Adventure Madness

I felt compelled to write after looking at 2 groups of Facebook, ” We support the use of the name Allah by all Malaysians” and ” Menentang pengunaan nama Allah oleh golongan bukan Islam”.

I have joined the first group, of course, and so have a thousand other non Muslims as well as a few practical thinking Muslims.Kudos to them. But I can’t help but notice the other group has got thousands of Muslim fans as well. What saddens me is that some of them who are against the use of the name Allah by non-Muslims are my own friends.

Now, I am not much of a fan of religion or politics. And I know the Allah issue has died down now. I sometimes use the word ” Alah – ” jokingly to all my friends and they in turn try to use some Tamil words on me as well. What if one day I get fined for using the word for harmless fun?

The statistic of Malaysians migrating overseas has ballooned in the pas year. Why is this so? Did everyone feel threatened by the direction the country is heading? If so, should I migrate as well?

I always wondered if I’ll ever miss Malaysia if I travelled overseas. Which I did, tremendously. Like the saying goes, there’s nothing like home!I miss the mamak stalls the most, as during the cold nights in New Zealand I just wanted to have something hot without mixing it myself, I didn’t have a place to go as all shops shut its doors by 5pm. I missed the hot humid air a little bit, as I was getting bored of always being clad in sweaters and jackets. I did miss Malaysia.

But where do I go from here? It’s easy coz I am not into religious issues or politics etc, but that does not mean I am OK with anything the Government does. I am not against the ruling Government, not I am a fan of them. I am just neutral.And like all non-Malay Malaysians, I would like to know my rights and demand it should I feel that I am not getting my fair share.

And to look at everything that has been happening, the cow head issue, the burning of churches ( and mosques, but the attacks on the churches started first ), the Allah issue, and everything else, maybe I should also consider moving. Maybe to a secluded island in Malaysia, coz I still can’t live without my mamak stalls! :p

Last weekend I went to the jungles of Hulu Perdik, Hulu Langat, for a weekend of camping, leeches, trekking and mud with Raleigh International KL chapter, as the Head of Medical team. It gave a well deserved break that I so needed from my routine life at the office and I must say I loved every single bit of it.

We gathered in International Youth Centre ( IYC in Cheras) and left for Hulu Langat at about 11pm. Tents for the staffs has been set up by the camp and Logistics team who scouted the place earlier, but we still had to pitch additional tents for other staffs. Didn’t help that it was raining and the whole place was wet and muddy, and I didn’t have the chance to change into my trekking boots so I was with my slippers instead – so naturally you can guess what happened, I fell off the mud a few times and got up swearing because I was covered with dirt at 1 in the morning.

We slept at about 3.45am, and woke up again at 6am, the camp chief had prepared breakfast and we had a good meal of eggs, bread, tuna, crackers and hot tea and Milo.Poor participants had to cook their own meals lol. Since I was free for the morning, I joined my tent mate in her facilitating for a game. It was a good one, and the spirit of all the teams are commendable as everyone was working on high spirits. Lunch was served at about 1pm, after lunch it was trekking. I went with team Delta, and I never knew Hulu Langat had such a remote trekking trail.The trail was fairly easy, as opposed to the Bukit Kutu trek I had as participant in the Introweek in November 2005. The trail was slippery and muddy, and my trekking shoes gave way ( the cushioning at the back came off) so the hard leather was poking and slicing the soles of my feet. Halfway into the trek, we realised we had taken the longer route instead of the shorter, designated one, thanks to one of the trailblazers who mistakenly thought we had to take the longer route. That costs us about 2 hours, when all the other teams had reached the designated checkpoint when we just made it through the first checkpoint.

Nevertheless, we didn’t make it to the top,because we were already late and we were too exhausted to continue the journey.After we came back to camp, washed and had a good dinner, it was time for campfire performance by the participants.

It was such a hilarious show that we went on laughing for hours after that. I realised it was something I needed, to be away from all the stress of the city and indulge in some nature.Did I mention that I lost my glasses during the trek? I drove back to Seremban practically blind!Nevertheless, it was a wonderful weekend! Kudos to Raleigh KL for a job well done!

This piece interested me. As a traveller, I am sure some of you backpackers out there has encountered this situation at some point of your travel. I remember being stuck in a hostel in Auckland, with no cash with me because the bank accidentally deducted some service charge ( which was refunded 2 weeks later ) and with no money to pay for the weeks’ accomodation! So dear readers/travellers, maybe you’d wanna take some tips from here and see where it takes you

Money doesn’t grow on trees. When you need quick cash here’s 25 unique ways to earn it right now.

