Climbing Mount Kinabalu

A keen trekker myself, and one who has peaked Mt Kinabalu over 35 times whilst leading numerous tourists, I feel it's only right that I should impart some of my knowledge onto you, so you are not only well prepared but also enjoy every aspect of this exhilarating yet sometimes difficult hike, because you have everything you need.

My number one must do, Hire a Porter: Yes we all want to prove we are strong and fit, not requiring any assistance whilst trekking up mountains, but isn't it YOUR holiday? And if that's not enough let me tell you a bit about the incredibly delightful Dusun people that make a living guiding and porting up Mt K. Firstly you are offering someone a job, enjoying a friendly smile and perhaps 'if you're lucky' some broken English along the way. Don't be afraid to walk along with your porter, and chit chat, after all if you're that fit you should be able to keep up with them. Your guide is a must, after all you simply aren't allowed to climb the mountain without one. Don't be shy, it's only going to make your climb a disappointing one if you don't walk away with a few new best buddies, you may even get an invite to the village.

Secondly and another good reason to hire a Porter: You need to be prepared for hot weather and very cold weather in the one pack, you also need something to sleep in, toiletries, so let the porter carry these for you and enjoy the lighter load on the first day.

Things I recommend carrying on you for the first day:
1. Small backpack (camel pack) with 2 litre water bladder
2. Emergency plastic poncho (and umbrella if you're not too embarrassed)
3. A light fleece for rest stops (don't let your body cool down too much)
4. High energy snacks
5. Camera and water proof bag
6. Head torch (don't use a handheld torch, you need both hands to climb on the second day)
7. Small first aid kit or bring a few things like a bandage, bandaids and antiseptic spray
8. Sun Block
9. Walking stick (your choice)
10. Some money, you have to buy your food at the accommodation it's not cheap, but there are a few items you may want, like the buffet dinner and breakfast, so you will need about 100MYR, make sure you reconfirm prices with your guide before you leave, as it may have changed since my last climb.

On the first morning (at HQ) make sure you eat a breakfast full of good slow burning carbohydrates, if you're a slower walker, start nice and early between 7.30 and 8.30am, you don't want to be still walking up in the dark. You should set off in light trekking shorts or pants, good rubber grip shoes that are good on flat rock surfaces as well as slippery gravel with ankle support, a t-shirt and a hat.

What's in the Porter Bag? Firstly start off filling a strong garbage bag instead of another backpack. Porters usually have their own bag or basket, it's easier for them to fit a garbage bag into it rather than a bulky pack, and your things are more water proof this way. I recommend putting the following inside:
1. A nice comfy pair of tracksuit pants, a jumper and clean t-shirt, clean socks thick and thin (undies)
2. Very basic toiletries, toothbrush and paste! (soap and towel can be obtained at accommodation Laban Rata)
3. A pair of flip flops (thongs) or sandals
4. A good windbreaker and water proof jacket light but warm
5. Thermal top
6. Beanie, and two pairs of gloves one thin one thick (or you can use another pair of socks)
7. If you're fussy a sleep sheet, the blankets on the beds are washed every other day!

You will thank me when you are sitting in the accommodation with warm clean and dry clothes on, and others are shivering in their sweaty trousers and t-shirts.

Second day, if you took a while to climb the first day then you're going to need to start early if you want to see the sunrise. Probably around 1.30-2am would be a wise choice, those of you that are super fast, around 3.30 - 4am the sun rises usually around 5.45am, but hey it's been a while so ask your guide re-time of sunrise. My best advice to you is, don't eat a BIG breakfast, your body is not used to eating at 2am, it is probably not used to altitude or strenuous exercise at this time either, it's quite on the cards you will lose your breakfast whilst walking, have a warm drink of Milo or Hot Chocolate (you can get sachets from HQ shops) take a few energy bars with you for the summit wait, or when you are feeling a bit peckish along the way. Dress as light as you can in the cold, maybe your trekking pants and thermal with t-shirt over the top, thin gloves, thin socks and head torch, you will warm up quickly, put your warm gear in your pack, it's better to put warm and dry layers on once you reach the summit than sit in sweaty wet clothes and freeze, don't let the warm weather of Borneo fool you, it is really cold on the top of Mt Kinabalu. Don't take your walking stick up to the summit unless it is retractable and can be attached to your pack, you need your hands to climb some parts of the steep rocks, and hold the ropes (hence thin gloves). Don't wear your thick gloves, your hands will get wet on the ropes save them for the top!

