Using Walking Poles at Mount Kinabalu

I'm sure this question might pop up in mind of some Mount Kinabalu prospect climber; "is it advisable / suitable to use / carry walking poles to climb Mount Kinabalu?". Especially for Malaysian climbers / hiker who normally hiking on rainforest trail through shrub and vine when crawling mean hiking sometime.. to carry walking pole would be burden than assistance..

My suggestion is mix in both yes and no... Yes it is advisable for you to use walking pole up to Laban Rata, because up to Laban Rata the trail is properly maintained with clear step and stairs. There will be not much obstacle for you and your walking poles, for every step sure you will have a clear place to point your walking pole but for second stage of climbing from Laban Rata to the peak ; I would advise you leave it at your cabin. This is because from Laban Rata to the peak you will hiking mostly on slippery granite trail, and at some point before Sayat sayat hut, you will have hike through quite narrow pass and deep cliff on your right. At that time you will need your hand on the rope, or else you will endanger your own life. In case you insist to  use your walking pole at this part, please remove rubber cap on the pole end to show its pointing metal end, so that it will be more grip to the slippery granite.

My Walking Poles





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Tualang Tree Koompassia Excelsa

Tualang Tree as what is called in Malaysia or scientifically known as Koompassia excelsa, is an emergent tropical rainforest tree species in the Fabaceae family. It is found in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand. It is one of the tallest tropical tree species: the tallest measured specimen is 85. m or 88m tall.
Tualangs grow mostly in lowland rainforests where it towers over the canopy. Tualang has huge buttress roots to support it weight like most tall rainforest trees while not all huge rainforest tree share the same charactheristic like Merbau tree which has it trunk straightly rooted to the forest floor.


Tualangs only branch over the canopy (around 30 m) and have slippery trunks, which makes them attractive to the giant honey bees Apis dorsata that hang their huge combs from the branches. Even the bees cannot protect the trees from loggers, as nowadays tualang tree can only be found deep in the lowland rainforest. This special honey bee, deep lowland rainforest and Tualang tree are interrelated and inter connected, as giant honey bee (apis dorsata) habitat is only in deep rainforest this what make honey from Tualang tree nest is so special as what known as Madu Tualang in Malaysia, without vast rainforest to feed around there would meant extinction to this special honey bee, no honey bee nest on Tualang Tree and vice versa, no honey bee and no forest around it the big Tualang tree is more likely the first to go. The big tree absolutely worth more than the honey for loggers. What make this tree so special is bee hunter would make expedition into deep rainforest looking for Tualang tree to harvest honey. The trail leading to location of the Tualang tree would be marked and they would return annually to harvest honey. Tualang tree honey harvest technique and ritual is unique and well documented in books and documentary.

References
1. "Borneo". Eastern Native Tree Society. http://www.nativetreesociety.org/worldtrees/sea_ei/borneo_ii.htm. Retrieved 2008-06-12.
2.  Hou, D. Leguminosae (Subfamily Caesalpinioideae). In Tree Flora of Sabah and Sarawak, Volume 3, 2006. Soepadmo, E., Saw, L.G. eds. Government of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. ISBN 983-2181-06-2
3. Picture taken from http://digdeep1962.blogspot.com/2008/07/2nd-july-2008-bintang-hijau-forest_03.html and utusan.com.my

Temperate Rainforest

Temperate Rainforest

For temperate rain forests of North America, Alaback's definition is widely recognized:

1. Annual precipitation over 1400 mm
2. Mean annual temperature between 4 and 12 degrees Celsius. (39 and 54 degrees Fahrenheit)

However, required annual precipitation depends on factors such as distribution of rainfall over the year, temperatures over the year and fog presence, and definitions in other countries differ considerably. For example, Australian definitions are ecological-structural rather than climatic:

Plant in temperate rainforest are all predominantly coniferous, sometimes with an understory of broadleaved trees and shrubs. The conifer dominance is a consequence of two climatic factors: Although the region has high total precipitation, most occurs during the winter, and summers are relatively dry. During summer, moisture stress reduces the amount of photosynthesis possible especially for broadleaved trees. However, winters are very mild, and coniferous species are capable to carry on substantial amounts of their yearly photosynthesis during fall, winter and spring.

