Climbers have nothing but praise for Mount Kinabalu guides

KOTA KINABALU: Climbers who faced rain and strong water flows while descending Mount Kinabalu on Tuesday (Sept 12) highly praised their mountain guides, known as “malim gunung”. These guides showcased immense physical strength, stamina, and experience, and possessed a deep understanding of the mountain.

Gerrald Gilles anak Ahi, a first-time climber and Suara Sarawak reporter, expressed admiration for the physique of his mountain guide. He was struck by the guide’s massive thighs and his tirelessness in ensuring the climbers’ safety. Gilles further noticed how effortlessly the guides and porters traversed the mountain with heavy loads of supplies.

When faced with trouble caused by rainfall and subsequent downpours, the climbers relied heavily on the guidance of their knowledgeable guides. Gilles shared that he was already shivering before it rained and the cold intensified during the downpour. Following their guide’s instructions, he clung tightly to a rope and descended carefully to prevent being swept away by the strong water current.

Rather than walk down, Gilles chose to slide while clutching the rope, disregarding his soaked clothes as long as he reached the next checkpoint safely. Although his first attempt at scaling Mount Kinabalu proved overwhelming, Gilles expressed a desire to return for a second climb next year to challenge himself.

Debbie Amanda Padan, an RTM reporter from Kuching, Sarawak, encountered the bad weather near Low’s Peak. As she approached the summit, heavy clouds suddenly covered the mountaintop. Her guide warned her about the worsening rain, causing her to contemplate continuing the climb. Eventually, she decided to turn back, realizing her guide’s concerns were valid as streams of water began flowing down the mountain.

Padan, who previously experienced bad weather on a failed attempt to reach the summit in May 2017, expressed gratitude for listening to her guide’s advice and prioritizing her safety. During her descent, Padan witnessed the professionalism and expertise of the mountain guides, as well as the assistance provided by her fellow climbers, including two Sarawak firefighters. Determined to conquer Mount Kinabalu, she plans to return soon.

Gerrald, Debbie, and the two Sarawak firefighters were part of a media trip organized by the Kuching Division Journalist Association. Most of the participants were first-time climbers. Despite a heavy downpour reported between 5.50am and 7am, with gushes of water flowing down the mountain, no major incidents occurred among the 115 climbers, comprising Sabahans, Sarawakians, mainland Malaysians, and international guests, along with the 37 mountain guides.