From Shuana's memoirs
The Pinnacle is the collection of 45 meter high limestone needles that cling to the side of Gunung Api (Volcano). The climb to The Pinnacle begins with a 2.4km steep trek. I mean, REALLY STEEP trek, and we are talking about 45 to 90 degrees climb up sharp protruding limestones that awaits us if we trip. Many of us were caught unaware of the challenges awaited us at the foothill. It may only be a 2.4km climb but it took us almost 4 hours to reach its peak. It is definitely not for the faint-hearted unfit person. Am not saying I am a fitness freak but I have done my share of physical training although I must say it was not sufficient.
The first part of the climb consisted of hiking up between 45 to 80 degrees slope that saw me almost giving in to the course. I must say that I had never sweated THAT much my entire life. But I resisted and the last 800m (the second part of the climb) is my favourite as I put into practice my rock climbing experience. We climbed a 90 degrees steel ladder to the second part of the climb. This second part is loosely termed as 'Scramble Climb', apparently due to its hardcore course that require us to hold on to anything we possibly could to ensure our own safety for even a tiniest bit of slacking could cost our lives. True enough, it lived to its reputation; we were greeted by more sharp rocky stones with even more 90 degrees climb. Apparently, being tall has its advantage (;-)).
And when we finally did reach the peak, we were rewarded by the spectacular view of The Pinnacle. We took photos and not long after the mist made its way and slowly enveloped the limestone away from our view. We had our mini lunch picnic with The Pinnacle in our background.
Going down was even tougher than climbing up. Never in my entire life have I ever prayed so hard for my safety and others and for the strength to complete the task. I slipped and fell many times, more than in any other trekking experience. I followed the advise of Burung to carry as much liquid supply as we could, I carried 3 litres of water and a guide was nice enough to supply me with natural salt powder to ensure I had enough minerals in my body to replace lost water and salt. In the end of the course, I drank up almost all of them. Me, Maryam and Julie made it down by 4.00pm descended from The Pinnacle at about 12.30pm. Many times we took pit stops and refilled our bodies with liquid. We were silent the whole way down, too tired to speak to each other. Too tired to even afford a smile to each other.
We were ahead of the herd by a good 2 hours and I was told that the remaining peeps ran out of water supply at the 1200m point. Meant to say that they trekked down the distant of 1200m without water supply. I could only imagine their agonies.
Nonetheless, I was glad that everyone made it to the top amidst the toughness of the course. I sprained my ankle, bruises all over my body and walking became a chore. But I am not alone in this. We all had our share of aches and bruises but the best part is everyone made it to the top. Everyone was safe and sound, except minor injuries.
And, I am very sure none of us would want to go through the climb ever again ;-). For those who haven't experience it, you have not tasted the toughest course in the domestic scene. If you have climbed Tahan or Ledang, you will find that Pinnacle is ahead by a good mile.
The first part of the climb consisted of hiking up between 45 to 80 degrees slope that saw me almost giving in to the course. I must say that I had never sweated THAT much my entire life. But I resisted and the last 800m (the second part of the climb) is my favourite as I put into practice my rock climbing experience. We climbed a 90 degrees steel ladder to the second part of the climb. This second part is loosely termed as 'Scramble Climb', apparently due to its hardcore course that require us to hold on to anything we possibly could to ensure our own safety for even a tiniest bit of slacking could cost our lives. True enough, it lived to its reputation; we were greeted by more sharp rocky stones with even more 90 degrees climb. Apparently, being tall has its advantage (;-)).
And when we finally did reach the peak, we were rewarded by the spectacular view of The Pinnacle. We took photos and not long after the mist made its way and slowly enveloped the limestone away from our view. We had our mini lunch picnic with The Pinnacle in our background.
Going down was even tougher than climbing up. Never in my entire life have I ever prayed so hard for my safety and others and for the strength to complete the task. I slipped and fell many times, more than in any other trekking experience. I followed the advise of Burung to carry as much liquid supply as we could, I carried 3 litres of water and a guide was nice enough to supply me with natural salt powder to ensure I had enough minerals in my body to replace lost water and salt. In the end of the course, I drank up almost all of them. Me, Maryam and Julie made it down by 4.00pm descended from The Pinnacle at about 12.30pm. Many times we took pit stops and refilled our bodies with liquid. We were silent the whole way down, too tired to speak to each other. Too tired to even afford a smile to each other.
We were ahead of the herd by a good 2 hours and I was told that the remaining peeps ran out of water supply at the 1200m point. Meant to say that they trekked down the distant of 1200m without water supply. I could only imagine their agonies.
Nonetheless, I was glad that everyone made it to the top amidst the toughness of the course. I sprained my ankle, bruises all over my body and walking became a chore. But I am not alone in this. We all had our share of aches and bruises but the best part is everyone made it to the top. Everyone was safe and sound, except minor injuries.
And, I am very sure none of us would want to go through the climb ever again ;-). For those who haven't experience it, you have not tasted the toughest course in the domestic scene. If you have climbed Tahan or Ledang, you will find that Pinnacle is ahead by a good mile.
on the journey up..
On our way up to The Pinnacle. For almost 90% of the first part of the climb, the slope slanted between 45 to 80 degrees.
on Masliah determination...
Kak Mas was accompanied by her ever helpful son Afiq. She underestimated her strength and determination and was sure to withdraw from the climb the night before but we convinced her that she could make it to the top.
And she did! She could put any men of her age to shame, (of course that was never the intention. I am only rubbing it in).
And she did! She could put any men of her age to shame, (of course that was never the intention. I am only rubbing it in).