You reach into you wallet to pay for your hostel bed for the night, and come up empty. You dig deeper, finding only receipts and pocket lint.

You realize you’re out of money.

Nervous, you excuse yourself from the hostel clerk and rip open your backpack, in search of a secret stash of cash. Nothing. Not even a few coins.

All you have left are some smelly socks, an overdrawn bank account and an unquenchable thirst for adventure.

What do you do? Pack up your gear, hang your head in shame as you call your friends/parents to send the money for a ticket home? Or do you consider these innovative options for funding a life on the road:

1. Travel Writer

Considered by many as the ultimate travel job, writing for online publications can help you buy your next mug of beer. Work your way to becoming the next Hunter S. Thomson by learning about the craft and querying your next inspired idea.

2. Wield that camera

National Geographic may not be knocking your door down, but that doesn’t mean that your photos don’t deserve an audience. Try selling your landscape and portrait shots to travel publications or submit it to a stock photography company such as Shutterpoint.com, Andes Press Agency and Getty Images.

3. Video journalism

With the advent of Youtube amateur videos are in great demand. Become a backpack film maker, set up your own vblog or simply sell it to tourism sites.

4. Busking

If you’re talented (or even if you aren’t), this is a great way to earn money. Just make sure you’re not taking someone else’s “spot” and check the legalities of performing in a certain area. Or if the police come, you could just run away really fast.

5. Work an a Bookstore

It’s a great way to show-off your “intellectual” side whilst devouring the latest books. Keep in mind that most may require a work permit before they hire you. A great alternative is to bunk in Paris’ famed Shakespeare and Company where the owner offers free beds and work in exchange that you promise to read at least one book a day.

6. Online Poker

This is the perfect money-making means for risk takers. Many travelers who have funded their trips from their winnings on Online Poker. Make sure to weigh the risks of wiping out your bank account and developing a gambling problem.

7. Massage

Have you been known to make your dates swoon with your suave massage moves? Maybe it’s time you put your seduction skills to good use by working as a freelance masseuse. Find willing clients on the beach or a location where people are looking to relaaaaxxxx. Invest in some scented oil, clean nails and your most disarming smile and you’ll have enough funds for your own spa treatment.

8. Farm Work

Fruit picking and farm work is one of the favorite possibilities for hippies, idealists and masochists. Though it is literally hard labor, it’s a paying job with invaluable perks, like meeting new people, enjoying the outdoors and having a unique experience.

One of the best resources is Transitions Abroad, Matador’s Guide to WWOOFING and Finding Paying Work in Europe.

9. Construction

If you’d like to fatten your wallet whilst trimming your waistline, then take on some short-term construction work. Who knows, with your newly sculpted abs and beefy biceps, you may find other uses for that tool belt.

10. Work in a hostel

Many hostels hire part-time workers in exchange for cheaper rates on rooms. Cleaning up after travelers may seem pretty disgusting, but it’s an opportunity for quick cash, a free bed and some new friends.

11. Painting

You don’t have to cut off your ear to get a painting gig, but you can put your artistic abilities to good use by offering your services for home, office or building refurbishments.

12. Dishwasher or Kitchen Staff

Grab some leftovers without having to resort to dumpster diving. Experience the stress, camaraderie and craziness of working in a restaurant’s kitchen. It may even open your eyes to a new career path like it did for bad-ass chef extraordinaire, Anthony Bourdain.

13. For the love of science…or some cash

If you were the type of kid that purposely ignores the expiration date on milk cartons just to “see what would happen,” then this is the job for you. Get prodded and poked by nervous science students in the UK, US and in Europe with Get Paid to Guinea Pig.

14. Donate Blood

So what if you feel a bit woozy? A train to Russia is not cheap. Sissy. Plus, you’re helping save lives.

15. Modeling

Do you enjoy staring at your reflection on train windows and hostel mirrors? Then throw down that backpack for a few hours and head off to the glamorous world of commercial and print modeling. Often found in the gigs section of craigslist ads and city job sites, these opportunities require little more than a few cheesy poses.

16. Movie Extra

Run through the streets of Berlin with Jason Bourne or flee Godzilla’s rampage in Tokyo by working as a movie extra. You can check out casting agencies, local job posts or even the local couchsurfing group where independent film makers often post openings. It’s a great way to rub elbows with international celebrities (or at least tell your friends you did), earn some fast cash and possibly get discovered.

17. Recycle

Yes, saving the environment does pay. In most European cities, you can get cash back for the bottles you collect. Scour the hostel lounge and trash cans for some empty containers which you can take to the local supermarket where you’ll be given enough change to finally buy that banana you’ve been eyeing.

