On 19 April 2012, a group of staff from MySepadu Sdn Bhd arrived at Pine Resort Hotel, nestled in the cool highlands of Kundasang, Sabah. We had just wrapped up a Project Post-Mortem session with our staff. The next day 14 of us, would take on one of Malaysia’s greatest physical and spiritual challenges — climbing Mount Kinabalu.

Before setting off, I prayed:
“Ya Allah, keep us safe on this journey — going up and coming down.”

The Ascent Begins

At around 9:00 AM, we began our climb from the Kinabalu Park Gate after completing registration and a round of group photos.

However, by the 2 km checkpoint at Lowii Shelter, two members of our group had to turn back. Only twelve of us continued. By 1:00 PM, we reached Layang-Layang Hut at the 4 km mark.

The trail started with towering rainforest trees and vibrant tropical flowers surrounding us. Between km 3 and km 6, the landscape transformed — bonsai-like trees and even giant pitcher plants lined the path. The peak of Mount Kinabalu, hidden earlier by clouds, finally began to reveal itself in all its majestic glory.

Reaching Laban Rata

We arrived at Laban Rata base camp (6 km mark) at around 6:30 PM, completely exhausted. My wife paused for a 30-minute rest just 200 meters from the camp — the fatigue was real!

At Laban Rata, we were served dinner and provided a place to rest. Sadly, I couldn’t bring myself to eat the fried rice offered — I had no appetite. I only drank plain water. I had hoped for a Coca-Cola, but none was sold at base camp. That night, I barely slept — the discomfort and hunger were too much.

My wife and another female teammate decided not to continue the summit climb.

Midnight Climb to the Peak

At 12:00 midnight, we began the final ascent in total darkness — guided only by the light of our headlamps. Around 4:00 AM, at km 6.7, we faced steep rocky slopes that required climbing with the help of ropes fixed along the mountain face, rising over 200–300 meters.

By 4:30 AM, I reached Sayat-Sayat Hut at km 7 — the final checkpoint before the summit, sitting at 3,668 meters above sea level. Here, our permits were checked, and upon completion, this is where you earn your official climbing certificate. It’s also the highest toilet stop in Malaysia!

Sunrise at the Roof of Borneo

The final stretch began — we climbed just as the sun started to rise. The golden light over the mountain was surreal. I stopped for Subuh prayer, using mineral water to make ablution.

With only 300 meters left to the summit, I felt like giving up. My legs refused to move. Meanwhile, the younger climbers had already reached the top and were starting to descend. Each of them gave me words of encouragement as they passed — that gave me strength.

Finally, this old man made it.
At 6:30 AM, I stood on the summit of Mount Kinabalu — tired, emotional, and grateful.

Out of the 10 who began, 8 of us made it to the top.

The Descent — Painful but Worth It

The climb down was tough. The younger ones were racing ahead. I was left behind — weak, dizzy, and eventually vomited stomach acid due to gastritis, having not eaten since the previous day. It drained me completely.

At 11:00 AM, I arrived back at Laban Rata. My wife and I rested briefly before starting our descent at 11:30 AM, planning to spend the night in Kota Kinabalu.

By 6:30 PM, we finally arrived safely back at Kinabalu Park.

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Closing Reflections

This climb wasn’t just about conquering the highest peak in Malaysia. It was a journey of resilience, faith, friendship, and the wonders of God’s creation. The exhaustion, the challenges, and the beauty — all of it became a memory I will carry forever.

Alhamdulillah, thank You Allah, for the strength and safety You granted us on this unforgettable journey.