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Checklist of climbing hills and mountains of Sabah

10 Breathtaking Hills and Mountains of Sabah [Bonus: List of 140+ Hills and Mountains to Climb]

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Sabah is a state of hundred mountains, and the top five highest mountains of Malaysia are located in Sabah, i.e. (1st) Mount Kinabalu, (2nd) Mount Trus Madi, (3rd) Mount Sinsing, (4th) Mount Tambuyukon, (5th) Mount Kaingaran. Climbers and hikers will be spoiled with choices, as every hills and mountains here have different characteristics in terms of geology, landscape and biodiversity. For example, today you can climb a mountain with dense rainforest cover, then tomorrow challenge a limestone pinnacle with bald rockface. The following is a list of 10 most unique hills and mountains in Sabah for a diverse climbing experience. Please note gunung and bukit mean mountain and hill in Malay language respectively.

Location of (1) Mount Kinabalu, (2) Bukit Perahu, (3) Bukit Kokol, (4) Bukit Bongol, (5) Batu Punggul, (6) Mount Silam, (7) Mount Nombuyukong, (8) Bukit Lugas, (9) Bukit Tengkorak, and (10) Maragang Hill

1. Mount Kinabalu

Height: 4,095 Metres (13,435 ft)   Location: Kinabalu Park (GPS: 6.075260, 116.558813)

As the first UNESCO World Heritage Site and the highest mountain of Malaysia, Mount Kinabalu is the No.1 tourist destination of Sabah. Mount Kinabalu is 700 million years old, and a snow-capped mountain during ice age back in 30,000 years ago. Today climbers still can see the ancient traces and jagged peaks carved by glacier near the summit.

Mount Kinabalu is so prominent that you can see her in most parts of Sabah (even Sandakan in East Coast)

But what truly makes Mount Kinabalu special is its cloud forest which is high in plant endemism. On the way up, you would see bright-colored pitcher plant and rare orchid next to the trail. The majestic Mount Kinabalu is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Malaysia. The climb is about 8.7 Kilometres in distance and usually take 2 days 1 night. More Info…

Conquering Mount Kinabalu is in the bucket list of most Malaysians

2. Ruhiang Hill (Bukit Perahu)

Height: 300 Metres (984 ft)   Location: Tamparuli (GPS: 6.135493, 116.278955)

The locals say there are two ships stranded on the cone-shaped Ruhiang Hill. Actually they are two huge boulders that look like ships. The climb takes less than an hour.

For this view, you need to reach the top of Bukit Perahu before 8am. Mount Kinabalu would be covered in mist after 9pm

Early birds who reach the peak in early morning would be rewarded by the breathtaking view of Mount Kinabalu on a sea of cloud. I can’t help to imagine that I can get on a big ship to sail to Mount Kinabalu on the cloud. After the climb, the bonus is to eat Tamparuli Fried Noodle in Tamparuli town. More Info…

You would find many locals climbing Ruhiang Hill (Bukit Perahu) during weekends. See the ship-like boulder?

3. Bukit Kokol (Kokol Hill)

Height: 800 Metres (2,625 ft)   Location: Menggatal (GPS: 6.007611, 116.207367)

Two cool things draw many visitors to unwind on Kokol Hill. It is the nearest spot to escape the heat of Kota Kinabalu city, and its magnificent sunset view. You can just drive up there without climbing at all. If life is tough, have a cup of hot coffee in cooling breeze of Kokol Hill and enjoy the scenic view of Kota Kinabalu city and islands far away. To really free your mind, try paragliding on Kokol Hill. More Info…

The nice view, cooling temperature and paragliding are the highlight of Kokol Hill (Bukit Hill)

4. Bukit Bongol

Height: 500 Metres (1,730 ft)   Location: Kota Belud (GPS: 6.310287, 116.408424)

Want a fun hike with a group of friends? I heard a lot of praises about Bukit Bongol. The slopes are mostly gentle and the trail is less challenging. The whole hill is carpeted by grass, which is green in wet months and yellowish during drought, a spectacular scenery you all won’t forget. Climb to the high point before 9am and you would be lucky to see Mount Kinabalu, a perfect backdrop for your Instagram shots. More Info…

Bukit Bongol in Kota Belud is the most grassy hill of Sabah

5. Batu Punggul

Height: 244 Metres (800 ft)   Location: Nabawan (GPS: 4.607299, 116.587644)

