Basement  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Lat, Long:  25.1048, 121.9228 Map Page Views:  249. Good page?    Administrators:  Nate Ball, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Nate Ball on May 22, 2011 Make this area a Favorite What's New   Print a Mini-Guide with routes Add Route  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event

Above the Basement

Description 

A section of tall, beautiful rock at the southern end of Long Dong, the Basement is home to a few moderate trad routes, though all the classics are 5.10 or higher. It also has possibly the highest concentration of sport routes. Most of them are 5.10+ or higher, and some of the lines even still await a first free ascent.

The rock here is notably different from the rest of the area -- it is less frictiony and porous than areas like School Gate, holds tend to be less juggy and obvious, and there are few slabs. As a result, grades tend to be a bit steeper for the sport climbs, however, there are plenty of easy crack systems and cruiser routes if you go trad.

Be aware! The rock quality diminishes greatly after the twelfth meter or so, going from wonderfully solid and secure to loose, crispy, and chossy stone. Do not keep packs or onlookers directly under active routes, and a helmet for the belayer is a good idea.

The wall faces east-southeast, and gets direct sunlight until the early-mid afternoon. Bring sunscreen if you plan on early climbing! The waves and currents tend to be much stronger here than in the rest of Long Dong, so be alert especially during winter swells and typhoon season. Swimming is highly discouraged, unless you wish to give the local Coast Guard something to do for a change.

Getting There 

From the southern temple entrance, walk down the steps opposite the bathrooms, and follow the trail down. Look for the stone staircase that takes you down to the table of rock called the Backdoor. It's just around the corner from here. You will have to do some precarious scrambling and down-climbing. Non-climbers and animal-lovers beware.

The Classics

Featured Route For Basement

Dragon with Matches 5.10b  International : Asia : ... : Basement

A great alternative to clipping all those bolts! Between Big Rock Falling and Harley Davidson, right in the middle of the Basement area, locate a sweet dihedral with a low roof. Start on the ledge that runs below all of the climbs here. Place a tiny cam (0 Metolius) behind the left-hand flake, then make a big pull to get up onto the face. Continue up til you're ducking below the roof. Good #2 here. Step left, then stem and jam up the crack. Mix up some crack and fa...[more]   Browse More Classics in International

Photos of Basement Slideshow

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Old Man Wall	The middle of the wall. One trad route goes all th...	A little reflection on rock quality...