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EXPERIENCED Malim Gunung (mountain guide) Danson Bulangai, 44, says temperature variations on Mount Kinabalu, Borneo’s highest, have become predictable though seasonal depending on surrounding conditions. 

He noticed cooler temperatures are usually felt when a typhoon occurs around the island, the world’s third largest, particularly at altitudes of 1,500 metres and above. Mount Kinabalu, located within Kinabalu Park – Unesco World Heritage Site – 54.2km from Kota Kinabalu, stands at 4,096 metres (13,435 feet).  

Danson said although there have been no significant long-term temperature changes, there is speculation of an increase in the acidity of rainfall being due to climate change. 

Acid rain is rain or any other form of precipitation that is unusually acidic, meaning it has elevated levels of hydrogen ions (low pH). Most water, including drinking water, has a neutral pH that exists between 6.5 and 8.5, but acid rain has a pH level lower than this and ranges from 4–5 on average. 

The more acidic the rain, the lower its pH. Acid rain can have harmful effects on plants, aquatic animals and infrastructure. It is caused by emissions of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, which react with the water molecules in the atmosphere to produce acids.

He said other factors, such as suitability of clothing, also influences how temperatures are perceived by climbers.  

“Before 2000, access to appropriate clothing and hiking gear was not as easy as it is today, making both climbers and mountain guides more exposed to the cold.  

“Now, even though temperatures can still drop to as low as 3°C at the 11,000ft Panalaban sub-station during windy seasons, the use of more suitable clothing has made temperature changes less noticeable,” said Danson, a licensed guide since 2005.  

First as a porter in 1994 before becoming a guide in 1999—Danson climbs Mount Kinabalu an average of 10 times a month, making him a reliable witness to changes in the mountain’s ecosystem.  

A mountain guide’s responsibilities go beyond leading and ensuring the safety of climbers. They also act as the eyes and ears for the Kinabalu Park authorities, including helping to enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and relevant enactments to protect the flora, fauna and geological assets along the route to the top and back.  

They are also the first responders during emergencies, such as accidents that occur during climbs.