Really important: If it is raining heavily, do not climb to the summit, rain can form torrents of water on the flat rocks, washing everything off the path including you. If it becomes very foggy that you cannot see, don't keep walking, stop, hold the rope, and wait, you are on the path a rescue person will find you.

Once you reach the summit, pop on your layers, beanie, thick gloves or socks over your hands, and thick socks on your tootsies, jumper, jacket, and maybe your tracksuit pants. Trust me you will still be cold, but so much better off than those with light gear or sweaty clothes. Enjoy the sunrise, wonder back down to the accommodation Laban Rata for a buffet breakfast, pack your stuff back up as it was on the first day, give your garbage bag to the porter and take your time heading back down.

Rose have been writing articles for nearly 2 years. Come visit his blogs more often for tips and advice that helps people with the interest for hotel kota kinabalu and great passion and knowledge for budget hotel in kota kinabalu and all the different options & providers available in the market today. Find out for more info also here besthotelmalaysia.org

Famous Sites in Kota Kinabalu Malaysia

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia is certainly one of the cities everybody with wanderlust must see. It really is a fantastic mixture from the past, present, and long term, a modern capital that provides warm hospitality to guests from all around the planet. You will discover paradise islands filled with long sandy beaches and virgin coral reefs, tropical rain forests that breeds probably the most exotic of species, and city life that shows the world in the unstoppable progress the entire country has enjoyed more than past handful of decades.

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia carries a quite strategic location for tourism purposes. Best high quality hotel accommodations are just a stone's throw away on the airport, and all over you will discover championship golf courses, first-class holiday resorts and spas, along with a world-famous sailing marina. Make certain to consist of on your list of locations to go to the Tun Mustapha Tower, formerly referred to as the Sabah Foundation Developing. This magnificent making is 1 of only four hanging structures inside the planet that possess a glass façade. It could be the tallest constructing inside Malaysian state of Sabah, and it will be the 1 and only creating in the Asian continent which has 72-sided polygon, column-free floors.

Afterward, head more than for the Tunkul Abdul Rahman Park, a marine park comprising of five unspoiled pulaus (islands), namely Gaya, Sapi, Mamutik, Manukan, and Sulug. These islands have beaches with fine sand, waters which are crystal-clear, shallow reefs, and coral gardens. The Pulau Sapi is well-know for its splendid marine existence, which includes creatures like scorpion fish, mantis shrimps, sea fans, cuttlefish, blue starfish, and spotted rays. Meanwhile, the Pulau Gaya is popular with couples, thanks towards the idyllic Buhlijong Bay, a sandy beach with tropical trees such as shading palms. In case you get tired of swimming, snorkeling, and diving, there's also a string of lowland rain forests for exploration, as well as a good path for jogging or strolling. Hiking trails may also be found, and following a good trek, they'll lead you to some well-equipped jetty for a barbecue or a picnic. For positive, you won't operate out of things to perform in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.

Seram have been writing articles for nearly 2 years. Come visit his blogs more often for tips and advice that helps people with the interest for hotel kotakinabalu and great passion and knowledge for budget hotel in kota kinabalu and all the different options & providers available in the market today. Find out for more info also here vhhotels.com

Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills

Minutes from everything, the Four Season Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills is the perfect getaway for those who still want to be in the center of all the action. Located on South Doheny Drive, and on a quiet residential street, you are in walking distance of Rodeo Drive, the Sunset Strip and downtown Beverly Hills. They have 285 guest rooms and suites all decorated in warm California tones for your aesthetic pleasure.

