Gunung Murud: A Hiker's Guide (2026)

Gunung Murud is Sarawak's highest peak at 2,424 metres, sitting deep in the Kelabit Highlands near the Sarawak-Kalimantan border. This is not a casual weekend trip. Getting here takes planning, logistics, and a willingness to commit — which is exactly why those who do it come back talking about it for years. Virgin rainforest, rare pitcher plants, orchids you won't find anywhere else, and a summit view that stretches to Batu Lawi and Gunung Mulu on a clear day. This is Borneo at its most raw.

Gunung Murud suits experienced hikers who are comfortable with multi-day jungle trekking, steep muddy terrain, and the kind of remoteness where your phone signal is long gone. If you've done Gunung Nuang or Gunung Tahan and you're hungry for something more serious and far less crowded, Murud is calling. First summited in 1922 by Swedish naturalist Dr. Eric Mjöberg, it still feels like a place most of the world hasn't discovered. Outside the annual church pilgrimage season, you may have the entire mountain to yourself.

The standard route is a 3-day, 2-night trek (3D2N), roughly 19.23 km based on the most commonly tracked route, though distance and elevation gain vary significantly depending on your starting point — AllTrails data shows anywhere from 18.2 km to 30.4 km with elevation gain between 1,182 m and 2,019 m. Getting your logistics right before you even touch the trail is half the battle here.

Quick Facts

• Summit elevation: 2,424 m (highest mountain in Sarawak)
• Distance: 19.23 km standard 3D2N route; day-hike variants 16.4–30.4 km reported
• Elevation gain: 1,182–2,019 m depending on route variant
• Duration: 3 days standard; 2 days to summit possible; 4-day traverse option; day-hike variants 7.5–14 hours
• Difficulty: Hard (7/10) — steep sections, wooden notch ladders, muddy terrain throughout. Not for beginners.
• Permit: No official hiking permit currently required
• Guide: Yes, mandatory. Arrange well in advance.
• Trailhead: Lepo Bunga (Flower Camp), accessed via 4WD from Ba'kelalan village

Getting There & Parking

This is the part most people underestimate. Gunung Murud is located in the Kelabit Highlands, on the boundary between Miri and Limbang Division. There are two main approach villages — Ba'kelalan and Bario — both served by small MASwings flights from Miri or Kota Kinabalu. Ba'kelalan has flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays only, though one or two sources suggest this can vary, so confirm directly with the airline before you book anything else around it. Bario is the more commonly used jump-off point for trekkers coming from the south.

From Ba'kelalan, you'll need a 4WD vehicle to reach Lepo Bunga (Flower Camp), which sits at around 1,700 m elevation — meaning a good chunk of altitude is already handled for you before you even start walking. Your guide or tour operator will sort the 4WD; this isn't something you DIY. There is no parking information available for independent hikers because, frankly, independent access to this trailhead without local support isn't really how it works here. Plan through a tour operator or give yourself extra days in Ba'kelalan or Bario to arrange things on the ground.

Permits & Fees

Currently, no official hiking permit is required to climb Gunung Murud. Your local guide will register your plans with village representatives, which is the established local protocol. If you're a foreign visitor arriving at Ba'kelalan or Bario airstrips, you may be asked to sign a foreign visitors book — standard procedure, nothing complicated.

The area now falls within Pulong Tau National Park, but at time of writing there are no significant park facilities or fee structures in place. No specific guide fees or porter rates were available at time of writing — your tour operator or the local community in Ba'kelalan or Bario will advise on costs when you arrange your trip. Budget generously; these guides earn every ringgit.

Trail conditions and permit requirements change — always check with the local forestry office or park authority before you go. Checking a different gunung? Try our free permit checker — instant answer for 90+ Malaysian mountains.

The Trail: What to Expect

The standard 3D2N route follows a clear progression: Lepo Bunga up to Church Camp on Day 1, summit push on Day 2, descent on Day 3. The terrain is consistently challenging — muddy, rooty, steep in places. Your guide sets the pace. Don't fight it.