Located in interior, where Murut headhunters roamed in the past, Batu Punggul is the most mysterious hill of Sabah. Legend says this limestone pinnacle is a longhouse being turned into rock by angry God because the villagers made fun of the animals. At the foothill there is a cave where you can find the “fossilized furniture” such as jar and table. Climbing this vertical 800-feet limestone pinnacle will peak your adrenaline rush, and nobody will question your bravery if you can conquer Batu Punggul. More Info…

Batu Punggul is a 800-feet limestone pinnacle in Sabah interior. Photo (left) by Sticky Rice Travel

6. Mount Silam

Height: 884 Metres (2,900 ft)   Location: Lahad Datu (GPS: 4.956901, 118.165534)

You don’t need to get on a plane to have a bird-eye view of this beautiful land. Just visit the tower of heaven on Mount Silam, where you can see the picturesque scenery of Darvel Bay. The air up there is refreshing and the peak is covered in fog sometimes. Beside the tower is a nature trail that leads you to an alien world filled with mossy forest, forest crabs, rare orchid, pitcher plant, etc. More Info…

The view of Darvel Bay, mossy forest and Tower of Heaven on Mount Silam

7. Mount Nombuyukong

Height: 1,603.57 Metres (5,261 ft)   Location: Kota Marudu (GPS: 6.275650, 116.687114)

Mount Nombuyukong is another mountain in north of Kinabalu Park. Its pointy peak kind of triggering my insect-like instinct that motivates me to crawl to its tip. The climb is quite challenging but takes only half a day. This is a forested mountain for nature lovers who appreciate the fauna and flora in tropical rainforest of Borneo. You won’t be disappointed when you see so many interesting fungus, flowers, trees, and birds along the way. More Info…

Mount Nombuyukong is one of the mountains in Kinabalu Park (Serinsim Substation, Kota Marudu)

8. Bukit Lugas

Height: 600 Metres (1,965 feet) above sea level   Location: Tambunan (GPS: 5.506507, 116.277218)

This is a great example to inspire a person that he doesn’t need to be tall to be attractive, if he has awesome characteristics. Bukit Lugas is just a small hill, but it has an impressive ridge that looks like dragon spine. Though the narrow path is a nightmare for people with acrophobia, they still want to try it. Anyway, it is safer than it seems. This hidden dragon is exposed when its pictures went viral a few years ago. More Info…

Ridge walk on Bukit Lugas

9. Bukit Tengkorak (Skull Hill)

Height: 183 Metres (597 ft)   Location: Semporna (GPS: 4.438507, 118.619756)

Bukit Tengkorak is part of an ancient volcanic rim (about 2 KM in diameter) and the largest pottery making site in Southeast Asia during the Neolithic period (about 3,000 years ago). It is estimated that more than 6 million prehistoric potsherds found on this hill, and you would see hundred of pottery potsherds on the way up.

Beautiful grassland on Bukit Tengkorak (Skull Hill)

On top of this hill, you can have a panoramic view of Semporna town and islands. You can go further behind to explore the grassy knolls dotted with black volcanic rocks, to bag some amazing profile photos. More Info…

Black volcanic rocks on Bukit Tengkorak (Skull Hill)

10. Maragang Hill

Height: 2,232 Metres (7,323 ft)   Location: Mesilau (GPS: 6.039138, 116.585750)

The distance between the peaks of Mount Kinabalu and Maragang Hill is only 5 Kilometres! This makes Maragang Hill the best viewpoint for the highest mountain of Malaysia. The viewing platform on the peak allows you to capture Mount Kinabalu, lush montane forest and blue sky in one frame.

Looking at Mount Kinabalu from Maragang Hill

The 4-Kilometre climb is fairly easy and takes only an hour. A camping site is available nearby for those who want to stay back for stargazing. More Info…

View of Mount Kinabalu from cockpit. Photos courtesy of Allan Koay

List of Hills and Mountains in Sabah

The list doesn’t end here. The following is a list of over 140 hills / mountains grouped by city and towns. Please note that not all of them are tourist-ready. Some destinations would require you to hire a guide or apply an entry permit. I try to link them to some useful websites (informative articles are so hard to come by nowadays). Please note the height is measured from sea level (above sea level or asl).

