Best 7 Hiking Trails in Sabah Any Hiking Junkie Would Enjoy

Are you from Sabah? Cuz I tak Sabah want to see you!

While the pickup line is on another level of cringe, Sabah is, to say the least, one of the best places in the world to visit — especially if you're a hiking enthusiast.

There's ancient caves, beautiful beaches, breathtaking islands and a lot of really good looking people. It truly encapsulates the brilliance of the third largest island in the world that is Borneo.

With plenty of hills and mountains to conquer and some of the best views in all of Malaysia, let's have a peek at 7 of the best hiking destinations in Sabah — some of which have views that look like they came straight out of a painting.

But before we get started, here's a few things you should have before visiting any of these places:

• Hiking backpack
• Sun protection
• A good pair of hiking shoes
• Headlamp / torch



• First aid kit
• Personal toiletries
• Snacks for the trail

For a full checklist of what to bring, check out our detailed hiking gear checklist before you head off. Also worth reading: our Hiking Gear Guide if you want to know what gear actually makes a difference on the trail.

Enough whining. Let's go!

1. Mt. Kinabalu (of course)

C'mon. Of course we're gonna talk about Mt. Kinabalu.

Highest mountain in Malaysia, UNESCO World Heritage Site, super hard to conquer — you've heard it all. At an insane altitude of 4,095 metres above sea level and trails stretching up to 22 kilometres long, only the toughest can earn the ultimate bragging right of reaching the peak of Mt. Kinabalu.

Fair note: climbers HAVE to be accompanied by guides due to national park regulations. Regardless, you'll score a view unlike any other — one that captures the true beauty of being above the clouds.

We have a complete guide to climbing Mt. Kinabalu right here, so do check it out if you're planning on going.

Here's a quick TLDR:

2. Mt. Trusmadi

A teacher of mine way back in high school once described Mt. Trusmadi as "Gunung Terus Mati" because of how it sounds and how tough it was. While it's 1,453 metres shy of beating Mt. Kinabalu's height record, that doesn't mean it's any easier.

Nope. Many say Mt. Trusmadi is tougher than Mt. Kinabalu despite being 2,642 metres tall. Guess s̶i̶z̶e̶ height doesn't always matter, huh?

With 3 trails that lead to the peak, here's what you need to know:

Once you're at the peak, look towards the North and you might be blessed with a beautiful view of Mt. Kinabalu if the weather is good. Truly a rewarding climb!

One thing worth investing in for a multi-day climb like this: a solid pair of trekking poles. The TAHAN Freestand Hiking TriStick (RM169) is great for steep descents — it free-stands too, which is handy when you need both hands free at camp.

3. Gunung Alab, Tambunan

Ah, yes — another tough one. This time it's a 12km hike that takes about 9 hours total of walking through the middle of Tambunan. That's literally my sleeping schedule.

Of course no one is insane enough to walk 9 hours straight, let alone hike. Actual time to complete at a sensible pace? About 2 days 1 night. So be sure to pack your overnight gear — a tent, sleeping bag, stove and some cookware.

If you're doing the overnight, the TAHAN HexLink Sleeping Bag (RM99) is a solid pick — lightweight, compact and warm enough for highland nights. Pair it with the TAHAN Panthera Inflatable Sleeping Pad (RM159) and you'll sleep a lot better than you expect on a mountain.

The best part about Gunung Alab is you'll be walking right through a forest and past the Mahua Waterfall for a dip. It's truly a lung-cleansing experience with lush greenery and birds all around you. Of course, it's not gonna be easy getting there.

Unless you know exactly what you're doing and where you're going, locals recommend joining a guided tour package via Amazing Borneo or Klook. Keep in mind it can cost up to RM500 depending on the package.

4. Sosodikon Hill, Kundasang

Picture this — a vast field of green grass with curving valleys, a stretch of mountains far ahead with clouds and mists covering half of them. You're probably thinking Switzerland. Think again.

Sosodikon Hill is pretty much a budget Switzerland. The picturesque view here is as Swiss as it gets — and those mountains in the background? That's Mt. Kinabalu. What a view.

With just a 20–30 minute trek, Sosodikon Hill is a great spot for first-time hikers to get a feel of hiking before taking on tougher trails. The entrance fee is only RM3 for adults, and completely free for kids. Bang for buck if I've ever seen one.

5. Bukit Kopungit, Kota Kinabalu

With a sick view of both the mountains and the sea, Bukit Kopungit is considered an iconic trail amongst locals — and for good reason.

Why? Because bunker tunnels were dug there by the Japanese during World War 2, and you can actually see them on your way up to the peak. Pretty wild.

This 2km trail can be a little tough for beginners, but most experienced hikers should find it manageable. The real highlight isn't even the trail itself though — it's the view.

The city, the ocean and the mountains beyond — all just 10 minutes from Kota Kinabalu International Airport.

6. Bukit Perahu / St. Veronica's Hill, Tamparuli

Named after an inverted boat-shaped rock at the peak, Bukit Perahu (Boat Hill) offers a splendid bird's eye view despite its relatively low altitude compared to the hills nearby. And yes — you guessed it — there's yet another gorgeous view of Mt. Kinabalu from the top.

Due to church activities in the area, Bukit Perahu is also known as St. Veronica's Hill. Those with keen eyes would enjoy spotting all 14 crosses planted by St. Philip Roman Catholic Church of Tamparuli on the way up.

Bukit Perahu is a great spot to add to your collection of beautiful nature shots — in exchange for probably a bucket's worth of sweat.

7. Bukit Lugas, Tambunan

Imagine a camel's hump in the form of a hill. That's Bukit Lugas. Although many describe it as the back of a twin-humped dragon, I just find camels adorable and want to express my love for camels to the world. Moving on.

Bukit Lugas went viral on social media back in the day for one reason — its unique and extremely narrow trail that might genuinely terrify anyone with a fear of heights.

It overlooks a plantation, making for a great insta-worthy spot for you photographers out there.

Despite being a one-way 1.7km trail, it's still a pretty easy hike — about 10% climbing and 90% walking. A return trip takes about 4 hours, so plan accordingly. If your knees tend to complain on the way down (even easy trails add up), the TAHAN Kinetix Knee Guard with Spring Support (RM79) is worth throwing in your bag.

Summing Up

And that's about it. With a mix of super tough trails, beginner-friendly hikes and everything in between, Sabah is probably the best state in Malaysia to visit for nature lovers chasing a proper outdoor experience.

I bet you tak Sabah wanna visit Sabah now, eh?

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