by Mount Kinabalu is widely known as the highest mountain in Malaysia. Many also recognise Mount Trus Madi (or Trusmadi) as the second highest. Last year I was surprised to learn that there’s actually another peak taller than Trus Madi! Standing at 3,058 metres above sea level, Mount Sayap (formerly known as Mount Guwow) is 416 metres taller than Mount Trus Madi, which stands at 2,642 metres.
It’s like thinking you have five brothers, only to be told one day that your second eldest brother lives next door—but everyone somehow forgot about him, even though you see him almost daily. Mount Sayap, like Mount Kinabalu, is located within Kinabalu Park, but one lies in the north, and the other in the south. The distance between the two peaks is only about 7 km.
From the northern side (Kota Belud), Mount Sayap appears like a ‘tail’ of Mount Kinabalu. It’s always been there, yet never properly measured until recently. Though it’s not officially declared yet, Mount Sayap is now regarded as Malaysia’s unofficial second highest mountain. Sabah Parks, which manages Kinabalu Park, hasn’t made a formal announcement, possibly to avoid overwhelming interest before the area is ready for tourists and climbers.
About Mount Sayap
The mountain is named after Kampung Sayap, a nearby village. Previously, it was called Mount Guwow. The name “Sayap” has an interesting origin: during a visit by a British military officer, he stopped by a river near the village that was filled with dry leaves due to a drought. Curious, he asked a local what the word for dry leaves was in Dusun. The villager answered “sahap.” The officer misheard it as “sayap” (which means “wing” in Malay) and documented it in his notes—thus the name stuck.
How Tough is Mount Sayap?
Although it stands at 75% the height of Mount Kinabalu, Mount Sayap is no small feat. With its pyramid-like shape, this mountain may turn out to be one of the toughest climbs in Malaysia. Its steep, wild terrain is likely to challenge even seasoned hikers, with altitude sickness, leech-infested trails, and dense mossy forests among the expected obstacles. If climbing Mount Kinabalu feels like riding a tamed horse, Mount Sayap is like a raging wild bull.
Sabah Parks has begun expeditions to scout the area and set up camps and trails since 2021. Jack Arrey (2nd runner-up of Mr. Kaamatan 2024) has already climbed it, and based on his video (see below), the route is steep and demanding, undeniably harder than Kinabalu.
Climbing Mount Sayap (Not Open to Public Yet)
The mountain is expected to open to climbers in 2026, once the trails, campsites, and basic facilities are ready. According to Sabah Parks, the summit trail will start from Sayap Substation (north of Kinabalu Park, in Kota Belud) and will be about 10.2 km one-way. Climbers should plan for at least 3 days, though 4 days is more ideal for a relaxed pace. The route shares the same initial trail as the one to Mount Minodtuhan. After 1 km, the trail forks, one heading to Minodtuhan, the other to Sayap.
Estimated climbing costs (to be confirmed), based on the Mount Tambuyukon fee structure:
| Item | Malaysian Rate | Foreigner Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Guide Fee | RM175/day | |
| Climb Permit | RM150/day | RM300/day |
| Conservation Fee | RM10 | RM50 |
| Insurance | RM10/day | |
| Certificate (optional) | RM10 | |
- Note: Again, these are estimated costs, not the actual costs.
- Some fees are charged per day, so you’ll need to multiply by the number of climbing days (3 or 4).
- Each guide may accompany up to 3 climbers.
- RM refers to Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). USD 1 is approximately RM4.
- Bookings must be made through Sabah Parks once the climb officially opens.
Malaysia’s New Mountain Rankings
With Mount Sayap added to the list, all six of Malaysia’s highest peaks are located in Sabah:
- Mount Kinabalu – 4,095.2 m (13,435.7 ft)
- Mount Sayap – 3,058 m (10,032.8 ft)
- Mount Trus Madi – 2,642 m (8,669 ft)
- Mount Sinsing – 2,603 m (8,540 ft)
- Mount Tambuyukon – 2,579 m (8,462 ft)
- Mount Kaingaran – 2,468 m (8,097 ft)
For hiking enthusiasts aiming to conquer the G7 challenge (Gunung = Mountain), the list will need updating—Mount Sayap now belongs on that list!
Getting There
To reach Sayap Substation, drive about 3 hours from Kota Kinabalu City. The final 6 km stretch is mostly gravel and in poor condition, requiring a 4WD vehicle. However, the road is currently being paved and expected to be completed by 2026. Worry not—some local tour operators will offer transport, guide bookings, and other logistics once the mountain is officially opened for trekking.
Photos taken in Kota Belud, Sabah, Malaysia Borneo
