An ecstatic Rengayan and Shikin (inset) at the summit of Mount Kinabalu. — Photo courtesy of Rengayan Labang and Shikin Louis
RENGAYAN Labang was filled with relief and gratitude when she reached the summit of Mount Kinabalu.
This was her first time climbing the mountain and she wasn’t sure if she could make it to the top.
“The two days of climbing were challenging and not easy. It was painful going up the steps and navigating rocky paths,” said the Sarawakian journalist.
“There were times I felt discouraged but I kept going with all the stamina I had and tried to think positive.
“About halfway up from Timpohon to the Laban Rata Resthouse, I met an elderly climber who was full of energy. That gave me confidence. If this uncle could do it, I can too,” she said.
The KDJA team members at the summit of Mount Kinabalu on Oct 15. — Photo courtesy of KDJA
Rengayan was one of 10 team members from the Kuching Division Journalists Association (KDJA) who took part in a Kinabalu expedition last month.
The group, accompanied by an officer from the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department, reached the peak on Oct 15.
Rengayan prepared for the expedition with brisk walking, jogging and climbing stairs for three months, as well as going hiking with her colleagues.
“I was excited when I saw Mount Kinabalu for the first time, it was so beautiful. Thank God, with the support of friends and family as well as physical and mental preparation, I was able to reach the summit,” she said.
For fellow team member Shikin Louis, it was mission accomplished as she finally reached the peak after failing on her first attempt two years ago.
“During that trip in 2022, I did well on the first day from Timpohon Gate to Panalaban, a distance of about 6km.
“But on the second day, during the hike from Panalaban to the summit, I gave up and turned back after climbing only about 200m,” she recalled.
The disappointment of that experience left her feeling that she had an unfinished job, so she was grateful for the chance to join another KDJA climb this year.
“I felt like my preparations weren’t enough, but I was more determined to reach the summit – I really wanted to finish the job.
“The hike up to the summit at 2.30am felt just like the first time. I was struggling to breathe in the thin air. My legs felt like they were about to give out but I kept pushing.
Shikin took this photo of Mount Kinabalu’s South Peak before falling asleep due to exhaustion. — Photo courtesy of Shikin Louis
“I had to rest every 10 steps. It was tough, but I refused to give up like I did in 2022. I took my time but I made it to the Sayat-Sayat checkpoint before the 5.30am cut-off and continued towards the summit,” Shikin said.
She was rewarded with a breathtaking view from the summit but badly needed a rest at that point. Accompanied by a guide, she ended up sleeping near the South Peak for two hours.
“I only woke up when I heard the guide saying my KDJA teammate Roy Emmor just came back from Low’s Peak. Then I continued the journey down from the summit, happily knowing that the 2022 trip would not haunt me for the rest of my life.”
This year marked the fourth edition of the KDJA Kinabalu expedition, which began in 2019 in response to the challenge by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg to the media fraternity to test their strength and determination.
KDJA president Ronnie Teo thanked the Premier for his support and collaboration with the media.
“His dedication has been pivotal to our achievements, amplifying our skills and ability to challenge ourselves with bigger goals.
“We look forward to continuing this KDJA programme with the support of the Sarawak government,” he said.
