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I recently been to Sabah (my first time in East Malaysia even) in hopes for fulfilling a dream and experience to climb Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in South East Asia. The trip was planned since end of last year, which gave us a lot of time to train and to get in shape. Mind you, I did train myself to build stamina by playing badminton, swimming laps in the pool and also running the treadmill and bikes in the gym. Some of us also went training in Batu Caves by climbing up the stairs and carrying weights in the backpack to simulate the climb. However, most of our group underestimated how difficult was it to climb, even though we were told that even old uncles could do it without a sweat…yeah right!

Day 1: En route to Kinabalu Park

We (all 16 of us), met at the Kota Kinabalu Airport where we then head to Kinabalu Park. We spent the night in a place called Grace Hostel in Kinabalu Park before we head over to the summit trail the next morning. We arrived there around 3PM as it was raining for most parts of the journey. Mind you, it takes about 2 hours or so from KK airport to Kinabalu Park. Temperature here was around 16 degrees Celsius, which was fine perfect weather. Surprisingly, Grace Hostel is a very nicely maintained place, with nice showers and clean bunk beds. We all expect something a little worse actually. I would recommend anyone to spend the night here if they want to make the climb.

it was foggy on our way up

Reception of Grace Hostel

Hostel living room…not bad eh?

Look..they even have shower gels and moisturizers!

Clean and nicely lit bunk beds

Day 2 and 3: The Climb to Laban Rata and Mount Kinabalu Summit

This is it the day has finally arrive. All that hard work training is for this moment. Well there are 2 trails up to Laban Rata, which is base camp of Kinabalu before the climb up to the summit. There is the Mesilau trail and the Timpohon trial. Mesilau is the longer (6km) but more scenic route, compared to Timpohon which is only 3km. Now if you ask me, for first timers, take the Mesilau trial up, and Timpohon trail down. The Mesilau trail, although longer, has more sceneries compared to just jungle and trees in Timpohon. Mesilau trail is also “easier” as the elevation is not as steep as Timpohon.

I must say, many of us underestimate the climb. All that hard work and training just gone down the drain as we all didn’t think it was this hard. All of us were training on relatively flat terrain like steps, gym or walks in the park. The terrain in Kinabalu consists of uneven rocks and boulders which were slippery and steep. My advice for first timers is to TRAIN and PREPARE properly before climbing. Seriously it’s not easy. We have a few guys in our group who were season athletes, and there was also a person who does triathlons, and even he to mentioned it’s harder than he thought.

Kinabalu trails – click to enlarge

Brandon, Kim, Lianne and I before the climb

The Mesilau Trail

The trail going up to Laban Rata

Us taking a break

This is probably the nicest part of the trail. Seems like you’re walking in the clouds! 

I got to say, I took longer than expected to reach base camp. I was also extremely unfortunate and disappointed that I tweaked my calf muscle in the process. I didn’t feel much pain upon reaching Laban Rata and I thought I would just continue the trail to the summit the next morning (at 2AM). But upon the first kilometer up, I could feel a sharp pain on my right calf which is uncomfortable and at times unbearable for me. Alas, it was rather unfortunate that I didn’t make it to the top and had to come down to base camp to my sheer disappointment. I figured I would rather not risk the injury any further as I still have to make the climb down to Kinabalu Park using the Timpohon trail, which consists of steep steps.

Laban Rata..it’s about 8 degrees Celsius here

This is the view of the sunset at Laban Rata

And this is the view from the summit, taken by Quin…awesome stuff!

Well, as you can see, the view from the top is absolutely stunning. It’s about 2 degrees Celsius at the summit so you actually won’t look weird wearing a ski mask at the top. I waited for the rest of the group to return from the summit to base camp where we then headed down to Kinabalu Park using the Timpohon trail.

This is what we have to endure on the way down…knee height steps!

