KK gathering and Happy Birthday Jamie!

Date : 24 April 2011
Venue : LaCasa, Waterfront & Rest 168, Kepong

Last weekend, we met up to have a photo sharing session for the KK climb. I was also supposed to pass all the certificates to the climbers but I forgot entirely about it! Adoi.... must be getting old! The little gathering was also extended to some of our close friends who hikes with us. We all had a jolly good time chatting away for hours. For once we are meeting up decently without hiking... what a difference. I felt like I had so much time in hand last weekend!

We also had a little surprise birthday cake for Jamie (her birthday was on 23 April) arranged by Chia... the cupcakes were wonderful!

Happy Birthday Jamie

Pan mee!

More eating!

My first run and a whole load of crap!

The talked about Energizer Night Run 2011 - 16 April 2011

Well, that's my first run! Only went for the 11km with high hopes and enthusiasm for the event..... but then it ended with a lot of "unhappiness" due to lack of proper planning / organizing skills for the event. Here's some thoughts as I recall.

This event sparked off my interest because it was a run in the circuit itself. I thought it was pretty cool to be on the track where Kimi (my fav driver till now even though he is not driving anymore) flies by with his zooooooooom! But of course I had the encouragement from CK, my dear brother and also managed to ask some friends to join together so we all registered within the early bird period and started training. (Except for CK, the 3 of us have not done any runs before!)

So there we were doing some weekly trainings all in anticipation for the event but we were greeted by surprises of different sorts!

We arrived early for the run... I was at SIC at about 5.15pm and was then told by the RELA people that I had to pay RM 10 for parking! (Surprise # 1)

- I am not saying that I don't want to pay for parking but I believe that we must be informed before hand

- When there is a F1 event, the parking fees are RM 50 and we still pay... why? because we were all informed before hand and its up to you if you want to pay for the parking or take the public transport

- This is what we call consumer rights!!

Well after we arrived, we were busy eating (last minute carbo loading!) to get ready for the event. We started to make our way in at about 6pm and we were led into an underground tunnel (Surprise # 2) to cross over to the pit area

- I thought it was really silly to do that. If a fire breaks out in that area, the participants and spectators would have NO where to run to and the amount of casualties would be beyond anyone's anticipation

- The tunnel was stuffy and there was no proper ventilation at all

- At the end of the tunnel the organisers chose to distribute the headlamps there. (small area and everyone was trying to get out of the tunnel ASAP.......I felt like I was going to get a heat stroke!)

- So the organisers had to take time to distribute the headlamps and let the participants suffer in the tunnel (hmmmmph!)

So after we got our headlamps (our bibs were marked when we took our lamps) we hung out and around... (by the way, by 6.45pm I was told that the headlamps were free for all to take and the late participants did not get any!) There were no proper signage directing where in actual fact is the starting point! (Surprise # 3)

- I would have thought that as proper event organisers, you must inform participants where to go for the starting point (yes, we know the run is on the track but then if you have not been to SIC pit area before, would you know where the track starts?)

- Is this the true spirit of Malaysia where "anything also can?" Consumers / everyone have to accept "everything and anything"?

As we wander around the pit area, more and more people arrive 10,000 people actually registered for the event and we were told that 5,000 was in the 11km category.. wow.... so even if 80% turned up, we are still talking about a crowd of 8,000 people.

Walking around the pit area is also very tiring.... there are so many people walking that your eyes will feel tired after a while. We decided to rest and waited for the announcements. The flag off time were:

7.45pm for 42km

8.00pm for 21km

8.15pm for 11km

8.30pm for 5.5km

We made our way to the starting point by about 7.30pm to witness the first flag offs. After that everything seems to just flow by and before we know it, we are in the queue for the flag off.

We were supposed to do 2 rounds on the circuit.

Surprise # 4 was there was insufficient marshalls on standby and people run on the greens instead of the road for short cuts! Wow.....

Surprise # 5 came when I realised (when I finished the first round) that there was only one medical station and one water station (while the announcement/information on the website says that there is 2 of each) - I thought that these were the things that one cannot "skim"! If you say that you will provide 2, you must provide 2.... the participants will then know how to pace themselves...... but sadly, what can we do as participants? Complain? To who? If there was any form of emergencies, would it not be too late? Or as the true spirit of Malaysia boleh, be prepared only AFTER some disaster happen?