Beaufort

  1. Bukit Balibata

Keningau and Sook

  1. Gunung Alab (2,050 Metres / 6,726 ft)
  2. Bukit Donguan: Facebook
  3. Bukit Janda
  4. Bukit Kosimbut (534 Metres / 1752 ft): Facebook, video
  5. Bukit Kulanga: Facebook, video
  6. Bukit Naundarangan: video
  7. Bukit Malik
  8. Bukit Matanoi: Facebook
  9. Bukit Selomitha: Facebook
  10. Bukit Sigup
  11. Bukit Soborong
  12. Bukit Trig Apin-Apin (574 Metres / 1,883 ft)
  13. Chanang Hill
  14. Bukit Durian: Facebook
  15. Nulu Gundi: Facebook
  16. Bukit Bandukan
  17. Bukit Baverly Kikiran
  18. Bukit Gonipis
  19. Bukit Kara
  20. Bukit Kawah
  21. Bukit Masin
  22. Bukit Silui Mandanan
  23. Bukit Sumbiling Kikiran
  24. Puncak Dimie (Mile 16 Jalan Kimanis – Keningau)
Peak of Mount Nopungguk (1,430 Metres / 4,692 ft) in Kota Belud

Kota Belud

  1. Mount Nopungguk (1,430 Metres / 4,692 ft)
  2. Bukit Bongol (527 Metres / 1,730 ft)
  3. Mount Nungkok (1,652 Metres / 5,420 ft): article 1, article 2, video
  4. Puncak Donggiranuk (736 Metres / 2414 ft): Facebook
  5. Bukit Bendera: video 1, video 2
  6. Bukit Budu Sundu (599 Metres / 1,965 ft)
  7. Bukit Garas (690 Metres / 2,264 ft)
  8. Bukit Pakis (184 Metres / 604 ft): video
  9. Bukit Tinjau (video)
  10. Bukit Tunggul (video)
  11. Bukit Singkug
  12. Gunung Minodtuhan (2,360 Metres / 7,743 ft): video
  13. Bukit Pinontungan (1,119.6 Metres / 3,673 ft)
  14. Bukit Bogung via purak ogis (866 Metres / 2841 ft)
  15. Bukit Karak: video
  16. Bukit Kowatuan (986 Metres / 3,235 ft): Facebook
  17. Bukit Kolumpisau (1,033 Metres / 3,389 ft)
  18. Nulu Koimayaan: Facebook
  19. Gunung Sadok
  20. Bukit Bagong via narinang
  21. Bukit Kujau
  22. Bukit Mogilin
  23. Bukit Trinity Kg Pandat
Bukit Botak / Bukit Gundul in Sepanggar is named after its bald top

Kota Kinabalu (KK)

  1. Bukit Kokol / Kokol Hill
  2. Bonduk Hill (Bukit Gundul / Bukit Botak)
  3. Bukit Padang, famous jogging park of KK people
  4. Bukit Helang (at Kg. Kebagu, Sepanggar): Facebook, video
  5. Bukit Janggut (300 Metres / 984 ft): video 1, video 2
  6. Bukit Kopungit
  7. Bukit Tuah (660 Metres / 2,165 ft)
  8. Kolonutan Hill (575 Metres / 1,886 ft): Facebook
  9. Signal Hill
  10. Sinundu Hill: video 1, video 2
  11. UMS Peak (190 Metres / 623 ft): video
  12. Bukit Bubuk
  13. Bukit Lumpugou

Kota Marudu

  1. Gunung Nombuyukong (1,603.57 Metres / 5,261 ft)
  2. Gunung Minitinduk (1,059 Metres / 3,474 ft): video
  3. Bukit Cinta
  4. Bukit Pancaran /TV
  5. Bukit Doa
  6. Bukit Lotong
  7. Bukit Mundan: Facebook, video
  8. Bukit Tagaroh
  9. Rumun Kondiu Hill (715 Metres / 2,347 ft): Facebook, video
  10. Sagang Hill: Facebook, video
  11. Mt. Cochrane (580 Metres / 1,903 ft): video
You can see Philippines from the top of Senambung Hill, Banggi Island

Kudat

  1. Gumantung Hill (405 Metres / 1,329 ft), Matunggong: Facebook, Video
  2. Senambung / Sinambung Hill (529 Metres / 1,736 ft), Banggi Island: Video

Kunak

  1. Bukit Madai, edible bird nest mountain
  2. Bukit Tongkat Ali
  3. Bukit Pidung
  4. Bukit Tisop (Madai Cave): video
Pyramid Hills of Kundasang

Kundasang and Ranau

  1. Mount Kinabalu (4,095 Metres / 13,435 ft), the highest mountain of Malaysia
  2. Mount Tambuyukon (2,579 Metres / 8,461 ft), the 4th highest mountain of Malaysia (tough!)
  3. Mount Mantapok (1,481 Metres / 4,959 ft): Facebook, video
  4. Maragang Hill (2,232 Metres / 7,323 ft): Facebook, Video
  5. Bukit Lugas Kg Waang Ranau (1,215 Metres / 3,986 ft): Facebook
  6. Sosodikon Hill / Bukit Pyramid (1,465 Metres / 4,806 ft): Facebook, video
  7. Bukit Dompurungon
  8. Bukit Hampuan Forest Reserve
  9. Bukit Kamunsu, Sabah Tea Garden
  10. Bukit Kimondou, Kg. Kibbas (899 Metres / 2,950 ft): video, Facebook
  11. Tinorindak Hill (2,330 Metres / 7,644 ft)
  12. Bukit Babi (Swine or Pig Hill)
Mountain range of Mount Tambuyukon, the third highest mountain of Malaysia. You can tell it is hard to climb.

