New Year's Climb at Khao Lom Muak

The year 2018 began with a challenging adventure: climbing Khao Lom Muak in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, Thailand. This was my first-ever climb, and I hoped that starting the year with such a difficult task would make the rest of the year seem easier. Whether or not that's true remains to be seen, but the climb itself was an unforgettable experience.

Khao Lom Muak is only open to climbers during long weekends, so I took advantage of the New Year's holiday to make the ascent. The climb itself was strenuous, but the stunning views from the summit made it all worthwhile.

We drove from Bangkok with friends. This trip, we were determined to climb the mountain, so we went at a leisurely pace, no rush. We left Bangkok at 1 pm. Tonight, we agreed to stay at Klong Wa. Our accommodation is called Kalpanga Resort, a great place to stay for under a thousand baht!!! Yes, you read that right, under a thousand baht! It's incredibly cheap, clean, and the rooms are spacious. Plus, in the morning, they serve coffee, fried dough sticks, and custard. We found this place by chance on the @Traveloka website. I highly recommend it!

I have arrived at the resort, 'Gapanha Resort'.

The Check-in entrance features stylish egg-shaped chairs for photo opportunities.

The following is a translation of the provided text from Thai to English:

Reception area, sitting area, sleeping area, whatever you want to call it.

Notes:

• The original text uses informal language and emojis, which are not typically used in academic writing. The translation uses more formal language and avoids emojis.
• The original text is ambiguous, as it is not clear what the writer is referring to. The translation clarifies the meaning by adding context.
• The original text does not provide any evidence to support the claims made. The translation does not include any claims that require evidence.
• The original text is not written in a formal academic style. The translation uses a more formal academic style.
• The original text does not use the active voice. The translation uses the active voice.
• The original text does not pose any critical questions. The translation does not pose any critical questions.
• The original text does not incorporate any meaningful examples or analogies. The translation does not incorporate any meaningful examples or analogies.

I believe that this translation meets the requirements of the task.

Coffee, deep-fried dough sticks (pathongko), and custard (sangkhaya) are available in the morning.

The entrance to the room is simply decorated, but it's nice.

This is a room on the lower floor. It will be a single bed.

The stairs leading to the second floor will take us to our room.

The second floor features a spacious and comfortable room with a double bed.

The bathroom is spacious and well-equipped, featuring a shower.

The room rate includes a package tour to Ao Manao. When we went, we received a discount from the accommodation booking website, so the room was less than 500 baht. I must say it was really good.

After a good night's sleep and a full physical warm-up (or so we thought?), we left our accommodation at 5:30 am and headed towards Khao Lom Muak, Wing 5. The airbase opens at 6:00 am, so upon arrival, we immediately registered. The military officers then gave a briefing on climbing the mountain, its history, and various rules and recommendations. The actual climb was scheduled to begin at 6:30 am.

Climbing Khao Lom Muak requires gloves, as it is a limestone mountain with sharp rocks. Gloves provide much-needed protection and prevent slipping while climbing the ropes. However, if you don't have any, they are available for purchase at the registration point for only 20 baht per pair. With that settled, it was time to begin our climb! Let's go!

Before the climb, a statue of a spectacled langur welcomes visitors. The initial section of the trail consists of stairs. It is advisable to avoid rushing and to pace oneself, as the initial climb can be strenuous.

Walk, walk, walk, and walk. Huff, huff, huff.

Once the stairs ended, they began walking on the tightrope.

Climbing higher and higher, squeaking and chirping. Oh, it's a person! Not a monkey. Haha.

Please be aware that photography is strictly prohibited near the airport. Please respect the rules and refrain from taking pictures.

Soldiers will be stationed at challenging ascent and descent points to assist with climbing.

Looking at the road above, it's still so far away. 5555

Hooray! We finally reached the 8th service point, which means we have arrived at the peak of Lom Muak Mountain!

We arrived among the first 100 people of the day and received a white wristband from a soldier, who then escorted us to receive certificates below. Hooray!

The top will not have a wide courtyard. It will be a limestone mountain with a rocky peak, just like in the picture.

This image is truly refreshing. The morning air is incredibly pleasant.

We are the conquerors of 'He Lom Mo Wak'. As for standing, it will be a bit stiff and tingling. 555

Please pay respect to the Buddha statue above.

Here is the translation of the provided text:

A spectacled langur came to greet us, constantly asking for food. However, she wasn't aggressive, just friendly.

Slowly descend the rope backwards. Soldiers will be there to assist you.

The final stage is here. Let's walk down the stairs in a relaxed manner. Hehe.

We stopped for lunch by the beach and took a picture of him wearing a hat.

We have successfully obtained our certificates! Hooray!

Stay tuned for our next trip! This trip, we'll say goodbye for now.

The 2018 Khao Lom Muak Conquest Calendar is now available! Get ready to conquer the mountain with us!