1230hrs. Nani asked me how many hours did we walk. As I reviewed the pictures, I tallied it up to 3hours and 30-minutes. She told me that it was a fast climb and congratulated me on our speed. Nani told me to take my lunch before we go to Pendant Hut. I bought Mee Hon Soup for both of us (RM15.00/order). At the balcony of Laban Rata, I met an English couple (I thought the lady was French because of her complexion) that I would share jokes after dinner.

After the filling meal, we then went to Pendant Hut, the home of Mountain Torq, the company that is offering the Via Ferrata on Mount Kinabalu. I was met by numerous Mountain Torq guides in the hut and showed me where I would sleep. Nani then went back to Laban Rata, where she and other trekking guides stay for the night. She will be back on Pendant Hut by 0300hrs to fetch me for the summit climb. William, my Via Ferrata guide, told to me to meet him at the lobby by 1400hrs for the Via Ferrata instruction. I did have 45-minutes to relax before the training… Zzzzzzzzzz…

By 1400hrs, my alarm went off and I was surprised to see two new roommates, Sam and Fiona, an English mountain biker couple. They signed-up for the ‘Walk the Torq’ (the introductory Via Ferrata) with the Mount Kinabalu climb in the Borneo tour package; they would eventually skip the Walk the Torq, so they can descend earlier.

I met William at the lobby and we started the Via Ferrata training. After some equipment overview, we went outside (the rock face between Laban Rata and Pendant Hut) for the hands-on Via Ferrata sequence. William then pointed to me the Via Ferrata route that we will take tomorrow. He is certain that we would finish early because I was the only one that he will take on the route tomorrow. William will be meeting me at the top-edge of the Sayat-Sayat Slab headwall by 0630hrs tomorrow.

By 1700hrs, Sam, Fiona and I went down to Laban Rata to have our free buffet dinner. We shared a table with Diether and Ruth. The two couples were very amazed with how much I have eaten. They just ate salad, a sandwich, some legumes, and some rice meal. I ate two platefuls of everything on the buffet table. Hehehehe…

They asked me when did I placed my reservation for the Mount Kinabalu climb and they were very surprised to know that I just signed-up for the climb a month ago. They told me that the latest reservation they placed was six months ago. Laban Rata Rest house is fully-booked until December of this year and anybody who will be climbing with a short notice would be staying at Gunting Lagadan Hut, or worst, would be setback a few weeks or few months more.

After dinner, I went out to the balcony again and had coffee with the English couple I met earlier. Sorry, I forgot their names. We were making fun of other climbers in the Rest house. I was telling them that most Asian climbers would smell minty from the liniment they are applying on their body and Europeans/Americans/Aussies would smell tangy because of sunblock. Then the girl took a sniff at me and she said that I smell good and I don’t smell like liniment… Hehehehehe…

By 1800hrs, I was back at Pendant Hut. I just read some climbing magazines and took pictures of the sunset. I also prepared my pack for tomorrow’s summit climb and the Via Ferrata.

I hit the sack at exactly 2000hrs.

Mount Kinabalu Climb [Day 1]

Towards Mount Kinabalu National Park

2008-06-21T15:47:00.011+08:00

Woke-up 0530hrs. Went do my 'thing' before I ate my requested early breakfast from Simon. Usually, breakfast in KBL is served by 0700hrs. But I requested an early one for me because Kinabalu Cemerlang travel agent would pick me up by 0630hrs.

At exactly 0630hrs, I went downstairs to wait for my travel agent... I was surprised to see her at the lobby waiting for me to come down. Her name is... Jules? Jewel?.... I forgot... sorry. I'll just call her Jewel. ;) (I emailed KCTT yesterday... JU is her real name! Thank you Ju & Nurul! Sorry, I forgot...)

It was a 1.5hr drive towards Mount Kinabalu National Park.

Then we arrived... safely.

Mount Kinabalu Climb [Day 1]

Touchdown: Kota Kinabalu

2008-06-21T14:57:00.009+08:00

I boarded AK503 at exactly 1825hrs after a 6hour wait.

I was surprised to know that I was one of the few who availed of the Express Boarding... one of the few who boarded the plane earlier than others... I did get a spicy Asian Meal.

Arrived in KK in 2hours. Good weather... clear skies... but with a hint of drizzle.

At the lobby of the airport, I was met by Simon of Kinabalu Backpackers Lodge. Then we did go straight to the lodge. Finally I met Hody! Hody is a she!

It was unfortunate that currency exchange shops closed early, but I withdrew Ringgit directly from the ATM via my BPI card. I then went straight to a 7-Eleven store to purchase 2-liters of bottled water.

Airline food was not that heavy, so I looked for an open restaurant.

