A GUlDE TO THE SUMMlT TRAlL
ABOUT THIS PAMPHLET
This pamphlet was produced in response to a demand for more information about the climb to the summit of Mt. Kinabalu. We have tried to illustrate the plants and animals you are most likely to see, as well as others of special interest.
Many species do not have familiar common names, and in these cases, we have coined a name that is, we hope, descriptive or at least, obvious. Universally-used scientific names have also been included.
lNTRODUCTlON
The Kinabalu Park is famous the world over for the highest mountain in South-East Asia - Mt. Kinabalu, a Vast jagged granite massif rising to 4,101m. (13,455ft.). The mountain is the focal point of the whole Park which covers an area of 754 sq km (291 sq miles), and includes vegetation types ranging from the rich lowland dipterocarp zone through the montane oak. rhododendron, and conifer forests to the alpine meadow plants and stunted bushes of the summit zone an area that probably has one of the richest flora in the world.
The Headquarters is situated on the southern boundary, at an elevation of 1,524m (5,000 ft). Visitor accommodation, restaurants and an exhibit centre are found here as well as the Park offices. It is only a 2 hour drive from Sabah's capital of Kota Kinabalu on a good sealed road and the Park is an ideal spot for day visitors who simply want to get away from it all and enjoy the cool air, as well as those who wish to stay for a few days and climb the mountain or explore the forest trails.
If you are a first-time visitor it is well worth your while to go to some of the free visitor programmes organised by the Park. Regular evening slide/film shows and guided trail walks in the mornings are given by the Park Naturalists at the Park Headquarters.
Nepenthes Villa(Chalets)
Many people who visit the Park come to climb the mountain, a tough Walk that takes a minimum of two days. But why not take your time over it! The climb can be made far more rewarding and enjoyable if you use three days, with two nights at a mountain hut. This way you can take the time to look at what you pass - the birds, the animals, the rocks and the soil, the views and the almost incredibly rich diversity of plant life belonging to one of the most ancient vegetations in the world.
Timpohon Gate - Start of Summit Trail
THE SUMMlT TRAIL
To reach the start of the Summit Trail climbers must drive or walk the 4kms (2 1/2 miles) of the Kamborongoh Road that leads from Mt. Kinabalu Park Headquarters to the PublicWorks Department's Power Station at 1,829m (6,000ft).
The forest on the steep ridge opposite the Power Station is still the montane oak-forest that surrounds the Park Headquarters. Kinabalu has some of the richest oak forests in the world with over 40 different oak species recorded. Here the Summit Trail itself starts, marked at intervals of 5 chains (50 chains = 1 km.; 80 chains = 1 mile), leading past the Power Station and following the crest of a narrow ridge that dips down onto the main slopes of Kinabalu itself. A little further on, there is a waterfall where waterbottles can be filled. This is known as Carson's Falls, named after the first Warden of this Park. Liverworts and mosses grow luxuriantly in the fine spray of water. A Common moss is Dawsonia, one of the largest in the world, that can reach 3ft (1 m) in height. though it is usually much less. Nearby the KINABALU BALSAM (Impatiensplatyphylla) can usually be found, a delicate little herb growing in between rocks at the edge of the path. Rhododendrons are now more common - the SLENDER- LEAVED RHODODENDRON (Rhododendron stenophyllum) is a lovely sight in bloom.
The SMALL MOUNTAlN PlTCHERPLANT (Nepenthes tentaculata) can also be seen by the Sharp-eyed observer grows along the edges of paths, from the Headquarters to as high as 2,439m (8,000ft).
Thursday, June 11, 2009
NEW ZEALAND
Language in
The three official languages of
The Maori language has been part of
Maori and English are used throughout the country in various television and radio programs. As with other regions in the world where two cultures have been mixed, English has influenced Maori and Maori has influenced English. A number of words in each language have crossed in to the vocabulary of the other. English has introduced motuka (car) and Maori has replied with taboo (tapu).
Many places in
Kiwi Society & Culture
There can be marked differences between Maori and NZ European (Pakeha) societies and culture. This is particularly apparent when moving in tribal (Iwi) circles. Due to colonisation and tribal differences, there can also be subtle but important variations in protocols. The following sections outline aspects most likely to occur when doing business with tribal groups but can also equally apply to any group that includes Maori.
Kiwi Demeanour
. New Zealanders are friendly, outgoing, somewhat reserved initially yet polite, and enjoy extending hospitality.
. They are quite easy to get to know as they say hello to strangers and will offer assistance without being asked.
. Because they do not stand on ceremony and are egalitarian, they move to a first name basis quickly and shun the use of titles.
. Kiwis dress casually, but neatly.
. Most restaurants do not have dress codes and except in business, dress is decidedly casual.
. Business dress is conservative, although jackets may be removed and shirtsleeves rolled up when working.
Maori demeanour
. Maori are generally friendly and reserved and place great value on hospitality.
. They will generally offer (often to the point of going without) assistance to their guests and will attempt to hide the inconvenience as much as possible.
. Maori will spontaneously launch into speech and song. Even though they may not have met each other, they will know many songs they can sing together and often use these to close or enhance speeches.