Surprise # 6 came when I finished the race. As I was at the last bend of the circuit I saw a whole LONG queue (whatever for I am not sure) and I was thinking to myself (Oh my!!!! don't tell me that I have to still queue up after the run????) So as I exit on the 11km lane, there were people shouting 11km exit here exit here.... so I just followed. I was well within the qualifying time of 2 hours. I came in at 1hr 35 mins.... (or so) No one was at the exit to clock a proper time..... hmmmmph and I was thinking is this how races are done? Who clocks the timing then? (I have not been on any race before this and hence, I have no basis for any comparisons)

So as I was waiting at the pit which says 11km everyone was chatting around and asking what is this queue for? Some say its for goody bags. Some say got finisher T shirt. Some say to get medals etc...... so I just waited in the area until I see goody bags being thrown from the front to the back! (Surprise # 7) (this was after about 20 mins or more of waiting time) So what do you do? Grab or wait in line? On impulse of course I grabbed but did not manage to get anything from the first few throws! Once I got a bag I left the area but sad to note that there was no finisher T shirt as promised. (Surprise # 8) This was the notice from the website:

ALL PRIZE MONEY IS IN MALAYSIAN RINGGIT ONLY.

ALL WINNERS MUST BRING THE IDENTIFICATION CARD TO VERIFY YOUR GOODSELF AS THE PARTICIPANT AS REGISTERED IN THE ENERGIZER NIGHT RACE, IF NOT THE ORGANIZER HAS THE RIGHT TO TERMINATE AND LET THE NEXT IN LINE TO BE ANNOUNCE AS THE WINNING POSITION.

MEDALS WILL ONLY BE GIVEN TO PARTICIPANTS WHO FINISHES WITHIN THE QUALIFYING TIME.

PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE A FINISHING T-SHIRT AND A CERTIFICATE OF PARTICIPATION FOR THE ENERGIZER NIGHT RACE 2011 UPON COMPLETION OF THE RACE (EXCEPT FOR 42KM AND 21KM CATEGORY, CERTIFICATE WILL BE POSTED OUT TO YOUR REGISTERED MAILING ADDRESS).

ALL FINISHING T-SHIRT ARE GIVEN BY FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS UPON COMPLETION. SIZES ARE VARY FROM M-L SIZES AND ARE GIVEN ON FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS.

FINISHER MEDALS AND T-SHIRT MUST BE COLLECTED AT THE FINISHER PIT UPON CHECK OUT OF THE RACE, THE ORGANIZER WILL NOT BE LIABLE IF THE PARTICIPANT DID NOT COLLECT THE FINISHING PIT WITHOUT THE SAID ITEMS.

So where's the medal, certificate and finisher T Shirt? There was just insufficient manpower of the event organisers to handle the crowd. Are they new? (A check with SSM says that there is no company by the name of Expose Media registered.... hmmmphh!!) So participants who are within the qualifying time try to collect whatever that is due but sadly one can't even get to the front of the queue. Let alone trying to get goody bag, medal, certificate........ later on, I thought I heard an announcement which said that they will send the medal and certificates to participants and in my mind I was thinking.... no one knows who collected and who did not. No one knows if you finished within qualifying time. Is this how the events are managed? What's the use of employing event organisers who cannot do a good job? Many times we pay for things to be done but what do we get? Sub standard work when the people are supposed to be the specialists!

At least there was Gatorade to drink after exit from the pit! I had a few cups! (they were served in little cups...... good for dwarfs?) So as we return to the car, we had to go through the tunnel again!! (some people actually crossed the roads on the circuit to avoid going into the tunnel again)

My car gave me a surprise next! My little baby could not start (Surprise # 9) and I had to call for AAM to come. The battery was weak already and because SIC was faraway, by the time AAM came was after 1am..... by then some of the 42km were out and I sat there talking to one of them and was told this...

The last surprise for the evening, the run was not 42km..... it was only for 39km +++ wow! And by the time they came out, there was nothing left at all to take except trays of Gatorade. There was nothing to grab at all! (we still had the opportunity to grab some thing) They came out, tired, empty handed and full of disappointment. 

Anymore Energizer Night Race? Well, its a NO for me.............

10 tips for backpacking - by MAS Traveller

An article by MAS traveller with my own take of it!
Here's the original extract - http://mastraveller.com/Features/2011/03/01/10-tips-for-backpackers/1984/?utm_source=MSN+Travel%2F%2F%2F/

10 tips for backpackers

Post by MAS Traveller on 01/03/2011

You, a bag and the world at your feet. The adventure of a lifetime awaits.

No matter where you’re trekking off to, these few simple measures will ensure a safe, savvy trip.