18. Sports events

Run after wayward golf balls or mop up the latest spillage from the Tae Kwon Do championships. For sports enthusiasts, it’s a great way to earn some money whilst gaining insight on the local games.

19. Trim some bushes

No, not those, pervert. Knock on a few doors and ask if they need any cleaning, yard work or repairs done. Though you may be chased off by Rover (or Ganesh if you’re in India), with a rumbling stomach, anything is worth a try.

20. Expositions

If you consider yourself a master of setting up tents, then challenge yourself by working at an exposition. Find these jobs on the city classified pages and help put up the displays, tarps and booths for a quick and easy buck.

21. Write Content

If you’ve been annoying your friends and family back home with your lengthy emails, then maybe its time to get paid by writing about other things than yourself. Work for a site that pays per hits such as blogit.com.

22. Resell stuff

Don’t quite know what to do with that weird doll you got in Romania? Then sell it in your next location. From convincing your bunkmate to buy your lucky charms to auctioning fleamarket finds on ebay, reselling unusual travel goods can turn into quite the lucrative on-the-road business.

23. Handicrafts

If you’ve got a knack for crochet or can weave a basket at hyper speed, then selling some of your crafts can be used towards funding your next bus ticket. At the very least, you could make yourself something warm for those homeless evenings.

24. Festival Stalking

One of the best ways to combine a crazy cultural adventure, lots of drinking and enough dough for your next hangover spot is to work the festival circuit. You could either apply for a gig in one of the stands or push your own agenda by selling homemade space cakes, jell-o shots or setting up a kissing booth.

25. Sail Away

Sail off towards the sunset by working on a yacht or a cruise ship. You can find work by perusing crew job sites or simply asking people by the harbor if they have any leads. It provides a sense of freedom, a means to sustain to yourself and a way to get to your next stop.

Being on the road with very little or no cash may seem daunting at first, but the challenge of using your imagination to provide for yourself will make the experience all the more exciting and valuable.

Face the fear! There are always opportunities for the resourceful and intrepid traveler.

Adapted and edited from Backpacking: Michaela Lola.

Just a quick one today. I have been receiving many emails asking me to reset my password for the maybank2u website as it claims it has too many failed login attempts. As I was aware that phishing sites are rampant, I ignored it.

Recently I have been receiving it again, and this aroused my curiousity. Didn’t Maybank deal with it already? If yes, how is there still so many phishing websites targeting its customers?

Just a quick picture:

The Security Verification email received in my inbox. Notice the email address used.

When I clicked on the link given, I was redirected to this page:

Redirected to this website. Notice the URL address.

And finally, when I opened the REAL Maybank2u website, I was sent to this page:

Maybank2u's real website. Notice the valid URL.Can you see the difference between the real one and the scam?

First of all, I am NOT  a Maybank customer. For me to be getting emails like this indicates that these scammers can target any ways of correspondence. I remember adding M, the Maybank icon on MSN to ask a few investment related questions about a year ago. I used a different email address for that. How these phishers found their way into my primary email address, I have no idea.

Buck up, Maybank! What are you doing to prevent this? I don’t get similiar emails from other banks. What security that they have and you don’t? HSBC has got their security device, a little black device that you will have to register in the branches before using an online banking service, which prompts customer to enter a 6 digit number on top of your username and password, to avoid phishers and scammers. Can you have something like that in place?

In this era where everything is online, and the world is getting more and more border-less, I think Maybank should revise and review its online security status to see where it stands if it wants to stand alongside other major banks in Malaysia.

Dear Sutera Sanctuary Lodges ( SSL),

How have you been lately? From what I have been hearing you must be feeling very happy and cozy making money out of the climbing packages that you force people to buy.Just out of curiosity, SSL, have you ever thought of the Malaysian young people who wants to climb the mountain but do not have the means to do so because your package rates are RIDICULOUS?

Let me share something I heard. Please confirm if it’s true.

What is this, SSL? What are you trying to prove here?RM1,000 + for a 4D/3N at Kinabalu, Malaysia? I paid half that price and had a wonderful 4D/3N in Phuket!I have climbed Kinabalu twice and both times you did not meet my expectations and I paid RM395+ for a 2D/1N.

You claimed that we’d have hot shower, but we didn’t. Your excuse? The heater was not working!Do you think it’s fair? Perhaps you thought the climbers would be too tired to notice.But no climbers who has paid that sort of money to be granted a shot at the peak, would be too tired to notice.

