Scaling new heights in Kota Kinabalu

By Carla Mortel

Well, that?s one way to conquer a mountain.

Last Jan. 11, the Philippine Everest Team scaled new heights when it ascended the world?s highest (and Asia?s first) via ferrata on Mt. Kinabalu?s Mountain Torque.

Via ferrata, Italian for iron road, is a mountaineering sport that allows climbers to ascend peaks using a continuous path equipped with fixed steel rungs, rails and cables for a safe climb.

Mountain Torque?s Via Ferrata starts at 3,400 meters high and is approximately 1.2-km long. It is embedded along the Pana Laban rock face of Mount Kinabalu.

As another climbing activity, via ferrata makes isolated routes accessible to climbers and opens the mountaineering sport to ages 10 to 70 years and above that knows how to climb a ladder. ?It?s definitely a different experience. They used to have fences. Now, they have the via ferrata,? beams Art Valdez, the Philippine team leader. ?I think it?s perfect for those who want to start climbing an easy first route. It?s also okay for families since it?s very safe. And interesting too because you just have to anchor yourself to enjoy the spectacular view,? muses Janet Belarmino-Sardena. Other team members of the expedition were Fred Jamili, Dr. Ted Esguerra, Pastour Emata and Carina Dayondon.

To get started on Mt. Torq?s via ferrata, ?all that is needed is a spirit of adventure, the average fitness of a normal mountain hiker and no fear of heights,? shares Wilfred Tok, founder of Mountain Torq Sdn Bhd (MT). For the via ferrata climb, one can choose from the beginner?s route at the granite walls of Mt. Kinabalu or the intermediate routes to reach the mountain?s exhilarating heights and sights. Climbers are guided at all times by activity trainers who have undergone rigorous training and regular skills upgrading.

Mountain Torq Sdn Bhd manages the team of accomplished mountain climbers, instructors and educators that provides adventure tourism with outmost regard to safety and responsibility. They also promote ecotourism and livelihood programs for the local community. The expedition climb of the Philippine Everest team at Mountain Torq was a joint project of Shroff Internation Travel Care Inc. in partnership with Mountain Torq, Sabah Tourism Board and Tourism Malaysia.

Mountain Torq?s via ferrata conforms to the highest international safety standards. The equipment was constructed using CE Mark-approved materials from Europe which can withstand up to three tons of weight. A continuous belay system makes it virtually impossible for climbers to deviate from the route because they are hooked up to a guideline at all times throughout the via ferrata. Regular safety checks and maintenance are also conducted on the via ferrata equipment. This means that all you need to do is to focus on enjoying the experience of the climb.

Aside from the via ferrata, adventure tourists can also enjoy a whole host of other outdoor activities that Mountain Torq offers such as sports climbing, alpine rock climbing, rappelling and basic mountain experience. As Southeast Asia?s first mountaineering training center, Mountain Torq can also provide travelers with skills, knowledge and opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. ?Now, we can confidently say that Borneo is a world-class adventure destination,? declares Wilfred Tok.

On Feb. 5 to 8, get a chance to meet the Philippine Everest team at Mountain Torq?s booth at the SMX Convention Center. To help you plan for your mountain climbing trip at Mountain Torq, call Shroff International Travel Care at 524-2222 or send an e-mail at international@airlinecenter.info. You can also check Mountain Torq Web site at www.mountaintorq.com.