Tropical Rainforest

Tropical Rainforest

A tropical rainforest is a biome found within (roughly) 10 degrees north or south of the equator. They are common in Asia,Australia, Africa, South America, Central America, Mexico and on many of the Pacific Islands. Within the World Wildlife Fund'sbiome classification, tropical rainforests are considered a type of tropical wet forest (or tropical moist broadleaf forest) and may also be referred to as lowland equatorial evergreen rainforest. Minimum normal annual rainfall between 1,750 millimetres (69 in) and 2,000 millimetres (79 in) occurs in this climate region. Mean monthly temperatures exceed 18 °C (64 °F) during all months of the year.


Other than temperate zoning (latitude) that give distinct character of tropical rainforest, other climatic factors that determining tropical rainforest biome, especially plant and  organisms are humidity and elevation. 


Tropical rainforest found in Malaysia also known as tropical moist broadleaf forest (also share some character of tropical dry forest on dry season depends on regional climatic change) can be further calssified into:


 i) Flooded forests, including freshwater swamp forests and peat swamp forests.


ii) Lowland  tropical rainforests, are forests which receive high rainfall (more than 2000 mm, or 80 inches, annually) throughout the year.


iii) Montane rainforests, biome of tropical highland mountains range which are known as cloud forests , mossy forest or mountain forest, are found in cooler-climate mountainous areas. Titiwangsa Mountains Ranges from Mount Chamah and Ulu Sepat  till  Mountains in Perak such as Mount Irau, Cameron Highland  are well known for its mossy forest beauty.

• Tropical coniferous forest - pine tree trail in Fraser Hill once have distinct character or tropical pine forest, however regional warming which correlated with deforestation and clearance of forest area for farming and plantation in nearby areas has reduce the size of coniferous forest area.

Layer of lowland tropical rainforest

A tropical rainforest is typically divided into four main layers, each with different plants and animals adapted for life in that particular area: forest floor / shrub layers , understory, canopy, and  the emergent. Only the emergent layer is unique to tropical rainforests, while the others are also found in temperate rainforests. While plant in temperate rainforest are all predominantly coniferous, tropical rainforest are blessed with diverse plant species.

The emergent layer contains a small number of very large trees which grow above the canopy layer, reaching heights of 45-55 m, although on occasion a few species will grow up to 70 m or 80 m tall. Such species of emergent layer is Tualang (koompassia excelsa) tree.

The canopy is the primary layer of the forest and forms a roof over the two remaining layers. Most canopy trees have smooth, oval leaves that come to a point. It's a maze of leaves and branches. Many animals live in this area since food is abundant. 

Little sunshine reaches the understory layer, so the plants have to grow larger leaves to obtain sufficient sunlight. The plants in this area seldom grow to 12 feet. There is a large concentration of insects here.

The shrub layer and forest floor will be dimmer than other layer. Few plants grow in this area, as a result. Since hardly any sun reaches the forest floor things begin to decay quickly. 

All this layers can only be found on lowland rainforest, as the contour change with increasing height the type canopy and layering also differ transform into montane rainforest.

Rainforest Malaysia

Rainforests Malaysia

Rainforest are forests characterized by high rainfall, with definitions setting minimum normal annual rainfall between 1750–2000 mm (68-78 inches). The monsoon trough, alternately known as the intertropical convergence zone, plays a significant role in creating Earth's tropical rain forests. There are two types of rainforest, tropical rainforest and temperate rainforest. Rainforest Malaysia located near equator are blessed with tropical rainforest.

There is misconception  that to walk through Rainforest Malaysia is easy in believing that the undergrowth in a rainforest which is restricted in many areas by the lack of sunlight at ground level makes it possible to walk through, not like walking in the park though. Characther of rainforest floor or shrub layer not only determine by level of sunlight going through the canopy but also the type of soil. Granite soil would make it possible for a clear forest floor. Eventhough with a minimun amount of sunlight there would be vines plants tangle from forest floor struggle to rise to the highest canopy.  Rainforest Malaysia floor composition of dense, tangled growth of vines, shrubs, and small trees called a jungle is determine by level of sunlight passing through the canopy . 

