Poropok View – Mt. Kinabalu Nas Park – 16km ^77
Local knowledge told me a seven-kilometre climb remained before the road
levelled out. How wrong they were. I almost felt a sense of humour failure, as
the road kept climbing skyward.
Sadly, the park's accommodation had been handed over to a resort company
which had jacked the prices up dramatically. However, staying outside the
park gate at one of the homestays was far less expensive. A place outside the
entrance was perfect, and I was happy the hills were done.
Enquiring about the hike up Mt. Kinabalu revealed the trek was far too
complicated. Instead, I rinsed my sweaty clothes and had a bite to eat at the
adjacent restaurant. The weather took a turn for the worse, and I was happy
that I was in my digs and not busy hiking up the mountain.
The storm dissipated during the night, and I woke to clear skies and a view of
Mt. Kinabalu dominating the skyline, rising 4,101m AMSL. Following the usual
noodle soup breakfast, I set out into the park along one of the many trails. I
soon met up with Lucia (from Spain but living in Mozambique) and we
continued together. The route was a pleasant one with unusual plants.
Afterwards, there remained barely enough time to have lunch before Lucia
had to catch the bus for her return trip to KK.