Take advantage of the glorious California weather with their lovely outdoor pool. Located on the fourth floor terrace and kept at a luxurious 79 degrees, you will not want to miss the opportunity to get wet at the Four Seasons. They even offer poolside cabanas where you can receive spa treatments while you keep an eye on your kids playing in the pool.

While at the Four Seasons you'll definitely want to relish the experience of their incomparable spa. You can take advantage of manicures, pedicures, foot reflexology, deep tissue massage or a number of other enticements for the body. The spa is open from 7:00 until 10:00 and even offers in room services by appointment.

While Staying at the Four Seasons, you will be within an hours drive of countless attractions including, Disneyland, Grauman's Chinese Theater, Kodak Theater, the Venice Beach Boardwalk, and the Santa Monica Pier just to name a few. Also, if you are traveling within 2 miles of the hotel, you can take advantage of their complimentary limousine service.

The Four Seasons also has a wonderful environment for business meetings or any other event you may need to plan. From 24 hour business services, to cell phones, laptop rentals and multi-lingual concierge services, all of your business needs can and will be met at the Four Seasons. The Four Seasons even offers meeting packages for your convenience complete with complimentary breakfast and a discount on rooms and banquet menus.

The beautifully appointed rooms all feature a balcony with a view that is accessed by gorgeous French doors. Each guest room is lavishly equipped with a living area, TV, sofa, desk, three phone lines, a Bose radio and a DVD player. The bathrooms are a picture of elegance with the dressing table, telephone, TV, and the gorgeous glass doors on the bathtub.

If you happen to be traveling to Los Angeles with your family, then the Four Seasons is the hotel you will want to stay at. When making your reservations, let the hotel know your children's names and ages and upon arrival they will be greeted with a welcome amenity. Depending on the ages of your children, they will also receive complementary baby bath accessories, children's menus in the restaurants, and child size bathrobes. Also, if needed during your stay, the concierge is happy to arrange babysitting services as well as suggest and help plan family outings for you based on your interests.

Be sure to experience the fitness room at the Four Seasons. With a steam room, sauna, whirlpool, free weights, cardiovascular machines, various other equipment, free fruit and juice, personal trainers as well as yoga equipment, your every physical fitness need will be met with ease.

Don't forget to eat while you are there either. Gardens is open all day and serves cuisine from 4 different continents and specializing in Mediterranean-Californian culinary delights. You can choose to dine indoors or out on the terrace.

Visit our site to know more about prescott inn medan tuanku and quickly learn all about prescott inn medan tuanku from one of the best leading website authorities online. http://www.besthotelmalaysia.org/about/prescott-inn-medan-tuanku/

Masada Backpacker, Kota Kinabalu Trip

Our trip to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia was unforgettable, thanks to the people behind Masada Backpacker. The staff responded to my queries promptly. They even offered free airport pickup and were willing to hold the room for us without taking our credit card information despite the fact that we were not scheduled to arrive until 8PM. One of the owners, Peter himself, met us at the airport with a big welcoming smile.

We were also welcomed by Sam and other guests upon arriving at Masada Backpacker. Peter gave us a quick tour of the place after we have settled in. The place was very clean and well kept. The living room offers a comfy couch and big LCD TV showing English channels among others. This was a great place to hang out while sipping a free cup of hot chocolate or Sabah tea. There was a lounge/breakfast nook with coffee & tea making facilities, fresh bread and fruits, microwave, etc. Guests can also use the desktop computer with WI-FI or connect to WI-FI free of charge. Masada Backpacker also has this cute little patio where smokers (& non-smokers) can hang out.

Here, backpackers' main problem is no problem at all. What am I talking about? Having to queue up for the toilet or shower, of course! At Masada Backpacker we did not have this problem at all having 3 toilets & 5 showers!

