Highlights
- Explore an ecosystem with over 5,000 species of plants and 400 species of animals
- Travel by longboat to the underground streams of the Tinahas Caves
- Traverse the exhilarating limestone cliffs of Batu Punggul
- Sip rice wine from ceramic jars while listening to stories of Murut headhunters
- Spend nights in open-air hammocks, camps, and a traditional longhouse
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive at Kota Kinabalu | Hotel |
| Day 2 | Transfer to the Trusmadi Forest Reserve | Camp 1 |
| Day 3 | Begin the Trusmadi Trek | Camp 2 |
| Day 4 | Summit Trusmadi | Camp 2 |
| Day 5 | Orou Sapulot & the Tinahas Caves | Camp 1 |
| Day 6 | Transfer to Tataluan, Hike Batu Punggul & Swim | Hill-style Hut |
| Day 7 | Enjoy Murut Hospitality | Modern Longhouse |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Keningau, Return to Kota Kinabalu, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Kota Kinabalu
Welcome to Malaysia! Upon your arrival, a guide will greet you at the Kota Kinabalu airport. After transferring to your hotel in the city, spend the rest of the afternoon however you like. At around 7 pm, meet up again with your guide at your hotel, go out for dinner, and get introduced to everything you need to know for your trip.
Day 2: Transfer to the Trusmadi Forest Reserve
Head to the Crocker Range Park at noon, departing from Kota Kinabalu. By 4 pm, we will have arrived at the charming village of Sinua at the base of Mount Trusmadi. Take your time to settle into the camp, look around the surrounding farmlands at the border of the Trusmadi Forest Reserve, and relax. Then, eat dinner before camping out in a stretcher hammock for the night.
Day 3: Begin the Trusmadi Trek
Today the trek will begin, starting with a 4-5 hour trail along a river into a beautiful forest. After trekking 5 miles (8 km) and gaining 3,281 feet (1,000 m) in altitude, you will arrive at the second camp. Rest for a bit and enjoy some lunch before strolling around the campsite.
There will be plenty of fascinating reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and birds to see in the nearby area. Watch the view from an ideal vantage point as the sun sets over the Crocker Range. You will get another optional chance to go for a special night walk before heading to bed early to prepare for tomorrow.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Summit Trusmadi
Rise and shine early at around 2:30 am to start venturing up the slope of Trusmadi. Today's trail will get much steeper, with another 3,281 feet (1,000 m) of elevation gain in just 2.5 miles (4 km). Higher up in the trek, you will encounter slippery roads, where you will need ropes to cross. Then, enter the sandy heath forests as pitcher plants appear everywhere around you. If you look carefully, you will be able to recognize two distinct species, the Nepenthes Lowii and the Nepenthes Villosa, as well as other rarer types.
By the time the sun is rising, you will have reached the summit of Mt. Trusmadi! If the skies are clear, you will get an amazing view of adjacent Mount Kinabalu as well as all the surrounding Borneo Highlands. After soaking in the breathtaking view, slowly return to camp. Along the way, discover more unique plants and animals in the broad daylight. Arrive back at camp in time for lunch and rest for the remainder of the afternoon. If you still have energy, you can alternatively go for a short walk. Stay at the same camp again overnight.
Day 5: Orou Sapulot & the Tinahas Caves
Wake up and eat breakfast before returning on the trail to the first camp and arriving around lunchtime. Have a bite to eat before embarking on a two-hour drive to the Murut community of Orou Sapulot, a hidden gem for ecotourism. Upon arrival to the Labang village, take a short boat transfer to Pungiton Camp, settle in, and enjoy lunch.
Afterward, go on a leisurely walk before stumbling upon the entrance of the Tinahas Caves. Follow an underground stream into the caverns and marvel at the stalactite and stalagmite formations. Explore as much as you want, then return to camp for a refreshing dip in the river. End the day with dinner, gaze into the night sky, and fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle.
Day 6: Transfer to Tataluan, Hike Batu Punggul & Swim
Early in the morning, wake up for breakfast and ride in a 4WD vehicle to Tataluan village. Here, you will encounter Batu Punggul, an 800-foot (244-m) limestone pinnacle rising out of the jungle. Scramble and climb up to the top if you dare, which will take about 45 minutes to an hour, and you will not be disappointed. A magnificent view of the jungle canopy below will await you.
After your descent, enjoy a picnic lunch by the riverbank before continuing your journey by boat and 4WD to a pristine waterfall. Spend the afternoon exploring the waterfall area and swimming in the springs. At night, retreat to a cozy nearby hut.
Day 7: Enjoy Murut Hospitality
Spend the first half of the day relaxing at the waterfall before heading back to the village for check-in. Today, you will learn all about the traditions and customs of the native Murut people, known for their beadwork, gong music, and history of headhunting. In the evening, enjoy the spectacle of celebratory dances while feasting on local delicacies and wine. Finally, head to a renovated longhouse overlooking the surrounding forest for the night.
Day 8: Transfer to Keningau, Return to Kota Kinabalu, Depart
After breakfast, bid farewell to your gracious host and your transfer out to Keningau by 8 am, concluding your adventure in Sapulut country. At Keningau, you meet your driver for your journey back to Kota Kinabalu, returning around lunchtime, leaving plenty of time to cherish your last moments in Sabah before departing from the airport with lasting memories.
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