I went back to the lodge after... paid Simon the balance for my accommodation... after a hot shower, I prepared my pack for tomorrow's climb.

Hit the sack 2300hrs.

KK, here I come!

My Bestfriend

2008-06-17T17:34:00.004+08:00

To endure the 6hour wait... Is it really world famous? :$ I really don't care! What I know is their donuts taste good with this coffee. B-)

KK, here I come!

DMIA

2008-06-17T11:44:00.004+08:00

Arrived at DMIA 1130hrs. Confirmed my flight with AirAsia. Now I have to endure 6hrs of waiting. :-S

KK, here I come!

On My Way

2008-06-17T09:42:00.005+08:00

Left the house 9am. Arrived at Mega bus terminal after 30min. Within 5min the bus arrived. Bus left 5min after. Reason for such an early departure: traffic on EDSA. On my way to clark now.

KK, here I come!

Itinerary

2008-05-29T09:54:00.001+08:00

My Sponsor

2008-05-28T16:10:00.011+08:00

So, you're thinking who would like to sponsor me?

Who else!?!
Being with them for eight fruitful years...

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

Training Program

2008-05-27T10:43:00.004+08:00

I just started training again last Sunday with a trail run at Montalban's Grotto after 23 days of inactivity.

Wait! I remembered setting-up my old flat handlebar as a pull-up bar two Sundays ago and initiated an impromptu pull-up session… I didn’t get past 5 pulls. Hehehehe… So, today I’ll try my luck again with the pull-up session. Hoping I get past 6 pulls. Bwahehehe!!!!

Ah, thank God! My wife’s cousin has a set of free-weights that I can use for upper body training. Now, I need to recall those repetitive moves I have sunk myself in circa 2000 to 2003. Upper body training will be on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

I have two more Sundays to do trail runs. Next Sunday (June 1), I will be back in Grotto. Then the following Sunday (June 8), will be a Reverse AFP-Giant-Timberland run.

Mount Kinabalu Here I Come!

2008-05-20T17:23:00.010+08:00

Just hours ago, I received my budget for the Mount Kinabalu Via Ferrata Climb.

I went straight to BPI (thanks Dada & Mench!) in Marikina City to process the payment via wire.

I then called up Nurul at Kinabalu Travel for confirmation of my payment. I also e-mailed her the payment slip.

Then processed my airline travel and lodging on-line.

Well... I think I'm all set!
I just need to prepare my pack and off I go on June 17!

RE: Kinabalu Climb via Low's Peak Circuit

2008-05-11T16:27:00.004+08:00

AT LAST!
A reply from Mountain Torq! hehehe... the truth is, their reply went to my spam folder... damn Yahoo! mail!
-----

Hi James,

Sorry for the delay.

Please let me know your actual date?

I we have the availability then we can process you booking. Please see the attached itineraries again.

Regards,

Diana

----

Hi James,

Sorry for the delay and thank you so much for your enquiry.

Here are our prices for each package.

2D1N Walk the Torq: USD320 per Person

2D1N the Preamble: USD365 per Person (No Summit )

2D1N Low’s Peak Circuit: USD365 per Person

3D2N Walk the Torq + Abselling: USD480 per Person

3D2N Low’s Peak Circuit + Abselling: USD565 per Person

4D3N Mt Torq Experience:USD740 per Person

*See the attached itineraries for your references.

Via Ferrata is easier than a rock climbing and yes you can bring your own PPE.

May I know your actual date? I will check reserve a slot for you.

Regards,

Diana

MT KINABALU VIA FERRATA - LOW’S PEAK CIRCUIT

2008-05-09T17:54:00.005+08:00

from: http://www.kinabalutravel.com/

Duration : 2 Days 1 Night
Departure Time : 6.30 am
Minimum Person : 2 persons

Hike up to Low’s Peak (highest peak of Mt Kinabalu). On descent, take a via ferrata detour to see stunning views & explore places off the beaten track.

Grading : Fair route - suitable for beginner to intermediate climbers with above average fitness & no fear of heights (vertigo)

What is a Via Ferrata
A Via Ferrata is a mountain path consisting of a series of rungs & cables embracing the rock face, creating a protected pathway that everyone can walk on. It allows access to scenic sections of the mountain normally accessible only to rock climbers & mountaineers.

note :
For more info about the activity, please visit http://www.mountaintorq.com/

For Mt Kinabalu Via Ferrata - Low’s Peak Circuit package enquiry, please email to http://www.kinabalutravel.com/index.php/contactform/