Your delightful ways of advertising your package with the amount of food ( breakfast, lunch, dinner etc) certainly would catch anyone’s eye. But why do you only give us finger food,a small apple, 2 cans of Sprite and mineral water as lunch, SSL? How would that contribute to our energy? After I returned, I did a calculation and found out that I  actually paid about RM35+ for that sort of food which I could have easily acquired for less than RM15. Who are you trying to fool, SSL?

If your market is solely intended for tourists, then isn’t all your other establishments making enough for this purpose?Your website at www.suterasanctuarylodges.com is pretty impressive, I should say.Isn’t The Pacific Sutera, The Magellan Sutera, Sutera Harbour Marina and Country Club, Sutera Harbour Golf and Country Club and North Borneo Yachting making enough money for your bosses?Oh, and I see that you have acquired the North Borneo Railway too! I was thinking of going on a ride when I come to Sabah next, but looks like I’ll have to give it a miss and tell everyone as well.

May I ask, SSL, if you are involved in corruption?If no, what’s this I hear about SSL promising to pay Sabah Government RM5million a year if SSL is allowed to acquire Mount Kinabalu?Come on, SSL.You have no rights to the mountain!

If you think only the sad Malaysians who don’t have much money are complaining, think again. Your reputation is going down the drain. Don’t believe me? Well if you have Internet up in Laban Rata, try Googling your establishment. I am sure you’d get “colourful” remarks about you.The international climbing fraternity are complaining. I personally have met more than a dozen tourists and backpackers from all over the world complaining about the ridiculous price you charge and the bias-ness of Malaysians and non Malaysians. Please don’t forget that Indonesia has got beautiful mountains too and they don’t cost as much. So, SSL, if you do not want more damage, revise your package rates to the times it costs less than RM100 for a 2D/1N.

If you do not, SSL, then we will personally see to it that your reputation, along with your establishment, REALLY GOES DOWN THE DRAIN.

We’re waiting,

Climbers of the world.

” When you go next, please let me know because I’d love to come with you,” says Ali to me.

” Sure, but the whole thing will cost you about RM800 minimum, if that’s OK“, I told Ali.

” You kidding me! Why is it so expensive? “

” Because Mt.Kinabalu is commercialized, bro. It’s no longer under Sabah Parks, it’s managed by Sutera Sanctuary Lodges and it’s privatized,” I sadly told my friend.

” That’s okay then. I can’t afford it,” Ali smiled sadly and walked away.

Thousands of energetic and enthusiastic young people like Ali are turned away year after year from the summit of Mt.Kinabalu, because of the exorbitant charges set by Sutera Sanctuary Lodges ( SSL) who manages private and expensive resorts in Sabah, including the Sutera Harbour Resort,The Pacific Sutera and The Magellan Sutera (www.suterasanctuarylodges.com)

Over the years, charges to climb up the South East Asia’s highest mountain has skyrocketed with packages starting from RM2,360 per room for 6 ( RM394 per person inclusive of packed lunch before ascend, buffet dinner, supper at 2am,breakfast and lunch after descend). A bunk bed in Grace Hostel at Kinabalu Park costs RM120 per person per night. BUNK BED!This price is for Malaysians, with non- Malaysians paying at least 50%-80% extra from the entrance fees to the accomodations.

This has caused many parties to come forward and voice out their unhappiness over this latest privatization of the mountain, with so many complaints lodged with Kementerian Dalam Negeri dan Hal Ehwal Pengguna ( KDNHEP) but there is no action taken so far.

Let’s read some of the blog posts and comments from a blog ( www.mount-kinabalu-borneo.com) maintained by an avid traveller and a general practitioner, Dr.Ruhaizad Daud.Full posts on how SSL is the biggest rip off merchants can be read here : http://mount-kinabalu-borneo.com/blog/sutera-sanctuary-lodges-the-biggest-rip-off-merchants-in-asia.html

“The issue: Sutera Sanctuary Lodges monopolize Mount Kinabalu for their own profits.

They never wants to listen to our grouses on how expensive their climbing packages are, as long as they are the only available solution for Kinabalu climbers.

It started early this year, January 2008, when they packaged their climbing trip. They also pre-sold all the beds to big travel & tourism company increasing the price, to reap all the profits. That moves had also make us difficult to book a bed in Laban Rata.

Try calling them and ask for a bed 6 months in advance. They will say that their booking is not open yet.

Try calling them again next 2 days – 5 months 29 days. And they will said that the beds are full in Laban Rata. Who do you think have the power and money to book all 140 beds in Laban Rata in that very short time?

Try call them at this number: +6088-243629. Considered yourself lucky if you can get through.

Considered yourself double lucky if there is still bed for you in Laban Rata. They won’t tell you whether you get a heated or non-heated one.

