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 From the Fifth Shelter the path follows a gully with orchids and rhododendrons in abundance. The BOX-LEAVED RHODODENDRON (Rhododendron buxifolium) is in full bloom from February to April and its crimson flowers can be seen dotting the stunted vegetation round Panar Laban at this time. Another common species is the ROUGH-LEAVED RHODODENDRON (Rhododendron rugosum) with distinctive pinky-purple flowers.  |
 Large areas of granite rock soon begin to appear and at about 3,353m (11,000ft), the edge of the tree-line. Panar Laban is reached. Most people stay overnight here at the Laban Rata Resthouse where electricity, hot water, room heaters and a canteen are available, before climbing to the summit the next morning. The name Panar Laban is derived from a corruption of the Dusun word meaning 'Place of Sacrifice'. Here the first explorers stopped to sacrifice a white cockerel and seven eggs to appease the mountain spirits. Today, the sacrifice is still carried out once a year. There are also three other mountain huts in this area with mere basic fecilities |