Once the trek to the top of Borneo was a dangerous affair reserved for few brave ones. Today it's a bit more straight forward if you follow the normal route and take your time. Some people though choose the opposite during the annual Mt. Kinabalu race. They run all the way up and down, 21 km under 3 hours. Trekkers normally spend two days for the same journey. On day one you raise step by step through the humid tropical forest into the mist of the cloud forest where rhododendrons and carnivorous plants rule. This continues until you reach the overnight hut of Laban Rata (3273 m) where the forest withdraws and leaves the left of the mountain exposed. From here you enjoy the sunset while resting before the last push during the night. Last part over the half dome of the summit is done in pitch darkness only guided by you flashlight and a white rope that steers you clear of the abyss. Finally you reach the summit and if you planned correctly the agonizing cold will only be shortly before the golden rays light up Borneo beneath you.