40 to 75% of all species on the world's habitats are indigenous to the rainforests. It has been estimated that many millions of species of plants, insects, and microorganisms are still undiscovered. Tropical rainforests have been called the "jewels of the Earth", and the "world's largest pharmacy", because over one quarter of natural medicines have been discovered there. 


Tropical Rainforest Malaysia are well known for its medicinal plants and herbs. The most popular medicinal plants of Rainforest Malaysia are Eurycoma longifolia (Tongkat Ali - known for its ability to improve male libido by increasing testosterone level and improve blood flow) and Melastoma malabathricum (senduduk).  Rainforests are also responsible for 28% of the world's oxygen turn over, often misunderstood as oxygen production, processing it through photosynthesis from carbon dioxide and storing it as carbon through biosequestration. Rainforest Malaysia still rich in biodiversity. 


Many rainforest animal species indigenous to Rainforest Malaysia is Malayan Tiger, Malayan Tapir, peacock peasant, Elephant (Malaysian Elephant belong to same species of Asian elephant), Sun Bear, Sumatran Rhinoceros, Gaur (Seladang), and etc. Orang Utan already extinct from natural habitat of Peninsular Malaysia and now can only be found in Borneo and Sumatra. Most of big size animal that thrive in lowland Rainforest Malaysia are becoming endangered species because of depleting size of lowland Rainforest Malaysia replace for plantation and development. The setting up of several National Parks in Rainforest Malaysia such as Taman Negara Pahang would protect significant area of Lowland Rainforest, hence would also protect those endangered animal species and plant from extinction. Authority responsible to safeguard Rainforest Malaysia would lie  on the shoulder of Department Of Wildlife and National Parks Of Peninsular Malaysia (or locally known as Perhilitan), Forestry Department and State Parks Authority such as Sabah Park. 

Tropical Rainforest Malaysia also known as tropical moist broadleaf forest (also share some character of tropical dry forest on dry season depends on regional climatic change) can be further calssified into several type based on Altitude:

 i) Flooded forests, including freshwater swamp forests, mangrove forest and peat swamp forests. These forest are part of Wetlands. Wetlands are permanent and temporary wet places such as lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes, swamps, peatlands, mangrove forests, salt pans, sandy beaches and coral reef. The ecosystems provide us with a myriad of ecological services.

ii) Lowland  tropical rainforests, are forests which receive high rainfall (more than 2000 mm, or 80 inches, annually) throughout the year. Tropical Rainforest Malaysia are mostly dominated by trees from the Dipterocarpaceae family. The dipterocarp forest occurs on dry land just above sea level to an altitude of about 900 metres.The term ‘dipterocarp’ specifically refers to the fact that most of the largest trees in this Rainforest Malaysia belong to one plant family known as Dipterocarpaceae. It was so called because their fruits have seeds with two wings (di = two; ptero = wing; carp = seed). Thus, Lowland Rainforest Malaysia are commonly referred to as Lowland Dipterocarp Forest. Lowland Rainforest Malaysia is up to elevation 300m above sea level.

iii) Hill Forest / Hill Dipterocarp Forest - from elevation 300m-750m above sea level


iv) Upper Hill Forest - from elevation 750m-1200m above sea level.

v) Montane Rainforest Malaysia, normally above 1000m at some mountains the vegetation already can be classified as Montane forest, this can be extinguished with plants exist are small bonsai tree, coniferous plant, fern and eafy bryophytes. The type of forest exist on higher elevation can also be determined by temperature and soil. Biome of tropical highland mountains range which are known as cloud forests , mossy forest or mountain forest, are found in cooler-climate mountainous areas. Titiwangsa Mountains Ranges from Mount Chamah and Ulu Sepat  till  Mountains in Perak such as Mount Irau, Cameron Highland  are well known for its mossy forest beauty.

