Trekking the Mesilau Trail

I've always been a fan of hiking in cool conditions, nothing more appealing to me than a mosquito and leech free hike. So when a bunch of good friends were going to climb Mt. Kinabalu, I jumped at the chance to tag along for a hike.

I first walked on this trail some two years back when I climb Mt. Kinabalu and recalled the fond memories and experience I had.

The Mesilau Trail is an alternative route to climb Mount Kinabalu. It starts from Mesilau Nature Resort near Kundasang. The trail is about 6km long and joins the Summit trail near Layang Layang (2,702.3 meters).

Unlike the Summit trail from the Timpohon gate, the Mesilau Trail is far more scenic and involves less "giant staircase" type climbs which is an unpopular feature of the Summit trail.

The Trail passes through beautiful flora, waterfalls, and rope bridges, and includes long morale-sapping downhill stretches.

So to enjoy a good hike, start the day with a hearty breakfast........

Then take a good look at the trail map to get a sense of direction and prepare for an adventure...

And finally... gather a group of good friends for good company...essential for all hikes.

The trail starts with a steep climb which works the cold leg muscles, and after some measure of discomfort and unnatural shortness of breath, the climb gets easier as the steepness tapers off and gradually shifts downwards. From here, we get to slowly appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds us.

The Kinabalu Balsam (Impatiens platyphylla), is commonly found throughout the trail, adding colour to both sides of the trek.

There are many streams crossings.

Followed by a kind of rope suspension bridge.

If you are in the mood for some mischief, then wait for your more faint-hearted friends to cross, then start swaying the bridge and hear them scream in panic.

The bridge crosses a section of a stream downstream of a delightful waterfall.

Distance markers can be both a blessing or a bitch.... depending on how you viewed them. It's a bitch if you find that you have another 6.5km to go after what you perceived to have walked for what felt like an eternity.

What they are undoubtedly good for...serving as a good support for people needing to catch their breath.

The Kinabalu Giant Earthworm (Pheretima darnleiensis) is one of many unique creatures found here. The Kinabalu Giant Earthworm (not be be confused with the Kinabalu Giant Red Leech) has been known to grow up to length of 70 cm. They are mostly observed after heavy rain.

This unfortunate worm appears to have been trampled on by a hiker, quite possibly by one of my friends.

The paths are wide and mostly foliage free, making it rather easy to navigate through.

Rest areas are few and some distance in between. Empty ones are gratefully filled by the fast tiring gang.

The pitcher plant, Nepenthes Rajah Kinabalu, is commonly found on this trail. My friend Sathya just squeals in uncontrollable delight each time we come across one of these.

A conifer tree standing proudly in the mist. The flossy stuff hanging on the branches is a type of lichen, and it's not part of the tree. Kinda gives the tree a mytical aura.

Another type of conifer tree....looking quite like a giant bonsai sitting a top the hill.

Beautiful plants are in abundance.

As the climb reached higher altitudes, there were more and more of such ferns. It's whitish tinge gives it a snow covered look.

Messages left by earlier hikers.

The end of the Mesilau trail, as it joins the Summit trail...one way up the other way down.

A final Kodak moment before we parted ways....the gang will continue their conquest of Mt Kinabalu, while I make a dash downhill before they shut the Timpohon Gate for the night.

The Summit Trail while not particularly exciting, is dotted with more rest areas and proper toilets.

Ah...made just minutes before 5pm. The hike had taken a good seven hours....and that's a lot of calories burnt (3000 + according to my heart rate monitor).

The hike was rewarding. Will look forward to doing it again, perhaps with a lighter camera and better food pack.