Considered yourself triple lucky if you got the Laban Rata Resthouse – where the restaurant and heated rooms are.

Gone are the days when you can D-I-Y your trip up to Low’s Peak, where you could pay merely over RM150 for all the expenses – provided we bring our food ourselves.

The package that they created is compulsory. You cannot omit even a single item in the package – that includes the food. And that move have skyrocketed the prices, even worse during this uncertainty of fuel prices and inflation.

Sigh…

I pity those solo climbers, backpackers and budget travelers. Even more for our own Malaysian citizen & students. The revised pricing structure really did not help us all.

Lonely Planet Borneo

It also hurts Mount Kinabalu’s image. Somebody wrote a bad review on climbing Kinabalu in Lonely Planet Borneo, it’s latest edition. It seems that climbing the mountain is actually the easy part. The hard part is getting the accommodation booking. Buy the Lonely Planet Borneo if you have money and see it for yourself. I don’t think I would waste another RM79.90 just to get to see the bad reviews on Kinabalu.

It also hurts my last climb up the mountain with Special Olympics athletes. They have to revise their expenses to divert the money to Sutera Sanctuary Lodges. A big chunk of it. A lot of volunteers also complaints, not about the organizer, but about the accommodation provider.

You will be surprised, despite the price increase, that Laban Rata Resthouse is still in a pity mode.

Frequent heated water disruptions.

Leaks – not the roof leak, but plumbing leaks, which leads to flooding of the restaurant by the water from somebody bathing & maybe peeing upstairs.

The food taste really horrible.

The price of their a la carte menu & are ridiculous.

Well, this post really sound seditious. I could get caught and put behind bars because of my writings. But did I tell lies?

No I don’t.

Yesterday I spoke to one of my patient. A senior expatriate who have live here in KK for the past 30 over years. He also aired out his concern on what Sutera did, and how they really hurt the industry. He said he is going to speak directly to Sutera manager and get things straight.

I hope he could at least help us all.

At this moment, what we could do is to get together and voice out our concern. I could not do this by myself through this small blog. Sutera never cares. They know that my writings won’t even dent their cashflow.

Join me in the facebook. (Get one for yourself. It’s free.)

Poke me inside. Add me as your friend.

And the best thing to do is join the cause by KaKiAyAm; Mount Kinabalu – belongs to NO ONE else.
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/125792?recruiter_id=13322243

We need a big number to get the ball rolling.

Writing to the government is a waste of time.

They don’t read your letter. They don’t care about your email, and most probably your email will end up in their spam box.

The Sabah state government knew. Maybe they also have vested interest with Sutera? Who knows? They just don’t care.

If they really care, they should regulate the pricing structure.

If they really care, they would not have agree on the price increase.

Try asking for quotation for 2009 climbing package from Sutera. Get ready to get shock.

Stay tune to this blog.

You may want to climb other mountain first – Tambuyukon or Trusmadi, here in Sabah. They don’t have this much issue, but the climb are harder. Good thing is, Sutera is not involve with these 2 beautiful mountains.”

63 Responses to “ Sutera Sanctuary Lodges – the biggest rip-off merchants in Asia ”

1. 1

   #1 Lorna Says:
   September 25th, 2008 at 9:08 pm It’s a big blow to Sutera’s reputation, but they should have seen it coming. I have friends and acquaintances all these while who’ve experienced Suter Sanctuary Lodges’ mediocre services and cut-throat prices.

2. 2

   #2 bayau Says:
   September 26th, 2008 at 11:33 am well, sutera santuary lodges increase the price again (malaysian)
   2007 – RM 30/nite
   2008 – RM 180/nite
   2009 – RM 250/nite

   that is too much. anything we can do about it? seems like some people
   really make a lot of money. but still thinking not enough. greedy isn’t?

3. 3

   #3 KakiAyam Says:
   September 27th, 2008 at 10:56 am drizad, this things make my blood boil….

   but this is where the power of internet comes….

   I will start a cause to boycott the climbing of Kinabalu in my blog and in Facebook….

   or if anyone would like to take the initiative, pls let us know…

   they must be punished, Gunung Kinabalu does not belong to them!

   You don’t rip people off just because you are capable of doing so, especially when you don’t have an ounce of right to do so!

4. 4

   #4 drizad Says:
   September 27th, 2008 at 12:17 pm @ KakiAyam:

   Thanks very much. Yeah… I think you have a point there. I will support you!