1. The bag
While backpacking is all about thrifty travel, the one thing you shouldn’t stinge on is your bag. The key to choosing one that’s right for you comes down to comfort – usually, unless you’re doing heavy lifting, it shouldn’t be more than 4500 CUI (cubic inches). Also, buy yours from a reputable maker – shoddy workmanship or material will tear only too easily.

MY TAKE
Its not just about size. The weight of the bag does matter! Most haversacks weighs about 1.8kg to 2.5kg. Imagine thats dead weight that you are carrying!
For me in the order of most important to least important:
1. Comfort
2. Light
3. Price
And thankfully I found one which fits all 3 criteria for me!


2. Packing essentials
Every traveler should have these:
• Flip flops: A must-have for use in those communal showers
• Pillowcases
• Extra wallet: Pickpockets are in backpacker inns. Dividing your money into different wallets reduces the risk of losing everything should you become a victim
• Wet wipes: A shower may not always be available
• Space saver bags: Available at camping stores, these allow more to be bundled into a small space

MY TAKE
I have gone without pillowcases when staying in hostels. Instead be prepared! Research for more information about the hostel, read the reviews, check around with friends - all these is just to find a clean, good and affordable hostel to stay in! (with shower facilities!)


3. The cash stash
The general rule of thumb is to have enough currency to get you through 2 or 3 days. The rest of your journey can be covered by a series of travelers cheques.

MY TAKE
Most places takes credit cards too! Check in advance.... best is if the accomodation takes credit card then its one chunk of cash down....


4. Packing smart
Roll clothes instead of folding them to avoid wrinkles. Pack zip-lock bags to seal used socks and shoes in. Medication and important documents should always be carried on you, not in checked-in luggage. When packing, stack in chronological order, with what you’ll need first at the top of your bag.

MY TAKE
All the heavy stuffs should be close to your back! Sleeping items at the bottom. If you are traveling in a cold places make sure your jackets/wind breaker and fleece are all easily accessible...


5. Travelling wallet
It goes without saying that your wallet and travel documents should always be with you at all times. Never stuff them in your backpack. And, always have copies of your travel document – a set on you and a set in your backpack.

MY TAKE
And a photograph with you in case you need to apply for emergency visas etc...


6. Keep a travel journal
All those memories you collect along the way can be stored with free mobile apps. On the iPhone, ‘Off Exploring’, ‘GPS Log Lite’ and ‘Daily Tracker Lite’ are available.

MY TAKE
Fully agreed but then I myself have not started this yet! I am sure that this will be a great tool!


7. ‘Ruin’ your stuff a little
The newer your stuff looks, the tastier it is to a thief. Wear in your shoes and wear out your bag before your trip. Looking like a seasoned traveler will also deter thieves. On long train or bus rides, sleep on your pack.

MY TAKE
Becareful of pick pockets too! They are more professional than you think you are! Important documents should never be in your back pack nor in your day pack. A pouch is good but it makes you looking like a tourist!


8. Make your presence heard
At least one person at home should always know where you are. Keep a mobile number on you with clear instructions that it is your in-case-of-emergency-contact and always send an email from every destination you arrive at.


9. Don’t be a good Samaritan
Never offer or accept to carry anything for anyone – it’s the cardinal rule of travel, perhaps more so when backpacking. Backpacking tends to become a very communal activity with many friendships forged along the way. However, proper care must always be taken.

MY TAKE
Do not take taxis with other backpackers too just to save costs! Travel on the public transport if you are alone. One can never be too safe!


10. Safety in numbers
The bigger the travel group, the better. But, if you’re travelling solo, any friends made along the way is always useful. Avoid travelling at night, even if this means you save money on one night’s accommodation.

MY TAKE
If you are traveling with a group, the night travels are great! You can always watch out for each other and save the night's accomodation and most importantly save precious traveling times.

My Kinabalu Experience - 4093.4m

Date of travel : 25-28 March 2011

One word - suffering! (but the experience and scenery was breathtaking!)

But then again I suppose it's because that the weather was not in our favor. There always 2 sides of the coin - we endured rain all the way up but on the day of climb to the peak and Via Ferrata activity, we had sunshine till about 9am then it was raining the whole day again.... I guess we can be considered lucky? 

25 March 2011

We arrive in Kota Kinabalu and I was greeted by a surprise as Danny was at the airport! We went for lunch in town and then we were all transferred to Mesilau.

We stopped by KNP for arrangements of the climb the next day - guide and porters

We got into Mesilau at about 6pm and it started to rain.

When we came down for dinner it was still raining!

Beef noodles for lunch......

