Graphic Description of Terrain

My wife, who's been doing 16 years of regular weekly aerobics workouts, plus undergone 3 months of local training was physically prepared. However, the first time is always memorable. Here's her description of the arduous terrain in her own words :

"It's highly advisable that you go up by the longer (by 1.5km) but definitely more scenic Mesilau Trail. And descend by the faster but boring Timpohon Trail. Local training is mandatory (stair-climbing, hiking the forest into the dark with headlamps), your quadriceps must not give up on you. I found my Leki alpine hiking poles very helpful for the hike up to Laban Rata."

"The steps are HUGE, all the way to Laban Rata. Layang-Layang, where the 2 trails meet, to Laban Rata is steep & tough, & you're doing this at the end of the first day. On the final summit morning, leave the poles at Laban Rata cos you'll be navigating staircases, pulling yourself up with ropes over stretches of granite rockface. Most dangerous is Panar Laban Rockface. Especially at night when you can't appreciate the slope. Do NOT let go of the rope at this point." (My wife pulled her right groin muscle at this stage since she's so petite)

"After Sayat-Sayat Hut, you face multiple Ridges before you can even see the summit. The air is thin & the going gets tougher. At this stage, it's mind-over-matter. If anyone can reach this far, he/she should be able to finish the climb physically but some people give up mentally at this point."