Stage 1: Lepo Bunga Trailhead

Lepo Bunga, or Flower Camp, is your starting point at around 1,700 m elevation. The name fits — the surrounding area is rich with endemic flora, including rare orchid species and pitcher plants that experienced botanists would lose their minds over. The trail enters virgin tropical rainforest almost immediately. The air is noticeably cool and clean at this altitude. Get your gear sorted here before you move. Once you're in the jungle, there's no going back to the car to grab something you forgot.

Stage 2: Jambatan Suka Cita (Joy Bridge)

Early on the trail, you'll cross the Jambatan Suka Cita — a steel walkway constructed on the jungle floor. It's a distinctive feature of this route, and a sign that the local community has put real effort into managing access to this mountain. Don't rush across it; the surrounding jungle floor here is beautiful and worth a moment. Past the bridge, the trail begins climbing in earnest.

Stage 3: Batu Linanit Viewpoint (2,240 m)

About 200 steps from the Joy Bridge walkway, Batu Linanit sits at roughly 2,240 m and offers one of the standout views of the entire trek. On a clear day, you can see Gunung Murud's summit, Batu Lawi's distinctive twin peaks, and even Gunung Mulu in the distance. This is why you bring a camera. Cloud cover is real up here though — timing is luck, so don't skip this stop just because it's misty. Give it a few minutes.

Stage 4: Church Camp (2,090 m) — Overnight Stop

Church Camp at 2,090 m is your overnight base — and it's more substantial than you'd expect for a remote mountain. The site has a massive complex of shelters built for the annual Christian pilgrimage that draws local communities up here each year. Outside pilgrimage season, it's quiet and atmospheric. Water is available at Church Camp — confirm exact water point details with your guide on arrival. Nights get cold at this elevation; have your warm layers accessible, not buried at the bottom of your pack.

Stage 5: Rock Garden Section

Between Church Camp and the summit, the Rock Garden is one of the most visually striking sections of the climb. Exposed sandstone formations, unique highland flora, and — on a good day — big open skies. The terrain here shifts character compared to the dense jungle below. Footing can be technical on wet rock, so poles are genuinely useful in this section.

Stage 6: Summit (2,424 m)

The summit of Gunung Murud is the highest point in Sarawak. On a clear day, the panoramic views across Borneo's highland wilderness are the reward for everything that came before. Panoramic views of the surrounding ranges — it's the kind of place that makes the muddy slog worth it. Take your time here. It's a long way to come for a 5-minute photo stop. Hikers report the air as consistently cool and refreshing at this elevation, which after the jungle climb feels like a proper gift.

Descent & Safety

The standard descent follows the same route: Summit → Rock Garden → Church Camp → Batu Linanit → Joy Bridge → Lepo Bunga. Coming down on muddy jungle trails is where most injuries happen. The wooden notch ladder sections demand full attention — wet wood is slippery, and a fall here is serious given the remoteness. Take your time on the descent even when your legs want to move fast.

Key hazards to take seriously:

• Altitude sickness: Ascend slowly. Murud is not extreme altitude but at 2,424 m with significant elevation gain, rushing the ascent is asking for trouble. Headache, nausea, dizziness — descend immediately if these hit hard.
• Muddy and slippery terrain: Throughout the trail, not just in rainy season. Proper trail footwear with grip is non-negotiable.
• Steep wooden notch ladders: These are functional, not comfortable. Three points of contact at all times.
• Indonesian border proximity: The eastern slopes of Gunung Murud technically extend into Indonesian territory. Stick to the established route your guide uses. This is not paranoia — it's standard protocol in border areas.
• Remoteness: No phone signal, no emergency services nearby. Self-rescue capability and a well-stocked first aid kit are essential, not optional.

If weather turns bad — heavy rain, thick fog reducing visibility — your guide will advise on whether to push or hold. Listen to them. There is no view, no summit, no story worth a serious accident this far from the nearest hospital. Turn back without drama if conditions call for it.