Lahad Datu

  1. Mount Silam
  2. Bukit Piton: Facebook
  3. Bukit Belacon: video 1, video 2
  4. Bukit Klasik (Classic Hill): video
  5. Taruakan Hill, Pulau Sakar: Facebook, video
  6. Mount Danum (1,093 Metres / 3,586 ft)

Long Pasia

  1. Bukit Botoii: video

Membakut

  1. Bukit Samudera
There are many unnamed hills in Sabah, like those in Balambangan Island

Papar / Kinarut

  1. Bukit Bendera
  2. Bukit Boya, Outward Bound School
  3. Kinandukan Hill / Bukit Kinandukan Kelanahan (135 Metres / 443 ft): Facebook, video
  4. Bukit Kuburan
  5. Bukit Lumagas

Pitas

  1. Morovidu Hill: video
  2. Piniapat Hill (141 Metres / 463 ft): Facebook, Video
  3. Mondou Hill (Bukit Mondou) (<80 Metres)
  4. Bukit Tudturan
Batu Tulug Hill in Kinabatangan. Its caves are ancient burial site with 125 wooden coffins of 200 to 250 years old

Sandakan / Kinabatangan

  1. Batu Tulug, the coffin hill (ancient burial site)
  2. Berhala Island (Peak 1: Menara Api, Peak 2: Bohey Dulang)
  3. Bukit Leila
  4. Bukit Mawar
  5. Bukit Sim Sim
  6. Bukit Sundang
  7. Bukit Trig
  8. Bukit Seguntor or IOI Peak (305 Metres / 1,001 ft): video 1, video 2
  9. Mount Walker
  10. Bukit Melanta
  11. Bukit Nenas
  12. Bukit Sapa Taring

Sapulut

  1. Batu Punggul (244 Metres / 800 ft)

Semporna

  1. Bukit Tengkorak / Skull Hill (183 Metres / 597 ft)
  2. Bohey Dulang, beautiful sea view of Semporna Islands Park
  3. Bukit Kemiri
  4. Bukit Parapat: video
  5. Bukit Pokas
  6. Mount Conner (368 Metres / 1,207 ft): video
Bohey Dulang Island of Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Semporna. The sea view on top of these hills is super awesome

Sipitang

  1. Mount Lumaku (1,900 Metres / 6,234 ft)
  2. Mount Rimau / Senipung Hill (2,025 Metres / 6,644 ft), Long Pasia
  3. Gunung Muruk Miau
  4. Bukit Tampalagas: video
Hanging garden of Mount Trus Madi. Can you spot the climbers?

Tambunan

  1. Mount Trus Madi (2,642 Metres / 8,668 ft), the second highest mountain of Malaysia
  2. Gunung Wakid (1,372 Metres / 4,501 ft)
  3. Gunung Sinsing (2,586 Metres / 8,484 ft) and Gunung Kaingaran (2,468 Metres / 8,097 ft): article 1, article 2, video
  4. Bukit Dandab / Dandab Hill (Tambunan Viewing Point or Sinurambi)
  5. Bukit Lugas
  6. Bukit Dampasak (950 Metres / 3,117 ft)
  7. Bukit Kolindasan (1,130 Metres / 3,707 ft)
  8. Bukit Kalas (Kg Tontolob)
  9. Bukit Kimbolung
Gunung Wakid in Tambunan

Tamparuli

  1. Ruhiang Hill / Bukit Perahu (300 Metres / 984 ft)
  2. Bukit Kusai
  3. Bukit Mayang
  4. Mara Kara Hill (641 Metres / 2,103 ft): Facebook, Videos (part 1, part 2)
  5. Malba Trig Hill
  6. Nomburungui Hill
  7. Bukit Talantang (332 Metres / 1,089 ft)
  8. Bukit Sinagang
  9. Bukit Kulintangan