• Tropical coniferous forest - pine tree trail in Fraser Hill once have distinct character or tropical pine forest, however regional warming which correlated with deforestation and clearance of Rainforest area for farming and plantation in nearby areas has reduce the size coniferous forest area.

To experience Rainforest Malaysia by yourself, if reading this article would be harder to comprehend than your exam paper then head for Taman Negara Malaysia Pahang or known as Pahang National Parks. Take the trail up to Mount Tahan would surely present you with all kind of Rainforest Malaysia from big tree at lowland rainforest up to bonsai montane forest at Mount Tahan Peak. Taking that route would take around 1 week for return trip from Kuala Tahan if you have the time and got the fitness. Otherwise go to Cameron Highland or Fraser Hill (Bukit Fraser) to see and feel breezy montane forest air. To see mossy forest you have to go deeper into the trail. Deeper into the forest with lower temperature more mossy the forest will be. If you dare enough, hike up to Mount Irau Cameron Highland. You will see what, most normal tourist do not have chance to see of wonderful Rainforest Malaysia, but be prepare for a wet wet wet and muddy trail and prepare accordingly. For a more "easy trail" hike up Mount Kinabalu! do not mislead by word "easy trail", what it meant is that the trail are very well maintained. You do not have to crawl below fallen log, walking through muddy pool, instead just pace yourself on beautiful trail and stairs.. you still need a good fitness though,, otherwise you will just simply torturing yourself. At Mount Kinabalu trail you will see beautiful Rainforest Type from lowland rainforest, montane rainforest and end up to barren granite of Mount Kinabalu's peak.

Layer of lowland tropical Rainforest Malaysia

Malaysia lowland tropical rainforest is typically divided into four main layers, each with different plants and animals adapted for life in that particular area: forest floor / shrub layers , understory, canopy, and  the emergent. Only the emergent layer is unique to tropical rainforests, while the others are also found in temperate rainforests. While plant in temperate rainforest are all predominantly coniferous, tropical rainforest are blessed with more diverse plant species.

The emergent layer contains a small number of very large trees which grow above the canopy layer, reaching heights of 45-55 m, although on occasion a few species will grow up to 70 m or 80 m tall. Such species of emergent layer is Tualang (koompassia excelsa) tree.

The canopy is the primary layer of the rainforest and forms a roof over the two remaining layers. Most canopy trees have smooth, oval leaves that come to a point. It's a maze of leaves and branches. Many animals live in this area since food is abundant. 

Little sunshine reaches the understory layer, so the plants have to grow larger leaves to obtain sufficient sunlight. The plants in this area seldom grow to 12 feet. There is a large concentration of insects here.

The shrub layer and forest floor will be dimmer than other layer. Few plants grow in this area, as a result. Since hardly any sun reaches the forest floor things begin to decay quickly. 

All this layers can only be found on lowland rainforest, as the contour change with increasing height the type canopy and layering also differ transform into montane rainforest.

Cost to Climb Mount Kinabalu

Cost to climb Mount Kinabalu presented below would only cover cost at the Mountain not involve your flight ticket or transportation from Kota Kinabalu to Kinabalu Park. This is based on specific cost involved such as permit, insurance, guide etc.. this tabulate is available at Sabah Park Website and SSL (the private operator who manage accomodation at Laban Rata (since 2006 if not mistaken). As SSL control hut at Laban Rata area, by hook or by crook you all have to go through them if you want to stay at Laban Rata which is what the normal climb would be (first night sleep at Laban Rata and summit attempt at wee hour of the morning).. Otherwise just plan for a stay at various hut on the ganite plateau such as Gurkha Hut - for this you just have to go through Sabah Park but that means a longer journey overpass Laban Rata and you have to bring up your own cooking stove, ration, sleeping mat/bag - in other word; it means a lot more stuff and a lot more weight. If you opt for SSL package which is already cover all the cost tabulate below plus profit and plus whatever else.. that would come with amount such as RM486 for 3 day 2 night package [1 night at Rock Hostel and 1 night at Gunting Lagadan Hut (Laban Rata area)] . Different hut would have different charge - the most exclusive of all is Laban Rata Hut, if you stay here you would have the convenience of nice cafe in the same building.. Try to ask for one night package, that would be cheaper but you have to arrange for different accomodation at first night. there are some hostel available just outside Kinabalu Park.. SSL not published their rate at their website which is a kind of weird.. so you have no choice but to contact them directly by phone