What to Bring

For a 3D2N multi-day jungle trek at altitude in Borneo, packing right is as important as training right. Here's what you actually need for Murud specifically:

• Backpack (50–65L): Enough capacity for multi-day gear plus shared food and camp supplies
• Trekking poles: Genuinely useful on the Rock Garden and wooden ladder sections. The TAHAN 3-Section Foldable Hiking Stick V2 packs small enough for the flight to Ba'kelalan and handles the terrain well — I rate this one for jungle trekking.
• Knee support: Multi-day descents on steep muddy trails are hard on knees. The TAHAN Kinetix Knee Guard With Spring Support is worth slipping on for the descent from Church Camp down.
• Waterproof trail shoes or boots with solid grip: No compromise here
• Rain gear: Full jacket and pack cover. Assume it will rain.
• Warm layers: Church Camp at 2,090 m gets cold at night. Fleece minimum, down jacket preferred.
• Sleeping bag rated for cool temperatures: Essential for Church Camp overnight
• Food for 3 days: Your guide will advise on quantities; pack more than you think you need. There are no warung up there.
• Water and purification: Water available at Church Camp and a waterfall — confirm exact points with your guide. Bring purification tablets as backup.
• Sunblock: Yes, even in the jungle — especially at the exposed Rock Garden and summit sections
• First aid kit: Blister treatment, altitude medication (consult your doctor), antiseptic, bandages
• Headlamp with spare batteries: For early summit starts and Church Camp nights
• Emergency whistle and basic navigation: Standard remote trail kit

For more on what to pack for Malaysian mountain trekking, check out our hiking gear guide — covers the essentials in detail.

FAQ

How hard is Gunung Murud?

Hard. It's rated 7/10 difficulty — steep ascents and descents, wooden notch ladders, muddy terrain throughout, and a multi-day commitment in a very remote location. It is not suitable for beginner hikers or anyone who hasn't done serious multi-day trekking before. That said, the starting elevation at Lepo Bunga (around 1,700 m) means total elevation gain is lower than you'd expect for a 2,424 m peak — some experienced hikers find the physical demand more manageable than mountains with longer elevation gains from sea level.

How long does it take to hike Gunung Murud?

The standard trek is 3 days, 2 nights (3D2N). A 2-day version to reach the summit is possible but demanding. There's also a 4-day traverse option for those who want to cover more ground. Day-hike variants are technically reported (7.5–14 hours) but these are outliers for very fit, experienced hikers who know the route — not the norm. Plan for 3 days.

Do I need a permit to hike Gunung Murud?

No official hiking permit is currently required. Your local guide handles registration with village representatives. Foreign visitors should expect to sign in at Ba'kelalan or Bario airstrips. Requirements can change — always verify with local authorities or your tour operator before your trip.

How do I arrange a guide for Gunung Murud?

This is the critical question. Local guides are essential and mandatory, but they are difficult to arrange in advance — the process typically requires travelling to Ba'kelalan or Bario village days or even a week ahead to sort things out on the ground. Unless you have existing local contacts, booking through a tour operator who already has established relationships in the Kelabit Highlands is the most reliable approach. Don't show up and expect to arrange a guide the same day.

Camp Nearby?

Making a weekend of it? Murud's remote location means most hikers build in extra days at the start or end of the trip anyway — whether waiting for flights at Ba'kelalan or recovering after the descent. If you're routing through Miri or the Sarawak coast before or after your Kelabit Highlands adventure, check out the 91 Beach Campsite Miri for a complete change of scenery — beach, sunset, the works. For something a bit more comfortable after a hard trek, EnChant Retreat & Glamping Telok Melano is worth a look. And if you want to stay in the jungle-homestay spirit that Sarawak does so well, Lepau Uten Long Urun is a great option that keeps you connected to Borneo's interior vibe.

Mike has been camping across Malaysia for over 10 years — from jungle treks in Taman Negara to beach camps in Perhentian. He writes about it so you don't have to find out the hard way. Follow along on TAHAN Outdoor's blog for honest campsite reviews, every week.

⛺ Featured in: The 7 Best Hikes in Sarawak (2026)