ANN/THE STAR – Mount Kinabalu, one of Southeast Asia’s highest peaks, has long drawn adventurers with its awe-inspiring views and towering stature. Standing at 4,095 metres (m), the mountain presents a demanding yet exhilarating challenge for climbers.
Among those who have taken on this challenge is 54-year-old TC Quah, whose journey of determination and careful planning serves as an inspiration for others aiming to conquer the summit of this majestic peak.
However, his path to the top was anything but straightforward.
In fact, it began with disappointment when, a decade earlier, Quah’s first attempt was cut short by acute mountain sickness (AMS).
Struck with dizziness, nausea and a pounding headache just as he set out from the Panalaban base camp, Quah was forced to abandon his quest to reach Low’s Peak.
Despite his background in endurance sports, the rigours of high-altitude trekking had taken him by surprise, and the physical toll of AMS was too severe to continue.
While he had hoped to scale the mountain in his 40s, Quah’s body had other plans.
Fast forward 10 years, Quah, now in his mid-50s, returned to the mountain with a new approach and mindset.
Armed with lessons from his earlier setback, he understood that this time, the journey would require meticulous preparation and a more mindful strategy.
His mission was clear: to prove that age is no obstacle when it comes to conquering Mount Kinabalu.
Quah’s first realisation was that the climb was no mere walk in the park.
Despite the common refrain from friends that Mount Kinabalu was an “easy climb”, Quah knew better from his past experience.
Climbing a mountain of this magnitude demands physical stamina, mental toughness, and, above all, respect for the environment and its challenges.
Two months before the climb, Quah began fine-tuning his fitness routine.
He eased back on his regular long-distance cycling and shifted his focus to hiking, knowing that his body needed to adapt to prolonged walking and steep ascents.
Training on hills around the Klang Valley including Bukit Angsi in Negri Sembilan gave him the elevation practice he needed.
Repeated hikes up shorter routes like Wawasan Hill in Puchong helped him build endurance for long treks.
Quah’s training wasn’t about pushing his body to the limit in high-intensity workouts but rather about consistency.
He knew that climbing Mount Kinabalu would require a steady pace, thoughtful energy conservation and an understanding of how altitude affects the body.
Arriving in Sabah two days before the planned ascent, Quah and his group spent the night at a chalet near the entrance to Kinabalu National Park.
This wasn’t just about rest – it was a critical step in acclimatising to the elevation.
At nearly 2,000m above sea level, staying close to the park’s entrance helped their bodies adjust to the thinner air.
On the morning of July 24, 2024, the group set out from the Timpohon Gate, starting at an elevation of 1,866m.
The path to the Panalaban base camp was long and challenging. But Quah knew from experience that pacing was essential.
As they trekked upwards, he chatted with friends and guides, taking in the beautiful surroundings and conserving energy for the final push.
For Quah, managing AMS was a top priority.
In the days leading up to the climb, he took high-altitude pills, which, though risky for causing potential side effects like stomach upset, helped minimise the severe symptoms he had experienced years before.
Combined with regular doses of paracetamol to ease headaches, Quah felt more in control this time around.
The next morning, the group embarked on the final leg of the journey at 2am, setting out in the darkness.
The cold mountain air was harsh and the wind cut through their layers of clothing.
But Quah had come prepared.
Wearing three layers of trousers and tops and equipped with sturdy hiking shoes and a reliable raincoat, he felt ready to face the elements.
As they climbed higher, the temperature dropped further and the physical demands intensified. Every step required determination and focus.
The summit of Mount Kinabalu might be closer. But the path was steeper, the air thinner and the body more fatigued.
Yet, despite the dizziness that still crept in as they ascended, Quah powered through, determined not to let AMS get the better of him this time.
As he neared the summit, the early morning sun began to rise, casting a golden hue over the rugged landscape.
It was a sight that made all the hardship worth it.
At last, he reached Low’s Peak, standing triumphantly at the highest point of Southeast Asia.
For Quah, this wasn’t just the culmination of months of training and preparation – it was the realisation of a dream that had lingered for over a decade.
The overwhelming sense of accomplishment was a powerful reminder of the value of perseverance and the impact of thorough preparation.
Quah’s story is not just one of physical endurance but of thoughtful preparation.
His advice to anyone considering the climb is simple but crucial: respect the mountain.
Train your body for long hikes, ensure you’re properly acclimatised and pack the right clothing for the cold, unpredictable conditions.
Equally important is managing AMS, which can strike climbers of all ages and fitness levels.
Taking altitude medication, staying hydrated and maintaining steady energy levels through regular snacking are vital strategies that helped Quah make it to the top. – Lester Kong