. They will often call for visitors to do the same and it would be wise to have 2-3 practised songs from your own country to reply with.
Environmentalism
. Kiwis are environmentally concerned and have a strong desire to preserve their country's beauty.
. One of the major local issues is the importing of predators.
. Border controls are very tight and there are huge fines for importing food or other natural products such as wood, cane etc.
. The local attitude towards the environment is largely influenced by the viewpoint of the indigenous population, the Maori.
. They believe that all things have a 'mauri' - a life force.
. Damage to this life force, or human attempts to dominate it, result in the mauri losing its energy and vitality, which affects the lives of people as well as the resilience of ecosystems.
. Maintaining the mauri of the environment and ecosystem resilience are equally important for sustainable development.
Egalitarianism
. The country has no formal class structure.
. Wealth and social status are not important to Kiwis.
. They take pride in individual achievements and believe that opportunities are available to all.
. As a 'welfare state' unemployment benefits, housing and access to health is all available free of charge to those who can't afford it.
. Maori have a hierarchy especially apparent in formal situations.
. For example, the elder (male or female) is seated in a specific area and will be asked to open or close a meeting. Mostly they are men but not always.
Etiquette and Customs
Meeting and Greeting
. Greetings are casual, often consisting simply of a handshake and a smile.
. Never underestimate the value of the smile as it indicates pleasure at meeting the other person.
. Although New Zealanders move to first names quickly, it is best to address them by their honorific title and surname until they suggest moving to a more familiar level or they call you by your first name.
Maori meeting and greeting
. Maori stand on ceremony and have distinct protocols regarding how visitors should be welcomed and seen off.
. If the business dealings are with a tribal group (Iwi) the welcoming protocols may be practiced through the process of Powhiri – a formal welcome that takes place on a Marae.
. A Powhiri can take between 30 minutes to 2-3 hours depending on the importance of the event.
. It begins by calling the visitors onto the area infront of the traditional meeting house. Visitors should walk as a group and in silence expect if they have a responding caller to reply to the home peoples’ caller (usually an older woman).
. A Powhiri dictates where people sit, in what position in their group, and who speaks.
. In most cases, but not all, you will notice the men are seated forward and only males speak. There is a tension between the men and women on this matter and in a few places this has been resolved and you will see both genders stand to speak. In the interests of not causing friction in your business dealings, always follow the lead of the home people.
. The welcoming speeches are given by the agreed speakers of the home people and always end with the most revered speaker or elder.
. Speeches are given in the Maori language and each one accompanied by traditional song. You may not understand what is being said but you can rest assured it is likely to be from the best orators in the group and often very complimentary.
. The visitors are expected to have at least one speaker reply on their behalf.
. If possible, the speaker should prepare a learned opening in Maori – it is critical that he/she focus on the pronunciation. Mispronounced words often result in whispers and sniggers and is considered disrespectful. It is better to have a very short opening said well, than a long one said badly.
. The speaker’s reply should never be about the detailed purpose of the visit nor should it be to self-promote as this would be considered arrogant.
. The speaker should use the opportunity to briefly show respect to the place that they stand (ie. the location), to the houses (the traditional carved meeting house and dining room are named after ancestors and so are greeted accordingly), to greet the home people, and to explain where his/her group have come from (place is important to Maori). This should be followed by a song from the visitors’ country that the visitors’ group should sing together.
. The Powhiri can be daunting to visitors and can be fraught with traps that may offend. This is why most visitors seek the assistance of a Maori person to ‘guide’ them.
. Once the last elder of the home people has spoken, they will gesture the visitors to come forward in a line to shake hands, kiss (once) on the cheek or hongi (touch noses) with the home people.
. Following this the kitchen is ready to call people in to eat.
. Following the food, the meeting proper can begin.
. While this seems to be a set routine, I have been to many a Powhiri where variations of this occur. It pays to be vigilant and to follow the lead of others, or to discreetly ask questions if unsure.
Gift Giving Etiquette
. If invited to a Kiwi's house, bring a small gift such as flowers, chocolates, or a book about your home country to the hosts.
. Gifts should not be lavish.
. Gifts are opened when received.
Dining Etiquette
. New Zealanders are casual as is reflected in their table manners.
. The more formal the occasion, the more strict the protocol.
. Wait to be told where to sit.
. Meals are often served family-style.
. Keep your elbows off the table and your hands above the table when eating.
. Table manners are Continental -- hold the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating. They will not look askance, however, if you adopt American table manners.
. Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel on your plate with the handles facing to the right.
Maori Dining Etiquette
. Following a Powhiri, the visitors will be asked to the dining room (a separate building to the carved meeting house) to sit to eat at long tressle tables.
. They should not eat until the food has been ‘blessed’ or an acknowledgement said by an elder of the home people even if the food is getting cold.
. Visitors should try to enable the home people to sit amongst them to chat and get to know them while eating.
. Often, younger people will be serving and older people will be working in the kitchen.
. It is important to realise that in most cases they are working voluntarily and it is appropriate to formally and publicly thank them near the close of the meal before leaving the dining room to begin the meeting. As a result of this, the visitors may be light-heartedly asked to sing.
. To sing a song from your home country would show respect and thanks.
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