Tawau

  1. Bombalai Hill (530 Metres / 1,089 ft), ancient volcano rim
  2. Mount Lucia (1,240 Metres / 4,068 ft) & Mount Magdalena (1,312 Metres / 4,304 ft): video (part 1, 2, 3, 4)
  3. Mount Wullersdorf, Balung: Facebook, video
  4. Mount Lutong (1,675 Metres / 5,436 ft): highest point of Maliau Basin
  5. Bukit Pancang (Bukit Tinagat) (398 Metres / 1,306 ft): video
  6. Bukit Gemok (428 Metres / 1,404 ft)
  7. Bukit 38
  8. Bukit Akar: video
  9. Bukit Cinta (276 Metres / 906 ft): video
  10. Bukit Hero: video
  11. Bukit Kayawan: video
  12. Bukit King Kong (Batu Payung): video 1, video 2
  13. Bukit Lim Man Kui: video
  14. Bukit Lipan
  15. Bukit Middle
  16. Bukit Sungai Udin
  17. Bukit Tiger (407.9 Metres / 1,338 ft)
  18. Bukit Tukok, Kalabakan
  19. Lion Hill
  20. Gunung Maria
  21. Mount Mostyn (495 Metres / 1,624 ft)
  22. Bukit Batu Hitam
  23. Bukit Lika / Bukit Botak
  24. Bukit Sumundu
Bukit Tirig in Telipok. Behind is the mangrove forest

Telipok

  1. Bukit Nulu Kebayau
  2. Bukit Tirig, Kg. Lapasan
  3. Bukit Binaong
  4. Bukit Kayu Madang
  5. Bukit Malawa
  6. Bukit Payung

Tenom

  1. Bukit Layang-Layang
  2. Bukit Rukud (281 Metres / 922 ft): video

Telupid

  1. Mount Meliau (1,336 Metres / 4,383 ft): video
  2. Bukit Doji
  3. Bukit Microwave

Tongod

  1. Bukit RISM (Gunung Tinkar) (584.2 Metres / 1,917 ft), Centre of Sabah
Bukit RISM in the Centre of Sabah. This monument is built by Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (RISM)

Tuaran & Kiulu

  1. Bukit Nuluh Lapai
  2. Bukit Kapur
  3. Bukit Ketam, Tenghilan Tuaran: video 1, video 2
  4. Bukit Merlin / Morokolingn
  5. Bukit Merah, Karambunai
  6. Bukit Purak Mato, Kiulu (720 Metres / 2,362 ft)
  7. Bukit Tompinangan / Gray Hill
  8. Bukit Tungkalingan
  9. Dapako Hill, Kiulu (598 Metres / 1,961 ft): Facebook, video
  10. Kokobuan Trig Hill (950 Metres / 3117 ft): Facebook, video
  11. Sangod Hill: Facebook
  12. The Peak of Hope

It would take you almost 3 years to conquer all of them, even if you climb a new one every week, and there are probably hundred more new mountains to be added to this list in future. For every mountain that we conquer, it’s like making a new friend and you will always want to go back again. Stay safe and happy climbing!

Photos taken in Sabah, Malaysia Borneo

Ruhiang Hill (Bukit Perahu) and Ship Rocks

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Does Noah’s ark really exist? I don’t know, but I was told that near Tamparuli town, there are rocks that resemble a vessel stranded on a hill named Bukit Perahu (also known as Ruhiang Hill). I guess that’s how Bukit Perahu got its name, as Perahu means Boat and Bukit means Hill in Malay language.

Bukit Perahu (or Ruhiang Hill) is next to Tamparuli town (left)

Many also say the top of Bukit Perahu has one of the most spectacular views of Mt. Kinabalu (the highest mountain of Malaysia).

Majestic Mount Kinabalu and Bukit Perahu (lower left)

One day I finally managed to get up early in the morning, headed to Tamparuli, which was 30 KM away from Kota Kinabalu City, then climbed up to the peak of Bukit Perahu.

The beautiful sea of cloud will disperse after the sun comes up, so you better reach the peak as early as possible.
Hikers relax and enjoy the morning view on Bukit Perahu

What they said was true. The scenery is so exceptional that I climbed it again the following week with my drone to photograph some aerial shots.

The friends of this family want to climb Bukit Perahu after they see this awesome shot

During good weather in early morning, you would see Mt. Kinabalu like floating on sea of cloud. Someone come very early to catch the sunrise around 6am for the best view. If you go late, say after 8:30am, the sea of cloud would disperse and envelope Mt. Kinabalu.

This family photo tells you that the climb is not overly challenging.

Bukit Perahu is only 300 Metres high. The hiking distance to the top is about 800 Metres and normally takes about 35 minutes, depend on your fitness. Some sections of the trail is a little steep. Overall the climb isn’t challenging.