The cost could be tabulate as below in RM - Ringgit Malaysia

1. Permit Fee	Malaysia	Non - Malaysia
Adult (per person)	30	100
Below 18 years(per person)	12	40

2. Insurance (per person)	Malaysia & Non - Malaysia
Death Per Accident cover for RM 50,000	7.00
Permanent Disablement As A Result Of An Accident Max cover -RM 50,000	7.00

3. Certificate Malaysian & Non-Malaysian	Malaysia &Non - Malaysia
1st Class (color)	10.00
1st Class (color)	10.00

4. Trail Fee Between Timpohon Gate and Mesilau Gate (per person)	Malaysia	Non - Malaysia
Adult (per person)	5	10
Below 18 years(per person)	2	5

5. Guide fee

Fees are charged on per group basis, ranging from RM35 to RM40 per day per group depending on the size of the group. Charges vary according to choice of starting and ending point. (Timpohon to Mesilau and vice versa).

Route	Number of Climbers	Fee per Day
1. Timpohon-Summit-Timpohon	1-3	42.50
	4-6	50.00
2. Timpohon-Summit-Mesilau/ Mesilau-Summit-Timpohon	1-3	47.50
	4-6	57.50
3. Mesilau-Summit-Mesilau	1-3	47.50
	4-6	60
4. Mesilau-King George Peak(Kotal's Route	1-3 (1 guide)	100
	4-6 (2 guide)	100
	7-8 (3 guide)	100

Contact No.

Contact the accommodation reservation at:
Sutera Sanctuary Lodges,
G.15, Ground Floor, Wisma Sabah
88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
Telephone: 6088-243629, 6088-245742

Fax: 6088-259552
E-mail: infor@suterasanctuarylodges.com
Website: www.suterasanctuarylodges.com (online booking available)

Or, go directly to the Sabah Parks (at the Kinabalu Park reception counter) to arrange for a climbing permit, mountain guide, insurance, climbing certificate, porter service, and Transport to Timpohon Gate (starting point).

Telephone: 6088-889098

Transportation
- Koktas Sdn. Bhd.
Telephone: 088-889099 (Kinabalu Park)/088-879118 (Ranau)
Fax: 088-879119


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Cheaper now for natives to climb Mount Kinabalu - Cost to Climb Mount Kinabalu

Cheaper now for natives to climb Mount Kinabalu

This news already circulated among outdoor community.. still not sure whether that would only cover for Sabahan or could be extend to all Malaysian. I'll update later about this. Since management of Kinabalu Park was taken over by SSL, cost to climb Mount Kinabalu has inflated more than threefold.. this has make it harder for local to climb Mount Kinabalu while more opportunity given to outsiders.  Luckily the pressure on SSL and Sabah government has bear fruit...

Published on: Thursday, April 22, 2010 at Daily Express


Kota Kinabalu: The natives of Sabah will find it cheaper to climb Mount Kinabalu now.

Sabah Parks and the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry, in collaboration with the Sutera Sanctuary Lodges (SSL), have made it convenient and economical for natives to climb the mountain.

The move was initiated by Sabah Parks and the Ministry, and was supported by SSL at a recent meeting attended by Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister, Datuk Bolkiah Haji Ismail, Sabah Parks Director, Paul Basintal, and SSL representative, Adrian de Rozario.

A statement here, Wednesday, said the meeting endorsed that only a minimum fee of RM80 for accommodation at Gunting Lagadan inclusive of meals would be offered to native Sabahans for a specific number of allocated beds that are available on a first come first served basis.

This privilege rate is a 72 per cent reduction from the published rate and is only applicable to Sabah's natives.

To enjoy this privilege, climbers must produce a valid identification verifying their status and all reservations under this privilege must be made through Sabah Parks.
Reservations are only open to walk-in individuals and not valid for travel agents or any tourism related agencies

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