KUNDASANG: After nine weeks of rebuilding extensively damaged trails, repairing wrecked buildings and examining loose rocks and soil, Sabah Parks finally seemed ready to allow climbers on Mount Kinabalu again.
The mountain which has been closed to all visitors for over two months since a 6.0 magnitude quake on June 5 will be reopened soon.
The early morning tremor, which defaced the mountain and left all climbing trails to the peak impassable, killed 14 tourists and four guides after they were caught by huge falling rocks.
A group of reporters accompanied by park rangers were the first to ascend the mountain since its closure.
They were flagged off by Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun, in a one-day round trip to Laban Rata, which used to be the last stop for climbers before continuing the remaining 2.8 kilometres to the peak.
The ‘experimental climb’ climb was part of the soft opening of the Summit Trail, one of the two treks leading to the top of Mount Kinabalu.
The other trail, from Mesilau, which was the worst damaged by the quake has yet to be repaired and remains closed.
Speaking to reporters at the event, Masidi said the climb, which also involved officers from Sabah Parks and various other agencies under his ministry, was meant to gather feedback and input on the newly reopened trail.
“We give opportunity, especially to first timers to Mount Kinabalu to assess the trail. Hopefully they can give us useful input on how to make the trail better,” he said.
Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Mount Kinabalu to reopen Sept 1
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