The total distance to the peak is about 800 Meters

The Climb

The starting point of the climb is near to the roadside in Tamparuli (later I tell you how to get there). It’s a public area and you aren’t required to pay any entrance fee. The trail is well-marked and there are many hikers around in the morning, so you won’t lose your way.

Bukit Perahu is also one of the best paragliding sites.

Looking from far away, Bukit Perahu is a cone shaped hill with gentle slope, but the route is a bit steeper than we think. The 800-Metre trail is fully paved by cement from the start to the end (peak), so no more slippery soil trail after rain.

The trail to the peak of Bukit Perahu is now fully (100%!) paved by cement now. The photo at the left was taken in year 2017.

Note: The photos that show nature trail here are the old photos, the peak can be reached by stairway now. Do expect some human traffic during weekends, as everyone uses the same trail for ascend and descend.

Roman Catholic uses the route to the peak as the Way of the Cross (or Stations of the Cross). You will see 14 crosses along the way, with photo and description about the suffering of Jesus Christ carrying a cross to his crucifixion.

The local Catholics make this trail the Station of the Cross (or Way of Sorrows). Along the trail you will see a total of 14 cross signage with picture and text depicting Jesus Christ on the day of his crucifixion.

Most of the time you walk under the shade.

Most of the time the dense trees shaded me from sunlight, and the cool morning breeze stopped me from overheat, so it’s quite a pleasant walk.

Very green surrounding around the peak

The stairway prevents climbers and hikers from walking on the slippery trail and boulders. However, someone say that the new cemented path is losing a bit of touch with nature.

The stairway makes the climb less challenging but a bit more tiring.

After moving higher up, I could see Tamparuli town and surrounding hills with lush forest, the more I ascended, the nicer the view.

Gazebo in the midway

I took a short break in a gazebo next to cross No. 10. I was halfway there.

Last 200 Meters to the peak
When you see the 14th cross and the big cross, you are only 200 Meters away from the peak

After the last cross, I reached an open area with soil trail pounded solid by thousands of footsteps of hikers.

Almost reaching the hilltop
The view on top of Bukit Perahu

On the hilltop were some relaxing hikers enjoyed the panoramic view of Tamparuli town, rolling green hills and Mt. Kinabalu.

Hikers enjoying the scenic view
The hawkers sell stuffs from early morning to 9 or 10am on the peak

Hungry? Thirsty? A few hawkers were selling drink, snacks and fruit (the prices are higher, consider the labour work to carry these things up to the hill, e.g. a tin of 100Plus sold for RM3.00).

You can buy some drink, snack, chips and fruit on the hill
You can have a bird eye view of Tamparuli from the top of the hill
The only shade you can find on hilltop.

The Boat Rocks

I tried to locate the two boat rocks that earn Bukit Perahu the name. Please note the trails to the rocks may not be well-maintained and covered by dense grass.

Looking for the boat rock

The smaller one is nearer and the entrance is at the left hand side (when you face Mt. Kinabalu).

On the way to the smaller boat rock

It’s quite an easy walk on a small trail and I saw the boat rock within 10 minutes. It really looks like the front of ship (bow).

This rock looks like a sinking ship

The bigger one is another story. The entrance is at the right. When I asked the locals for direction, they looked concern, as if it’s a bad idea. They warned me that the trail is not in good condition.

Azlan clearing the bush that blocks the trail

I just proceeded anyway and walked into the wood, just after 15 Metres a dense bush was in my way, I was stuck. Luckily, Azlan, a local from Tamparuli, came to “rescue” by using his machete to clear the trail.

On the way to the biggest boat rock

I followed Azlan to pass through the dense wood and narrow steep trail. Azlan climbs this hill regularly so he knows the place really well. In fact, he is the one who opens the trail to the big boat rock. He said he had cleared the trail in Jan but the undergrowth flourished again.

Azlan is the one who opens the trail to the huge boat rock.

After 23 minutes of painfully slow move on steep and slippery trail, Azlan stopped at a big rock and said “It’s here.” I didn’t see any boat rock. He added, “You are on top of the boat rock. You need to descend to the side to have a better look.”

Big boat rock

He is right. At one side, the boat rock looks like the hull of a cargo ship. I don’t really recommend you visit this rock due to safety. If you must go, bring insect repellant.

This boat rock is really huge. Did you see the “snake head rock”?

Then we descend to another side. From this angle, the rock really looks like a ship that has 3 layers of decks. Two ladies, Zoom and Farah were following us, I included them in the photos so you can see the scale.

Closer look of the boat rock

Azlan is a civil servant working in Tuaran. Though he is 52 years old, he remains very fit and climb Bukit Perahu up and down 5 times to train for climbathon (mountain race).

