Epic Mountain Adventures: Best of the Best!
I've always been fascinated by climbers. What's their purpose of leaving the comfort of life and taking the risk of the unknown? They carry with them only the necessary things for their survival in the mountains, and walk 4-10 hours or even more than that to reach their destination. The moment they get there, they have to set up the tent for shelter and cook their meals. There are no restrooms, mosquitoes lurking around, and no convenience stores to buy snacks and drinks. Despite the negative things I've written, I was exhilarated to give it a try. I decided to be more adventurous and see the wonders of nature on top of a mountain. Let’s go!
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The Mountains are Calling..
Once in your life, you should climb a mountain, but once you've done it, it won't be your last - it got me!. Climbing a mountain is educational, inspirational and motivational. It will teach you a lot of things about the environment and how you deeply understand yourself. I love the feeling of striving hard to pick myself up and to keep going despite the pain and fatigue. It will test your endurance and push that limit top notch to attain your goal. To reach your aim, you need to be patient; the summit always takes gruesome hours to reach. During the climb, you get to know your body more and what kind of climbing technique works for you. The thing that motivates me to continue striving to reach the top is my positive thinking, and the word 'give up' is not even an option. I always push myself to the limit and see what happens, but of course I still believe in keeping myself alive at the end of the day - that's a priority!
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My first-ever climb was in my hometown in the Philippines. The name of the place is Osmeña Peak, located in a small town in Dalaguete. It is considered the highest peak in Cebu and is about 1,000 metres above sea level. The climb up the peak was suitable for beginners and experts. However, when we went down and transverse down to Kawasan Waterfall, the trail was quite challenging. I had to say goodbye to my running shoes after the climb and had to deal with two grey toes for a month-that was challenging! Ahahaa
My first climb was traumatizing, especially for my toes, yet that started everything. I began to think about other mountains that I can climb. When I got the chance to book a ticket back to the Philippines. I went to Mount Manunggal, 1,003 metres above sea level in Balamban, Cebu, Philippines. I asked my two high school friends and two brothers to join me on this trip. This mountain is famous as the crash site of the late President Ramon Magsaysay.
My friends and I did a short hike to Gunung Jasar in Cameron Highlands for the long weekend that certain month. We got lost, and that made it more fun, as long as you're with the right set of people, getting lost is an adventure. So make sure to find your tribe.
I continue to challenge myself, so I went for a solo trip to Bali, Indonesia. This time around, I chose to climb an active volcano in Kintamani for my third climb. Mount Batur is about 1717 metres above sea level, and the last eruption recorded was in 2000. It is marked as the most memorable trek I've ever done. I was all by myself, and seeing the sunrise on top of a volcano was incredible.
I wasn't able to climb for a few months after my trip to Bali; my feet were craving the ground. The only nearby and most accessible country was Malaysia. My fourth climb was on a small hill named Gunung Lambak, 510 metres above sea level in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
The most recent climb I did was just a few months ago. It is known to be one of the highest mountains in Southeast Asia. Mount Kota Kinabalu stands 4,095.2 metres or 13,435.7 ft above sea level. The most challenging and the highest climb I've ever done. It is advisable to prepare for this climb, increase your stamina and endurance. I hiked every week and ran 10 kilometres. I also put on weight to withstand the cold, store more fat for energy and to handle the weight of my bag. If you have an overweight body mass, try to lose some weight, or else it will pull you down during the climb. One more thing regarding the cold temperature, I forgot to wear a jacket to work and at the cinema, ahahaa. I always had a low tolerance for cold weather, and this one worked for me, especially in training my mental ability. Work on your weaknesses, know them well and figure out a way to fight them.
If you're planning to climb this mountain, then congratulations on that; you have courage by your side. Keep in mind that not everyone dares to climb Mount Kota Kinabalu. However, it's not just about courage that will get you to the peak; training and discipline play an important role too. This is to lower the chances of hurting yourself and the people around you. The climb is more satisfying if you reach the peak and not just the summit.
I managed to book a promo ticket to Kota Kinabalu and a reputable travel agency for our climb. We got the "Recommended" package with Amazing Borneo. Check out their site for the terms and conditions.
Tour Highlights:
Mount Kinabalu Climb via Timpohon Trail
Low's Peak Summit (Highest Elevation 4095.2M)
Two of my friends joined me for the Mount Kota Kinabalu Climb. I managed to persuade them to share their experience and provide some helpful tips to other climbers.
I did my first winter hike in South Korea's highest Mountain, Mount Hallasan of Jeju Island. A soul-searching hike alone in the mountains of South Korea.
I also climb South Korea's national park, Mount Seoraksan, in Sokcho. A hike that I will never forget. The weather was really windy that day, and my stubborn self got ahead of me. I was able to climb down alive, and that is why you never test Mother Nature; if the weather doesn't permit it, don't dare push it.
Climbing mountains has always been fascinating and daunting. Why go through the trouble to see the sunrise when you can take the elevator to the highest building or simply drive to the nearby beach? It's due to humans' craving for accomplishment and satisfaction. However, climbing mountains goes deeper than that; it intertwines with the love of nature and the love of taking on a challenge. Getting what you want and reaching your goal gives you an intense feeling of euphoria. It's like reaching school in time before the gates close or being able to copy your seatmates' answer without getting caught- this I can totally relate as it is mine.
For some people, it might be getting high scores in a test without even studying or graduating with honors, where you find yourself lost in words in that certain second on stage. This is just a part of that feeling when you reach the summit. Mix it up with fatigue, high volumes of happiness, and there you go, addiction to mountaineering. I've had this urge to climb mountains way back in 2013 after I did my first hike at Osmeña Peak, which is considered the highest Peak in Cebu, Philippines. The rest followed Mount Manunggal in Cebu, Mount Batur in Indonesia, Gunung Gombak in Johor Bahru, Gunung Jasar in Cameron Highlands and Mount Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia, Mount Hallasan and Mount Seoraksan in South Korea and for this trip, Mount Pulag and Mount Pinat
ubo in the Philippines.
Afterwards, an exciting jeepney ride to visit an active volcano named Mt. Pinatubo. The 4x4 ride won't be so exciting if you have the enclosed back part of the vehicle, thou you're sheltered from dust, rain and the heat of the sun. But hey! How will you enjoy the great outdoors?
Hike to Indonesia’s Most Famous Volcano. My last trip was with my travel buddy. I thought it would just be a plain goodbye with a sumptuous dinner and a bottle of beer. Who am I kidding?! We've known each other as travel addicts, so why not do it the travelers' way? Another trip abroad. Another mountain to climb. This time around, we've decided to go to Surabaya in Indonesia. It is formerly known in Dutch as Soerabaja/Soerabaia, now it is using the Javanese term Surabaya. Located in the north eastern part of Java and considered the second largest city in Indonesia.
I went back home to the Philippines and climbed Sirao Peak or Mt. Kan-Irag or Mt. Sibugay in Cebu.
Let's see where my feet take me next time. This is for now, keep climbing, everyone.
Have fun and be safe ^__^
Do you want more adventure?
Here is a Compilation of all my thrilling escapades over the past few years. May this inspire you to revisit your bucket list and reignite your motivation to transform your dreams into reality.
Where am I going next?
My next adventure, I'm gearing up for an Epic adventure in Los Angeles, California, where I'm ticking off my bucket list in the City of Angels!
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