5. 5

   #5 bayau Says:
   September 27th, 2008 at 7:44 pm i don’t think boycott work on sutera santuary lodges. they have so much
   demand that the place is full almost everyday. weekend fully booked as early as 6 month. too many demand. Tourist may be able to pay, but sabahan
   simply can not afford that amount.

   there is no clear reason for them to increase the price. there is no significant
   profit loss with fuel hike. i am completely mad to know that they increase thee price again after increasing the price almost 500% early this year.

   i met a tourist from Quebec refuse to climb mount kinabalu because she
   really do not like why there is a significant difference in non-malaysia and
   malaysian fee (of course the laban rata fee too).

   i encourage anyone. write something in the blog. post comment to newspaper (daily express etc) or write letter to sabah tourism or sabah
   park.

   we don’t want this Sutera Santuary Lodges treat us like this.
   it is not reasonable ! at all!

6. 6

   #6 Tok.Ou Says:
   September 30th, 2008 at 4:51 pm Hi…just found your blog. Coincidence.(actually im goggling for NEOSTRATA product)
   Really L O V E Mount Kinabalu.

7. 7

   #7 KakiAyam Says:
   October 9th, 2008 at 10:26 am Hi all,

   Could anyone compile the rise in cost like Bayau and mail to me?

   I need price comparison, but not knowing where to get the details.

   Could anyone provide the cost for the past three years for m’sian and foreigners?

   Not only for the accomodation, but also for other fees as well.

   Thank you.

   KaKiaYam

8. 8

   #8 bayau Says:
   October 11th, 2008 at 3:20 pm for you info, i believe this happen not only in sabah
   2007 malaysian – RM30, foreigner – RM100

   in sabah, some of the taxi in kk charge foreigner in USD..
   if the meter saya RM 30.. they say 30 dolar (USD 30) .

9. 9

   #9 KaKiaYam Says:
   October 12th, 2008 at 10:39 pm Hi drizad,

   This is to inform you that I have started a cause in Facebook. And I have included your article and one comment from bayau. Do let me know if you are uncomfortable with the words and references used in the ’cause’ inside facebook.

   Thanks!

   KaKiaYam

10. 10

    #10 drizad Says:
    October 13th, 2008 at 9:22 am @ KaKiaYam:

    Could you please share with us the link to the cause?
    Thanks…

11. 11

    #11 kakiayam Says:
    October 13th, 2008 at 1:11 pm well, not exactly your article in it’s entirety, but a link to this article in your blog…

    as for the cause, here goes -
    http://apps.facebook.com/causes/125792?m=473a7383&recruiter_id=7208065

    Thanks!

12. 12

    #12 Sutera Sanctuary is a Blood Sucker Says:
    October 13th, 2008 at 3:49 pm GOOD!!! KAKI AYAM!!!
    i am ur supporter!!!

    1. Before 2008… the Accommodation price only
    RM3/person… then increased to RM12/Person… RM18/person… RM30/person….

    2. Start on the 18th Jan 2008, SUTERA SANCTUARY started selling new package.. Forcing climbers to buy the new package… included the meals…
    the price increase more than 6times…. from RM30/person to RM188/person….

    3. Now, they start selling at RM290/person for Gunting Langadan/non-heater room…. and RM350/person for Laban Rata… for the year of 2009….

    but,

    i am wonders…
    1. How can the Ministry Of Tourism approved this new rate?
    2. Ministry dont know? Not care about the locals? Not care about the Climbers? Not care about Tour Company?
    3. Ministry involve in C……..N???
    PLS TAKE SOME ACTION ON IT??? BN ALREADY LOSE CONFIDENT IN PENINSULAR!!!!! U want SABAH to be the next?

    by the way!!!
    1. Sabah Parks is doing good work to limit the climbing permit, 146/day!
    2. Because they really doing conservation work in The World Heritage- Kinabalu Park…
    3. According to the experts… the carrying capacity of the mount kinabalu only allow 146climbers/day!!!
    GOOD JOB SABAH PARKS!!!

    And,
    1. A lot of tour and travels company cant survive with this new rate!
    2. How can a tour company requet from the guest after confirmed booking or fully paid the tour package fee???
    Eg”Sorry boss, Sutera Sanctuary increase from RM30-188… so our company need to increase another RM160/person in ur package…. i am very sorry for the inconvinient…”
    3. The locals have no more chance to climb MOunt kinabalu- The first World Heritage in Malaysia!!! because of the BURDEN accommodation package!!!
    MOST OF THE NEW ESTABLISH COMPANY WILL FACE BANKRUPCY!!!