On the way to KNP we stopped by the floating mosque

At Mountain Torq office, Kinabalu Park

Bishop Dorm at Mesilau Nature Resort

Steamboat dinner, included in the package to Sutera Sanctuary

26 March 2011

We wanted to climb earlier knowing that it was a 8km trail and we had a timing to catch.

Breakfast is only served at 7am - one orders food at 7am and is served by 7.20am.

The gate for Mesilau trail only opens at 8am and we started our climb at 815am. It was raining.

The earliest climber (Chia) arrived at Laban rata at 3.30pm and I arrived at 4pm. (with Alvin, Esther and Shoo Chan) It rained all the way.

We quickly dropped our baggage at Laban rata and then went over to Pendant Hut for the Via Ferrata briefing at 4pm. Without this briefing, one would not be able to go for the Via Ferrata activity. We were all drenched and freezing cold. We had to endure this for 2 hours as the briefing ended at 6.10pm. By the time I signed the declaration forms, my hands were shaking until I could not write properly... body shivering from the cold. (They actually allow a grace up to 4.30pm - if you can make it at 4.30pm you can still join in the briefing)

The guys at Via Ferrata was great as they gave us cups of hot water..... without that to hold, we would really have suffered more!

After the briefing we then returned to Laban Rata for dinner (which starts at 5pm and ends at 7pm)

There is no hot water to shower at Laban Rata which was really very disappointing as how can one shower in cold water at 3900m ASL?

The lights went out by 7.40pm! So better get everything done ASAP....

The starting of the Mesilau trail - the gate opens at 8am

I love this scene... does not look like we are in Malaysia

That's a waterfall far far behind

A fall on the way up on the Mesilau trail

Pitcher plants

Doesn't it look like a layer of snow?

The bonsai area

More to climb!!!?

27 March 2011 (some of the pictures below are courtesy of other climbers.....)

Supper is served at 2am.

One can climb anytime after eating.

We started at about 2.45am. Beautiful weather.... at least there is no rain and we could still attempt to get to the summit which is a 2.7km walk (Laban rata is at 6km and Low's Peak is 8.7km)

I got to about 8.2km at 6.10am. There were a lot of people heading to the peak and I had to make a choice of going forward or to stop.

Via Ferrata starts at 7.30am (no grace/allowance is given - if you are late you do not get to do the activity), at 7.5km mark.

At the end, I rested and turned back for Via Ferrata - was at the starting point before 7am!

Via Ferrata has 2 routes the Walk The Torq and Low's Peak Circuit. The latter is a longer route is a good 5-6 hours activity. The record time of completion was 13 hours if I am not mistaken.

For us, we completed in 6 hours with 4 hours in the rain.

The reward? Breathtaking view from the slopes of Mt. Kinabalu, Laban Rata view from the top, walking across 6-7 vertical falls (seasonal due to the rain) and a view of Kinabalu's Niagara Falls. (that's what I see it as....) Not to mention other challenges like walking along the slopes with only a rope to secure you, walking on the hanging bridge, walking on wires.... the experience is endless!

My word of advice, if you are doing the Low's Peak Circuit, stay one more night at Laban rata.

For us, we finished the it at 1.45pm (back at Laban Rata), had a quick bite, change to whatever dry clothes we still have and set down on Timpohon route to descend the mountain.

By the time I got to the base it was already 6pm, imagine we started hiking at 2.45am and I stopped at 6pm with some others even later! Its not for the "unfit" nor those who are not up for challenges.

Well at least by the time we got transferred to KNP, there is hot shower facilities that we could use for clean up while waiting!

We were all then transferred to Poring Hot Spring Resort where we cleaned up almost everything of ours and dirtied the whole hostel. The hostel looked like it's been swept by typhoon!

On the way up to Low's Peak

The starting of the Via Ferrata Low's Peak Circuit at 7.5km mark

Laban rata below

A vertical seasonal fall due to the rain...

28 March 2011

Hot spring! You get it by turning on the taps into individual bath tubs (in the open) - wait for the tub to fill (which takes ages) but was quite an experience because then you get clean hot spring water everytime you go!

We then headed to Kg Luanti - what an amazing experience to be in the river fish spa. The fishes were about 25-30cm in length! Swims all around you, chasing after you for a bite of the fish food that you would be holding in hand. (giving you love bites too!) You can stroke them, play with them, feed them etc...... simply beautiful!

Hot spring tub

At the river bank getting a feel of the fishes

Next step is to get in

Next thing I know, the fishes are following me all around...

 So here's the recap of my experience... will I do it again? hmmmmm maybe not, but I would like to try the Eastern plateau! Never heard of? Here's what I was given....

Who's game for the challenge?