Tour Itinerary

Day 1

06.30 am : Depart from Kota Kinabalu to Kinabalu Park
08.30 am : Arrive at Kinabalu Park, meet your Mt Guide at Park HQ & start trek up Mt Kinabalu
02.00 pm : Arrive at Laban Rata & have a late lunch (own expense)
03.00 pm : Check into Pendant Hut & meet your Mt Torq trainer
03.30 pm : Via Ferrata Familiarization
05.00 pm : Dinner at Laban Rata (buffet style)

Day 2

02.00 am : Wake up for early breakfast and prepare for climb
03.00 am : Hike up to Low’s Peak
05.30 am : Summit Low’s Peak & catch the beautiful sunrise
05.45 am : Decent Low’s Peak to Sayat - Sayat slab
06.30 am : Meet Mt Torq trainer at Sayat - Sayat slab for Low’s Peak Circuit Via Ferrata
09.00 am : Arrive & check out of Pendant Hut; have a late breakfast at Laban Rata (own expenses)
10.00 am : Descent to Kinabalu Park HQ for transport pick up
03.00 am : Transport pick up to Kota Kinabalu

Inclusive of
1 night accommodation at Pendant Hut, meals (simple breakfast & buffet dinner), climbing permits & insurance, Sabah Park entrance fee, certificate, Mt guide & return transportation

Package option
1 night stay at Kinabalu Park hostel a day before climbing
1 night stay at Kinabalu Daya / Radius International Hotel a day before climbing
2 days 1 night ‘walk the torq’ package
2 days 1 night ‘preamble’ package

-----
Additional outfitters:

http://www.borneoecotours.com/contact.php?id=68

http://www.borneotravelguide.com/travelogue/details.asp?articleid=111

2003 Elevation Ceiling

2008-05-06T05:40:00.003+08:00

Mount Amuyao in Barlig, Mountain Province recorded elevation. The 2nd to my last major climb (Mayon volcano in 2004). Didn't wore this watch on Mayon... i was practicing ultralight backpacking then.

New shoes

2008-05-05T18:34:00.005+08:00

Went to ROX @ Bonifacio High Street yesterday with the family... But first went online last week at TNF's site... Good thing they got the model I want.

The North Face Prophecy

Will return to ROX as soon as I get my spending money... first! gonna checkout TNF store @ Rockwell this week.

The bite of the climbing bug

2008-05-04T18:29:00.004+08:00

In 2005, rather than climbing Kinabalu by way of the ‘tourists trail’ only, I was suggesting to Boying to climb the mountain with-a-twist. Apart from the usual regular route of climbing towards Low’s Peak, I was thinking also of climbing Kinabalu by its Bowen’s Route and bagging King George, King Edward, , and Mesilau Peaks, respectively.

I was updating my Kinabalu trip planner when another ‘twist’ on the climb appeared on my search engine - the Via Ferrata on Mount Kinabalu. This twist was not offered in 2005 then; it was formally offered to public December of 2007 only. As opposed to the Bowen’s Route, where climbers can only climb lesser peaks by this route, the Via Ferrata offers climbers a different route on the way down from Low’s Peak (the highest pinnacle) towards Laban Rata. I have inquired with the outfitter with regards to their package of climbing Low’s Peak and descending by way of the via ferrata, or what they call The Low’s Peak Circuit.

Preamble

2008-05-04T18:27:00.009+08:00

I started hoping to climb Mount Kinabalu in 2005. My best friend and longtime climbing buddy, Boying, thought about it then. We were planning to climb Kinabalu in the last quarter of 2005. But, God had another plan for me… to be a father, again. So, I have to scrap the plan of climbing Kinabalu, and to an extent, scrap my whole climbing career (I do have a 2,000-meter Philippine Mountains Project) to be a father of two rowdy and handsome boys, Qogori and Konig.

Although, I scrapped the whole climber-slacker living, I still cannot let go off my dirtbag-slave-to-pain-sufferfest lifestyle. I pleaded with Aimee to let me purchase a mountain bike, so I can still be father-and-a-boy at the same time. From then on, I am into mountain biking fulltime. Until the Kinabalu climb offer landed on my lap, literally.

Before the Onslaught

2008-05-04T18:20:00.003+08:00

On 24^th of April 2008, my boss offered me to go on a vacation. Not just any vacation, but a climb to Southeast Asia’s former highest mountain (before Myanmar was included in the ASEAN), Mount Kinabalu, at 4,095.20 meters (13,436.35 feet) above seal level. They offered to shoulder the expense of the climb. I am now officially a sponsored climber!

What I need now is a good schedule provided by an outfitter. But I cannot schedule it on the month of May (my boss will be out of the country for 1-month); I cannot go on the first week of June (it’s my father’s birthday); neither on the last week of June and the first week of July (birthdays of Konig & Aimee, respectively).

Monsoon months… I now am publicly-stating that I hate rain!