The climb, day 2

The whole trails stars from Timpohon Gate where your journey and quest to the summit of Borneo’s highest mountain begins. This is also where the Mountain staff check your id and permit. They want to have full control of who’s going up and who is returning. Missing some people on the mountain is bad for business I guess.

From the very first step you will notice how steep it is. You will get tired very fast, so make sure you drink plenty of water as you proceed. There are several shelters along the way.

A very impressive sight is to see the mountain workers passing you along the way. It is said they carry around 40 kg, and make this path several times a day. My backpack had 12 kg and I felt that was heavy!?!

As the trail goes on, you get a better and better view locking down over the valley.

Already at this point you will experience shortness of breath as the oxygen level decreases. The table below shows the amount of oxygen at different heights.

It’s a fantastic feeling to realize you are above the clouds and still climbing up. This can already be experienced at around 2,500 m.

Ladan Rata, the place where you will take some rest, eat plenty of food and re-fill your water supply. The idea is also to get some sleep here but don’t expect too much of that.

 Way, way up at the far right of the above picture is the actual area where the summit is. Looks rather daring from here.

The wall of fame at Ladan Rata. The climbers which didn't have so much luck. The rescue team at the mountain does a great job saving people.

Night before the attempt to the summit. Better take some rest.