It’s been five years since Sabah was unexpectedly rocked by a 6.9 magnitude earthquake, forever changing some parts of the Bornean state’s landscape, including its majestic Mount Kinabalu. With a height of 13,435 ft (or 4,095 metres) above sea level, it remains the highest mountain in Malaysia but its façade has changed quite drastically since – the Donkey Ear's Peak was heavily damaged and to this day, “bald spots” (places where landslides had uprooted the vegetations) could still be seen.
But we’re not here to dampen your mood. No, let’s take a look at the photos below to remember what makes this mountain truly a wonder to behold and why it should really go on your list of mountains to conquer.
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| Have you ever taken a close look at your RM100 bill? (Assuming you’ve held one in the past few months.) You’ll immediately notice Mount Kinabalu on it. (Photo source: @2aidulkhair) |
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| In this current economy, this is more our speed. We definitely notice Mount Kinabalu here because we may or may have not been spending long hours staring at our RM1 Notes, wishing they’d magically multiply by a hundred. (Photo source: @2aidulkhair) |
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| Cantik bah the majestic yet calming view of Mount Kinabalu from Tuaran (Photo source: @lfm999) |
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| Mount Kinabalu wins Mr. Photogenic hands down. No matter which angle you shoot it from, the mountain is a pleasure to look at. (Photo source: @hazwankamisin) |
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| The steps at the Ranau trail do help make the climb easier but still, make sure to wear proper footwear! (Photo source: @jasongan318) |
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| The Kota Belud trail is the shorter but more challenging of the two trails. However, the view along the way is definitely worth the climb. (Photo source: @melissasulaiman) |
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| When Mount Kinabalu is crowned by an interesting cloud formation like that, you simply must take a photo of it – or with it, even better. (Photo source: http://shiemacma.blogspot.com/) |
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| Fun fact: you can stack your own rock towers while you’re up there. Why? Just ‘cause. (Photo source: @miemah_aurelio) |
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| Persevere, and you’ll get this kind of photo that you can proudly get blown up and turned into your own personal motivational poster. (Photo source: @lonewolfjof) |
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| A sunrise worth waking up for. Even if it means having to leave the comfort of your bed in the middle of the night to begin your climb to the summit and make it there in time to catch the breath-taking sunrise. (Photo source: @candy_yik) |
If you want to know more about Sabah, please visit Sabahnites.
(Photo source: CS Photography)