Towering at 4,095 meters, Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in the Malay Archipelago. It has been known that the mountain has a very profound cultural relationship with the indigenous tribes in Sabah.
Traditionally, Mount Kinabalu has always been the sacred resting ground for the dead. Even today, locals will seek permission from the mountain before attempting any climbs, according to The Culture Trip.
Hence, if you are there, maybe try not to take photos of yourself naked at the peak.
At the same time, try not to litter the grounds with papers scribbled with your name, as Wilson Ls Thaddeus shares his discovery of this disrespectful act.
According to Wilson, some climbers have been writing theirs or their friends’ names on pieces of paper for photography purposes. However, instead of taking these papers with them when they descend, they leave these papers scattered all over the mountain. He wrote,
“Don’t just simply leave it up here. To everyone out there, if you guys plan to scale the mountain, please don’t do this. What goes up, have to go down. Take nothing but photographs, keep nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints.”
For those who are planning to go up Mount Kinabalu, please be mindful and respectful when you do so. Remember that it is our responsibility to take care of Mount Kinabalu.
Not only does this disrespect local communities, but it also takes away the beauty away from others and their children.
Also read: Lonely Planet Names Mt Kinabalu One of the Top 50 Most Epic Hikes in the World