The Eight Hills of Bukit Bongol, Kota Belud Sabah

One fine day, as I was lounging at my parents house, watching a series of Tiny Houses on TV, my sister asked me if I wanted to go climb some hill nearby. I immediately said YES! Because for the many years I've lived in Kota Belud and the many times I came home for the holidays, I never did anything adventurous except stay home and watch TV. Hahaha. I presumably became a successful couch potato at this rate.

So there... we planned to hike on a Sunday morning, right after Subuh prayers with hopes to catch some sunrise. I was briefed that the climb would take 3 hours to and from for the extremely fit people. Since I was on hiatus mode from hiking for two months already (yeah, fasting month and raya month.. argh!), I wasn't sure of my current fitness level.

A friend came to pick my two sisters and I in the wee Sunday morning from our house. I didn't prepare much and wore only sandals while my sisters wore shoes. I didn't even brought a daypack to put in water supplies and food.

I was ill-prepared.

We were brought to the foot of the hill situated somewhere in Kpg. Pirasan, near a construction site. The beginning of the trail was a visibly dirt path heading upwards. I was the least fittest person in the group and was stopping almost every few hills. Haha. It was a wake-up call that I should resume my fitness regime as soon as I get back to Kuala Lumpur.

My sisters and I on top of Bukit Bongol, Kota Belud

Surviving 7 hills later and a final hike through a grassy area.. we were met with this beautiful view. The peak was marked with 3 large flags of Sabah being fiercely blown by the strong winds on top. I was suddenly became overcome with pride for my hometown and origin. Yes, I am a proud small town girl from Kota Belud, Sabah. No big city gonna change me..

Mt. Kinabalu... Sabah's pride and joy. Our unique identity.

Bongol means bald in English. I believe it was given that name because there are no trees at the peak, only grassy plains.

Peak of Bukit Bongol facing the majestic Mt. Kinabalu.

The way down could be done by going down the same way we went up. But my sister's friend had another trail in mind. The other trail was unclear and overgrown with bushes. We eventually reached the base of the hills with minor cuts and bruises from the unseen thorns on the trail. But all is well. :)

I am especially thankful to be given this opportunity to do some hiking before going back to KL. A perfect start to my fitness regime before hiking the arduous Mt. Tahan of Pahang the following month (end of August).

With that, I end my post ... adios!