Climbing Mount Trusmadi: Borneo’s Best-Kept Secret
By Rajiz
If you’re reading this, you’re probably looking for something more than the usual tourist trail. That was me a few years ago—eager for a real jungle trek, far from crowds. That’s how I found myself on the steep, muddy slopes of Mount Trusmadi, Sabah’s second-highest mountain, and possibly its most underrated.
Why Trusmadi?
While Mount Kinabalu is iconic and easier to access, Trusmadi (2,642m) offers something different: solitude, challenge, and raw nature. There are no cable cars, no crowds, no fancy lodges—just thick rainforest, muddy and wilder trail, and an experience that feels more like true jungle trekking. The views from the summit, especially during sunrise, are nothing short of spectacular— summit sunrise you’ll never forget. You will see Mount Kinabalu in a distance, often shrouded in clouds, with a vast green carpet of jungle rolling beneath you.
Trail Highlights:
Rare Nepenthes pitcher plants clinging to mossy trees
Wild bird calls echoing through the forest
Wooden ladders and ropes for the final summit push
What to Pack?
Sturdy waterproof hiking boots
Warm layers (nights can drop to 10°C or lower)
Rain jacket and poncho
Headlamp (summit push is in the dark)
Lightweight sleeping bag
Snacks and energy bars
Trekking poles (very helpful on slippery terrain)
Final Thoughts
Trusmadi isn’t just a climb—it’s a test of grit, patience, and love for nature. I came down muddy, tired, but completely fulfilled. Unlike Kinabalu, this mountain feels earned. The quiet summit, the surreal view of Kinabalu in the distance, and the untouched rainforest—it all makes Trusmadi a true adventurer’s mountain.
lostborneo travel blog 