Everything went smooth during our 3-day, 3-night stay. The tour to the islands (with snorkeling, buffet BBQ lunch) was arranged by Masada Backpacker for us. This was where I first tasted my NOW favorite Malay dessert called Kuih Mak Mur!! The staff also helped us with the places to go to during our walking tour of the city, providing helpful maps and information. Masada Backpacker's location is great as everything was just a stone's throw away - perfect for tourists like us who enjoy the adventure of going around on foot. Getting around in a taxi or bus is not a problem either, as Masada Backpacker is located nearby the bus & taxi stations. On our last day, Kelly & Peter, the owners, brought us to certain places (shrines, Catholic churches, Atkinson Clock Tower, museums, etc) and had Kutching Laksa (a very delicious Malay chicken/shrimp noodle soup) and their local iced dessert (much like the Philippines' halo-halo).

Fely have been writing articles for nearly 2 years. Come visit his blogs more often for tips and advice that helps people with the interest for Beverly Hotel Kota Kinabalu and great passion and knowledge for hotel kota kinabalu and all the different options & providers available in the market today. Find out for more info also here besthotelmalaysia.org

5 Atlanta Romantic Bed and Breakfasts Inns

Cuddle up at a cozy Atlanta Bed and Breakfast for your next romantic getaway. These urban retreats will not only get your morning started with an awesome breakfast, they'll also inspire your passion-filled nights. The following are my fave five romantic bed and breakfasts recommendations.

Stonehurst Place received an extensive restoration and renovation to turn the rustic Bed & Breakfast into an enviable retreat rivaling the best boutique hotels. The immaculate rooms have high ceilings, are spacious and luxuriously decorated with elegant fabrics and comfortable beds all in an eco-friendly environment. The beautiful suites include fireplaces and a walk-in- shower for two with multiple shower heads. But my favorite feature is the heated bath floor.
The beautiful gardens, front and back porch provide an intimate setting for couples to unwind with each other. Enjoy a gourmet, made to order breakfasts served on china. The Stonehurst Place B and B is a short walk to a variety of shops and restaurants. Located at 932 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. For more information call 404-881-0722 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 404-881-0722 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

1890 King Keith House is a beautifully, restored 1890's mansion. But for your romantic getaway, you want to book, The Cottage. Enter through the private gardens of the King-Keith House to escape to the peace and beauty offered by the cottage. It includes a king size bed and a Jacuzzi tub for two. Located at 889 Edgewood Ave, NE, Atlanta. For reservations call: 404-688-7330 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 404-688-7330 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

The Beverly Hills Inn - is a charming, European style Bed and Breakfast located in the Buckhead area of Atlanta. It has beautiful, spacious rooms, with large sitting areas. The inn is located near world class shopping, dining and entertainment venues. Located at 65 Sheridan Drive, NE Atlanta. For reservations call: 800-331-8520 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 800-331-8520 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

Teacakes Bed and Breakfast is a luxury inn located near downtown Atlanta. Beautiful rooms with 600 count Egyptian bed linen, plush bath robes and mattresses with silk down pillows. The DuBignon Suite is the best room for a romantic getaway. The room is elegant and has a large private balcony the two of you can enjoy.

Teacakes serves a complete gourmet breakfast. Their specialties include strawberry biscuits, sweet potato waffles, and spinach and feta omelets. Vegan and vegetarian meals are also available. Located at 1003 Lena St, Atlanta. To make a reservation call: 404-758-9879 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 404-758-9879 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

Laurel Hill Bed and Breakfast is a charming two house B &B on a quiet residential street, located just 5 miles east of downtown Atlanta. These Tudor-styled homes offers five unique suite which have been decorated with the flair of the 1920's but maintain a stylish, modern feel. Beautiful guests rooms include the Confederate Suite, which has a queen size bed and a Jacuzzi tub for two. Take a romantic stroll, hand-in-hand along the walking paths and connect with each other and nature. Located at 1992 McClendon Ave, Atlanta. For reservations call: 404-377-3217 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 404-377-3217 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.

Evan have been writing articles for nearly 2 years. Come visit his blogs more often for tips and advice that helps people with the interest for hotel kotakinabalu and great passion and knowledge for Beverly Hotel Kota Kinabalu and all the different options & providers available in the market today. Find out for more info also here besthotelmalaysia.org