KOTA KINABALU, March 25 (Bernama) -- Four Japanese men have embarked on a mission to scale Mount Kinabalu's Low's Gully via the challenging Panataran trail in Kota Belud.

Naruse Yoichi, Sato Yusuke, Tanaka Satoru and Kobayashi began their expedition yesterday from Kampung Malangkap Tomis down Panataran River towards Low's Gully and Low's Peak (4092.5m).

Sabah Parks director Dr Jamili Nais in a statement today said barring any unforeseen circumstances, the climbers should arrive at Timpohon Gate, Kinabalu Park by March 29 or March 30.

He described the expedition as very interesting as no one had tried to scale Low's Gully via the Panataran trail since Mount Kinabalu's gazettment as a heritage park in 1964.

According to him, 10 soldiers from the British army attempted to conquer Low's Gully in 1994 but were unsuccessful.

In 1998, a joint Malaysia-British team involving 12 people led by Sabah Parks senior rangers Martin Moguring and John Sangkig successfully made it to Low's Gully, paving the way for further expeditions. 

He said the four Japanese would make history if they succeed in their Panataran-Low's Gully expedition, which would also open a new chapter for Mount Kinabalu.

Meanwhile, Jamili said Sabah Parks would be monitoring the expedition trail including from the air as a safety measure.   

-- BERNAMA