    How can a company profit but burden all the Travel Companies?
    1. SSL bring more rubbish into the park than the improvement in facilities… because selling new package with Pack lunch which is included… plastic, Tapperware, aluminium foil, plactic water Bottle with the Sutera Sanctuary Brand, 100plus tin……
    2. All the travels companies going to bankrupt because of the Selfish SuteraSanctuary!!!
    PLS TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THAT MOUNT KINABALU IS NOT BELONGS TO SUTERA SANCTUARY OR SUTERA HABOUR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    IT IS BELONGS TO ALL MALAYSIAN…. AND ALSO ALL MANKIND!!!

    STGA(Sabah Tourist Guide Association):
    1. What is ur comment?
    2. No action taken?
    3. How can the Tourist Guide survive?
    WHAT FOR FORMING UP A ASSOCIATION AND NO ACTION TAKEN???

    u are welcome to Email me if got any comment… thanks!
    SuteraSanctuaryIsABloodSucker@yahoo.com!

    Chong

13. 13

    #13 Jee Says:
    October 13th, 2008 at 10:59 pm OMG, early of year 2008, i had a climbing trip thru agent ,it only cost me RM200++ exclude the food. I am planning another climbing on May 2009, and very surprice to get the new quote from the same agent. It is about 4 times of the price at year 2008. It is too expensive. I feel very angry with it. How come the price can simply go high without any monitoring by Sabah government and any related department. I am pretty sad on it.

14. 14

    #14 Lulu Says:
    October 14th, 2008 at 1:00 am I am truly shocked! To think that climbing Kinabalu was so easy and cheap before.. I pity the high school students now, because they can’t possibly afford the cost to climb the mountain now. When I was in secondary school, we only need to pay not more than RM100 for the whole climbing trip (minus food)….
    How could SSL do this to Malaysians???!! *ssh*les!

15. 15

    #15 KaKiaYam Says:
    October 14th, 2008 at 8:38 am Hi all, I suggest some of you could duplicate the comments over here and post it up to the wall in Facebook.

    Not that I want to divert the traffic from here, but i guess we could spread this message effectively and faster through facebook. But this article will always remain the main focus point, just a pity that I could not include it into the Media Box. Drizad, could you try to include this web page into the Media Link?

    Thanks.

    KaKiaYam

16. 16

    #16 drizad Says:
    October 14th, 2008 at 12:36 pm @ KaKiaYam:

    I am not sure whether I could do it, but I will try my best to include this post into the Media Box. Anybody wants to teach me how?

17. 17

    #17 Leong Says:
    October 15th, 2008 at 11:46 am Not only Sutera Sanctuary sucks. Even the Mountain Torq also not doing a good job.

    Mountain Torq has now appointed xxx Travel Agent as the sale promoter.

    Here goes the story,

    My friends did pre-booked Laban Rata , and took up Mountain Torq via feratta -Low’s Peak circuit activity only ( seperated booking) , both booking were confirmed and paid in advance.

    Later when Mountain Torq appointed xxx Travel Agent as the sale operator, policy changed, they will not sell the via feratta activities seperately without accommodation. They have to take the full board package which cost Rm 860.

    Seem like the peoples are making big money out of the heritage.

18. 18

    #18 Jusdy J. Says:
    October 15th, 2008 at 3:59 pm i think, we should forward this matter to Dtk Masidi…since dia pun org Ranau juga bah…so we hope dia buli campur tangan juga…

19. 19

    #19 Sutera Sanctuary is a Blood Sucker Says:
    October 15th, 2008 at 7:01 pm HE…. Not only staying at Ranau…. But is a Minister!!! in Ministry of Tourism in Sabah!!!!!

    thanks to all supporters!!!
    i am trying to post/email to all the newspaper editor…. or reporter!!!!

    those got forum account!!! pls upload this article!!! thanks!!!!
    cari forum… travellerpoint… Backpacker…. E-sabah…… thanks thanks thanks!!!

    THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!

    let me know if got any suggestion….

    Suterasanctuaryisabloodsucker@yahoo.com!!!!

    Chong

20. 20

    #20 Nora Says:
    October 15th, 2008 at 11:34 pm Yah, when I first call Mountain Torq, they ask me to call to 2 or 3 tour agents that sells the package which stays at Pendant hut and do the via ferrata. But when I say that I already have SSL, than they said not problem, I can book my via ferrata activity direct with them. So I book the Low’s Peak Circuit for me and my sayang.

    I can’t wait! I am going next month!!

    Leong, so I don’t understand why you have that experience.

