KOTA KINABALU: Four Japanese climbers have started the week-long Low’s Gully expedition challenge yesterday to conquer Mount Kinabalu via the challenging Kota Belud trail.
The climbers Naruse Yoichi, Sato Yusuke, Tanaka Satoru and Kobayashi started their journey from Kampung Malangkap Tomis in Kota Belud, through Panataran river, and will be heading towards Low’s Gully and Low’s Peak at the height of 4,092.5 metres.
Sabah Parks director Dr Jamili Nais said if the expedition went smoothly, all climbers are expected to reach Timpohon gate at Kinabalu Park on March 29 or 30.
He added the group is the first to trail from Kota Belud via Panataran river to the peak and will descend using the usual route to Kinabalu Park in Ranau.
"This is an interesting expedition as since the gazettement of Mount Kinabalu as a heritage park in 1964, there was no climb made from the mentioned route to Low’s Gully," he said in a statement here.
The first expedition to Low’s Gully was made by 10 British army personnel in 1994 but they did not succeed.
In 1998, another joint expedition involving 12 Malaysians and Britons was held and the group was led by Sabah Parks senior rangers Martin Moguring and John Sangkig.
"The group managed to complete the expedition and thus paved the way for the expedition to Low’s Gully.
"For the group of climbers from Japan, if they are able to make the Panataran-Low’s Gully expedition, it will open a new chapter for the history of Mount Kinabalu," he said, adding that Sabah Parks will also monitor the expedition including aerial monitoring.