How to get there

When you reach Tamparuli town, which is about 30 minutes by car from Kota Kinabalu City, turn to Jalan Tamparuli Togop Road (see Street View map) beside the police station.

The starting point of the hike is next to the road. Note the signage that reads Puncak St. Veronica

Just follow the road for about 300 Metres, the starting point will be at at your left (see Street View map, GPS Coordinate: 6.131424, 116.273830). If you come in the morning during weekends, you would see many cars parked at the roadside.

At the starting point, there is a sign that reads “Laluan Jalan Salip ke Puncak St. Veronica” (translated as: Way of the Cross to St. Veronica Peak). There is a house there so be quiet. There is no toilet at Bukit Perahu so you better relieve yourself somewhere else before the climb.

Photos taken in Tamparuli, Sabah, Malaysia Borneo

Mount Nungkok, the Child of Mount Kinabalu

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Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain of Malaysia and Borneo. One of its legend says a woman was turned into Mount Kinabalu by her grief because after many years of waiting, her Chinese husband never returned, thus another nickname for Mount Kinabalu is China widow mountain. The story doesn’t end there. After she becomes rock, another mountain born in her village. That’s Mount Nungkok (Gunung Nungkok in local language), which is also known as Anak Kinabalu, means the Child of Kinabalu.

The distance between Mount Nungkok and Mount Kinabalu is less than 9 Kilometres.

Standing at less than half the height of Mount Kinabalu which is less than 9 Kilometres away, Mount Nungkok does look like a baby sitting at the feet of majestic Mount Kinabalu. Looking from the angle of Kota Belud, the ancient gateway to climb Mount Kinabalu, these two mountains are positioned side by side like twin mountains. No wonder people think they are parent and kid. When Mount Kinabalu is hidden in the cloud, Nungkok is sometimes mistaken as Kinabalu by non-locals.

Mount Nungkok is also part of Kinabalu Park, the first UNESCO Natural Heritage of Malaysia.

However, Mount Nungkok is not as famous as its parent and still a mysterious mountain. Same as Mount Kinabalu, Mount Nungkok is also part of Kinabalu National Park and have its flora and fauna fully protected by conservation laws. Climbers would spot blooming rafflesia flower, exotic orchid and endemic pitcher plant on this mountain, as well as wildlife such as deer and binturong bearcat. In the past someone mined gold in this mountain. I was told by village folk that there is a bat cave in Mount Nungkok too.

Mount Nungkok is located on the western side Mount Kinabalu near Kota Belud, so it is not visible in Kundasang and Ranau town at the east side.

Viewpoints for Mount Nungkok

The most interesting feature of Mount Nungkok is – it differs in shape if viewed from different locations, as shown in the time-lapse video below (I used over 1,200 photos to create this 4K video so please watch):

You don’t need to travel more than two hours to have a spectacular view of Anak Kinabalu. You have better chance of seeing it before 8am during fair weather, both mountains covered in dense mist after 9am in most days.

Mount Kinabalu and Mount Nungkok lit up by the afternoon sunlight. The mountains would turn reddish during sunset.

1. Kota Belud

The view of Mount Nungkok is the most prominent in Kota Belud district, especially at Kampung Tambatuon village, where you can see both mountains up-close. There are dozens of homestay and camping ground around Kota Belud, in case you love mountain and countryside view so much.

Mount Nungkok (Gunung Nungkok) is also known as Anak Kinabalu (Child of Kinabalu). Note the couple taking selfie on the hanging bridge of Tambatuon Village.

In Tambatuon, Mount Nungkok looks like a pyramid mountain with pointy peak. I always imagine that I stand on that tip, it must be a great feeling up there.

View of Mount Nungkok at Tegudon Tourism Village (Kota Belud)

You also can have a clear view of Mount Nungkok at Tegudon Tourism Village and Kampung Kiau.

2. Kota Kinabalu-Tamparuli-Ranau Highway

This is the most convenient option and can be a fun stop for your road trip to Kinabalu Park, Nabalu or Kundasang. For only an hour of driving on a paved road that connects Kota Kinabalu (KK) to Ranau town, you can see Mount Kinabalu and Mount Nungkok from inside your car.

In clear day, you can see Mount Kinabalu and Mount Nungkok from the KK-Ranau highway.

The best viewpoint is along the road about 38 to 42 Kilometres before Ranau town. However, most of the time the view is obstructed by trees and knolls, you can park at one of three toilet stops listed below and use their platforms for an open view. They open from 6:30am to 5pm. The fee to use their toilet is RM0.50. Snacks and drink are available for sale.