( Please read all comments at http://mount-kinabalu-borneo.com/blog/sutera-sanctuary-lodges-the-biggest-rip-off-merchants-in-asia.html)

I have climbed Mt.Kinabalu twice, once in October 2008 and most recently in May 2009. In 2008, we were denied the peak because of heavy rain and strong wind that hampered our climb. A total of 150 climbers was denied the peak that day, and everyone had paid at least RM500 ( air ticket excluded) just for one shot at the peak.

When I called and enquired about the prices in October, it was about RM398,all inclusive but I was to stay in a the non-heated Gunting Ladagan Hut. No discounts, you still pay the same of those staying at Laban Rata.

The food was OK, not spectacular but OK, but no one complained because at 3,000 meters above sea level, you eat what you get. I couldn’t take a shower, as Gunting Ladagan didn’t have heated shower.It was freezing cold, the blanket supplied was thin, and with temperature reaching sub-zero, a crushing high-altitude induced headache and all alone,even 3 layers of clothing couldn’t save me from the cold. I was having nosebleeds due to high altitude, and I was just glad to make it down, vowing to climb the mountain again.

In May this year, I met someone on Facebook who shared the same enthusiasm of climbing the mountain but felt it was too expensive. By then, SSL was charging almost RM450 for the same package! Let me tell you what is included in the package the first time I took it in October 2008.

1. Packed lunch ( consists of 6 thin,tiny finger sandwiches,2 thin,tiny popiahs, one apple,2 canned Sprite and one 500ml mineral water bottle)

Can someone tell me what nutritious value these food has?Just before we ascended, some foreign climbers were seen throwing away everything and only carrying the apple and the water. Everyone has already prepared their lunch – snack bars, chocolates, nuts and high energy drinks. This is a pure waste, especially if you do a breakdown of the prices, these costs you RM50 or more.You tell me if its worth it.

2. Dinner at Laban Rata Restaurant.

Agreed, there is only ONE restaurant in Laban Rata,and nobody complains of a 500ml mineral water costing RM5 because if you see the porters who haul these stuffs up, you’d be dumbfounded. But how much can a person eat buffet style up a mountain when after the 5-7 hours trek to LB, all you wanna do is eat something light and sleep because you have a long journey ahead?

3. Accomodation

Mine was Gunting Ladagan Hut, which was unheated, sleeps 4, but for some reasons none of my roomates were there ( only one bunk looked occupied with a backpack, the other two were empty, and when I called to book, the told me everything was FULL.

4. Supper before the climb.

Again, buffet style.I didn’t eat much as the food looked like it will make my stomach quesy ( no doubt it’s high energy – fried rice, scrambled eggs, toasted bread)

5. Breakfast ( after summit attempt)

The same as supper

6. Lunch at Balsam Restaurant, Kinabalu Park

Maybe this one’s OK because the food was good and they had varieties complete with desserts, just the right thing to have after a long descent.

So when we went in May 2009, Maz ( my FB friend) had sent a flurry of emails to KDNHEP and SSL asking the price breakdowns and complaining how expensive the package was. At the end, we got the package for RM180 ( packed lunch and lunch at Balsam Restaurant eliminated) and we got a stay in Laban Rata.

This was, of course, hush hush. SSL doesn’t let anyone tailor the package because they’ll lose out.RM180 was an OK price to pay compared to the amount I paid in Oct 08, but its still far more pricey than the what was charged by Sabah Parks the last time. ( less than RM100 for all inclusive)

So it was with great anticipation of hot shower and cozy bed that lured me to Mt.Kinabalu in May this year. The bed was cozy all right, but the centralised heater was faulty, so we were either too hot or too cold (At that altitude, trust me the last thing you want to do is wake up in the middle of the night sweating because you have two layers of clothing as it was too cold only few hours before)

The supposedly hot shower had lukewarm water trickling through, which was more like cold water. Apparently the water heater was faulty, and there were notices at the toilet advising this. Some of the brave ones, just to have a shower, went ahead and had shower in the icy cold water. My question is – is this fair for people who has paid hundreds of ringgit for ONE hot shower?

I am in the midst of gathering data and scheduling interviews with some former students of Universiti Malaysia Sabah ( UMS ) who has previously climbed the mountain a few times and only paid less than RM100 ( for groups!) before Mt.Kinabalu was handed over by Sabah Parks to SSL. Please check back soon!

Meanwhile, if you have also been victimised by SSL and want to come forward, please leave a comment on my blog. I have tracked back this site to www.mount-kinabalu-borneo.com ( and have also shared some of the comments here ). We intend to claim back Mt.Kinabalu and do a full crackdown on SSL.

The writer at Laban Rata

The bunk beds at Laban Rata Resthouse

The reason why nobody complains about the high charges on things high above the mountain

Mt.Kinabalu as seen from Kundasang