I had the chance to visit Borneo, the third-largest island in the world, during a trip in 2008 with some friends. I’d dreamed of exploring the deep tropical jungles and getting face to face with the jaw-dropping wildlife ever since reading a book about it as a child. Especially Mount Kinabalu.

Located at the geographic center of maritime South East Asia, Borneo is the largest island in Asia. It’s divided among three countries: In the north, Malaysia and the Kingdom of Brunei and in the south, Indonesia.

We travelled to the Malay part of Borneo, with a very curious few hours stop over in Brunei, where the Sultan’s department of culture and tourism took us on an impromptu visit of the capital rather than have us wait in the airport for our connecting flight. It was amazing – and completely unexpected!

Borneo is home to one of the oldest rainforests in the world. Sadly, it makes the press more these days for the chronic and relentless destruction of this rainforest for the development of palm oil plantations then it does for the wonderful beauty of this wild place. There is still much to see and the importance of tourism can not be underrated as it gives a meaningful alternative revenue stream to the palm oil plantations and can be a huge driver in promoting sustainability.

During our trip we climbed Mount Kinabalu (4,095 m), the highest peak in South East Asia. It’s not a climb for wimps but as long as you’re in good health and can handle a bit of altitude you’ll be fine.

We started our climb at Timpohon Gate and it took about 6 hours to get to the end of day rest station. Top Tip: Get walking sticks if you’re going, either take your own or buy them from the local vendors at the gates, they were a life saver!

It’s a hot and sweaty climb as the the trek passes by different vegetation zones from oak & chestnut trees to moss covered rocks and eventually only alpine vegetation.

Here I am feeling slightly worse for wear and only half way!

It’s steep and uneven terrain in some places and unless you’re in top shape you’ll have burning thighs .. but what’s that saying? No pain no gain right!

It’s an intense yet scenic and rewarding trek to the Laban Rata rock slab where the lodges that accommodate climbers are situated.

We arrived at the Pendant Hut (3,289 m) after lunch and rested for the evening before a very early night. You’ll have a briefing with your mountain guide in the afternoon before a tasty dinner. I remember sleeping like a log although it’s not a fancy sleep over. Accommodation is dormitory-style and unheated. But that’s okay as it was only a short night’s sleep and we slept in the clothes we were to wear the next day as the alarm goes off at 2.30am!

The next morning – 2.30am! – it’s time to set off and try and reach the summit. It was pitch black and our head torches couldn’t have been more treasured. Summit Low’s Peak is at 4,095 m and if you keep a good pace you can catch the sunrise.

The climb from Laban Rata to the summit took us around 3 hours and we got there in time for the sunrise.

It was epic! What a view! And what an achievement.

If you’d like to experience the best of Borneo check out this fantastic adventure tour which mixes biking, kayaking and hiking including Mt. Kinabalu!