The milestone used in Sabah road. For example, this milestone shows the remaining distance to Ranau town is 50 Kilometres. I’m using this to mark the locations and section of the KK-Ranau main road.

1. Quintin Enterprise

Location: 42 KM before Ranau (GPS: 6.088557883280411, 116.43687023602439, see Location Map)

View Point at Quintin Enterprise shop about 42 Kilometres before Ranau town

Besides toilet and a grocery store, this stop has a decorated and Instagramable platform (entry fee is RM1 per person) for a wide and nice open view of Mount Kinabalu and Nungkok. This platform is great for launching and landing my drone safely too.

View point platform of Quintin Enterprise. You can get yourself a cup of hot coffee and sit there to appreciate the view.
Tourists enjoy the twin mountains view on the platform

2. Peranggi View Point

Location: 40 KM before Ranau (GPS: 6.076247258484695, 116.44161145366436, see Location Map)

Toilet stop and grocery shop at Peranggi View Point (in Kampung Kaung Lapai) about 40 Kilometres before Ranau town

Peranggi View Point is a bigger area with many parking lots. They have small grocery store and canteen that sell snacks, buns and drink.

The viewpoint platform of Peranggi View Point

3. Gerai Anna

Location: 38 KM before Ranau (GPS: 6.054505309728095, 116.4479594934989, see Location Map)

Toilet stop of Gerai Anna and Kitchen De Aman about 38 Kilometres before Ranau town. You can enjoy the nice view of Mount Nungkok while dining at Kitchen De Aman.

This site has a restaurant where you can order simple dishes such as chicken rice and fried noodle. The picturesque mountain view at dining area is a bonus.

My favourite spot is near the Kota Belud to Ranau junction (GPS: 6.104156379447983, 116.42378880340594, see Location Map), where both mountains are aligned in center and seem really near to each other.

The KK-Ranau road section about 38 to 42 Kilometres before Ranau offers a good view of Mount Nungkok.

As the KK-Ranau main road is on the highland, you will have a bird’s-eye view of both mountains. From this side, Mount Nungkok is a forested mountain with blunt top. You can see the exposed granite near its top, a result of the landslides caused by earthquake in 2015.

Climbing Mount Nungkok

Mount Nungkok was used to be off-limit to the public as it’s a fully-protected park managed by Sabah Parks. Started in 2017, climbing is allowed for visitors with a permit and licensed guides from the Park. Only up to 15 climbers are allowed per day.

View of Mount Nungkok at Kampung Kiau Nuluh village

Even though Mount Nungkok is about 1,652 Metres (5,420 feet) tall and far lower than Mount Kinabalu (4,095 Metres / 13,435 feet), the climb is more challenging due to its steepness, even to experienced hikers.

Mount Kinabalu and Mount Nungkok, like parent and child. View from Kota Belud junction on KK-Ranau road.

Based on what I found on the Internet, there are three peaks on Mount Nungkok. The highest peak is not open to climbers. There are two climbing routes that started from two different locations in Kota Belud and lead to the other two peaks. You can book the climb with the homestay operators in the villages.

Route No.1: Tambatuon

This is the more popular choice and it can be a day trip. The starting point is in Kampung Tambatuon village about 6.2 KM away from Mount Nungkok. Climbers who are not in a rush would spend a night in the local homestay operated by Tambatuon Eco Tourism Community and start the climb in next morning.

View of Mount Kinabalu (left) and Mount Nungkok (right) at Kampung Tambatuon village of Kota Belud

First the climbers will be transferred by 4-wheel drive to the starting point about 3 KM away around 5am. The summit trail is about 3.43 KM one way, and you can reach the peak at 1,652 Metres (5,420 feet) after 4 to 8 hours, depends on your fitness. For more details, you may check out the blog here and there, and the video of the climb.

Route No.2: Lobong-Lobong

This route takes 2 days 1 night and the total climbing distance is 8.8 KM one way. In day 1, climbers start their climb from Kampung Lobong-Lobong village (or Tanak Nabalu) to reach base camp about 4.4 KM away. After camping there for a night, they continue to climb another 4.4 KM to reach the peak at 1,574 Metres (5,164 feet).

Location of Kampung Lobong-Lobong, one of the starting points to climb Mount Nungkok.

The Lobong-Lobong route takes longer time but it offers more nature experience. For more info, you can watch the walk-through videos (4-minute and 14-minute versions).

Hope I will climb Mount Nungkok one day and blog more about its natural treasures. For now, I just admire its beauty from a distance.

Photos taken in Kota Belud, Sabah, Malaysia Borneo