…and this shot was taken on the way down, looking back

Day 4: A Day In Kota Kinabalu

When we got back down, we headed to KK town where we stayed at Marina Court Service Apartment. I got to say, for about RM750 per night for 8 people in a room (we had 2 rooms for 16 people), it’s a place really worth staying at. Its right smack in town, and it faces the sea front where shopping for souvenirs and fresh seafood is convenient. We didn’t had much time to walk around KK town as everyone was exhausted (and injured) and decided to just chill at the apartment until we head home. We did however squeezed in some time to do some shopping for gifts and memento to take home. We also did manage to go for a nice seafood lunch before our flight.

A view from of KK from the plane

This trip was a really good experience for me. It showed my capabilities, my fitness level and how far I can go to push myself but at the same time exposed my weaknesses and what I have to do more to keep myself in better shape. Do I regret making the trip? Hell no! It’s definitely one hell of an experience for me. Made a bunch of new friends who are both crazy and fun…something all of us forget to do every once in awhile…to have fun. Would I ever go again to try to make it to the top? Well, at this point I would say NO…but ask me again in a year or so and I might give you a different answer. :)

Photo Credits: Quin & Mike Lian

Last weekend, I was asked by Ruhani Rabin who was invited by Maxis, to participate in an interview session with Dato’ Soh Chin Aun, Santokh Singh, Hassan Sani & “King” James Wong. Now, I’m sure many of you will be asking who these people are. Well, they are legends of Malaysian football. I bet you didn’t know Malaysia once qualified for the Olympics and was only 1 game away from qualifying for the 1982 World Cup in Spain! Back then, these 4 legends were in the much-feared Malaysian team back then that made all Malaysians proud . Unfortunately, that was our best team and best chance of us qualifying for the World Cup and after losing in that final qualifying round, it was all down hill for Malaysian football.

Santokh Singh & Soh Chin Aun

During the interview, I asked them what they thought of the current state of Malaysian football. Sadly, all of them agreed, it’s not up to par with the rest of the world simply because of politics in the local football scene which hinders the growth of Malaysian football. They also said that no one in the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) have approach them to help out in grass root development, which comes as a surprise to me considering what these guys have accomplished in their careers and what they can bring to the table. They mentioned that they were saddened because they felt “unwanted” despite contributing so much to the team and country. It became a bit emotional at one point during the interview.

Still got it! - Hassan Sani showing off his ball balancing skills

Gone were the days that you see supporters come in their team jerseys and fill the local stadiums to the brim. I myself used to be a Selangor FC fan, not a hardcore one but still I remember the time I used to follow local football when I was younger but not any longer. So what changed? According to them, it’s simply the lack of quality of the players today that made everyone distant themselves from local football. They rather watch the BPL who plays “sexy” fluid football than to watch the locals players play like a bunch of high school kids.

To me, I think we need role models like them to show the younger players what does it take to win matches and to play well. The current squad still lacks that special something despite being the current SEA Games champions. Perhaps one day these legends will play a role in development and share their knowledge and experience which might make a difference to the current squad and country.

L-R": “King” James Wong, Santokh Singh, Dato’ Soh Chin Aun & Hassan Sani

It was really an honor and privilege for me to be able to meet them and what more interview them. Thanks Maxis for giving me that opportunity.

Last week and the week before, I have friends who have asked me if I wanted to go to Rootz and Zouk for a nice night out. I am glad they asked me, but I had to decline because I made a vow to myself to stay off clubbing indefinitely. I think I’ve kinda outgrown the clubbing life. Majority of the people in there are younger than I am they all look and behave like kids….seriously! Well that’s because THEY ARE! Most of them barely out of college or just graduated with a job and have some cash to blow.

I admit I was like that once, and I was thinking back, sharing with a few friends the other day. The best clubbing days were during my college days. It amazes me how we use to go clubbing and raves every Friday and Saturday night without fail. It also amazes me how we even find all that cash to do it while only living on allowances from our parents. No matter how far the raves were; from Malacca to Genting to Port Dickson, you’ll see us there. I was reminiscing the days where we were underage and went in anyways. I remember we use to go as early as 9PM before the crowd came and before they start the cover charges just because we college students wanted to save a few bucks. Also having only 1 drink for the whole night was enough for us to have fun. We even parked the car at the cheapest car park possible even though if it meant a longer walk to the clubs. I guess that’s how we manage to save and go clubbing twice a week eh?

There was one incident in this club called “Hot Java” (circa 1998-1999 I think)  which is now more known as Benard’s in Centrepoint in Bandar Utama. Imagine this scenario: We were in college; we went in with some underage girls; police came for a raid; my friends and I hid in a walk-in cold room in the premise to avoid the cops…well the owner of the club asked us to hide there as they didn’t want to get fined for letting in underage patrons either. Scary right? But that’s all the fun bits!

I remember the number of kill-buzz raids that ruined the night. The numerous drunk stories. The numerous of substances (shhh..you didn’t hear it from me). The supper/breakfast before we head for home..

Now I can no longer stand extremely crowded places that you have to push your way through just to get to the toilet and worst of all, you have to shout or write a message on paper just to communicate. Yea, it looks really stupid when you see 2 people writing text messages on their phones and showing the other person the message to let them know what they want to say because the music is too loud to even talk!

These days, I will rather spend my time in bars/pubs with the company of a few good friends where we can sit, drink and chat. The only way you will ever see me in a club now is if there is a client event or a friend’s birthday. Other than that, I will most likely decline.. SORREH! Call me an old uncle but it’s true…I AM too old for this shit!

On Friday, a bunch of us Twitterers met up (or Tweetup) to go for some local stand up comedy. Dubbed “MACC or Malaysian Association Of Chinese Comedians – CNY Edition”. There were about 9 of us who met up for dinner before the show. Thanks Mei Ying for getting the tickets and organizing it, although we all know Andy made you do it…hahah. 

Group pic with performers Phoon Chi Ho, Kuah Jen Han and Douglas Lim after the show

I got to say, as it was my first time going for live stand up comedy, it was really really good. Performed by comedy trio of Phoon Chi Ho, Kuah Jen Han and Douglas Lim, most of the jokes were related to current events happening in society here in Malaysia, and also why the local Chinese (yellow) people are dubbed “second class citizens”. I would definitely recommend you to watch the show to have a good laugh. But do go with an open mind, as some of the jokes are crude and might be offensive to some.

Photo by Andy Gan

Last Friday, I went for a launch of a new place called Craft Brews in Mutiara Damasara. The place is owned and run by a client of mine, so I was there to support him…and also to check out the place (and free-flow beers of course). This place is has a “micro brewery” concept. Meaning, it looks like a mini brewery, but since brewing is not allowed (unless you’re a big international brewer), most of their beers are imported from US and possibly Singapore too.

these 3 glasses are mine…believe it or not.. :P

Some of their imported range of beers includes Rogue beers from the US, Hoegaarden, and also a whole range of award winning lagers and ales. Notice the green coloured drink above?….no that’s not apple juice! That’s called the “Monster Green Lager”, which is apparently a blend of beer and spirulina. I think this drink was the most interesting of all…and it was finished before the free-flow ended. I guess everyone was curious to try “green beer” for a change instead. In fact, the “green beer” was the “weakest” drink in the range of beers. I feel it’s more of a novelty drink. The best that I tasted that night was their English Ale, which is a dark beer, and quite strong. There were 5 drinks up during the free-flow period which started from 6PM to 8PM: Hoegaarden, Monster Green Lager, Weizen (wheat beer), The Czech Pilsner and of course the English Ale.

Being “kiasu” Malaysians, there was a long line at the place for the beers and food. Oh yes, they also serve barbequed pork ribs that is quite yummy as well. So as I was saying, there was a long line…

look at the long line for beers!

When free-flow ended, the crowd obviously dispersed and got less. Overall, I think the whole “micro brewery” concept is something different. The “green beer” is definitely something worth trying if you’re curious, although I wouldn’t recommend it if you like stronger beers. The place and ambiance is good too if you want to chill out. My only gripe is the price of their beers…it’s a bit over priced if you ask me (RM25 for a pint of Carlsberg on non happy hours is expensive!).

Craft Brews

Location: G3 Podium, Ground Floor, Menara Batu Kawan, 1 Jalan PJU7/6, Mutiara Damansara Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, 47810

Phone: 03-7722-3000