Top 10 Hikes & Hidden Trails in Sabah

The Borneo rainforest in Sabah is around 130 million years old, making it older than the Amazon rainforest. Within just 25 acres of Bornean forest, more than 750 distinct tree species can be found—far surpassing the 700 species across North America. This lush green paradise is home to towering dipterocarps, strangler figs, ferns, vines, orchids, orangutans, macaques, hornbills, reptiles, and countless insects.

For nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, hiking is one of the best ways to explore Sabah’s raw beauty. From climbing the majestic Mount Kinabalu to discovering hidden waterfalls at Aura Montoria, Sabah offers a variety of trails for every traveler. Here’s a complete guide to the Top 10 Hikes & Hidden Trails in Sabah you shouldn’t miss.

1. Mount Kinabalu

• Location: Kinabalu Park, Kundasang
• Height: 4,095 meters (highest peak in Malaysia)
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Best Time to Visit: March – September (dry season)
• Highlights: Panoramic views, unique flora (pitcher plants), granite peaks, and alpine meadows.

Mount Kinabalu is the most iconic hike in Sabah. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the climb takes trekkers through lush rainforests, alpine landscapes, and rocky summits. It’s one of the most conquerable high mountains in the world.

Book: 2D1N Mount Kinabalu Climb | 2D1N Via Ferrata Walk The Torq | 3D2N Mount Kinabalu & Poring Hot Spring

2. Bohey Dulang

• Location: Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Semporna
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Best Time to Visit: February – October (good weather and visibility)
• Highlights: Panoramic lagoon views, turquoise waters, coral reefs.

Bohey Dulang is a volcanic island famous for its stunning summit views. The hike rewards trekkers with a breathtaking panorama of the Celebes Sea and nearby islands like Pom Pom and Mataking.

Book: Semporna Island Hopping with Bohey Dulang Hike

3. Maliau Basin (Lost World of Sabah)

• Location: Tawau interior region
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
• Best Time to Visit: March – August
• Highlights: Pristine rainforest, rare wildlife, waterfalls, gibbons, and orangutans.

Known as the Lost World of Sabah, Maliau Basin is a remote wilderness with untouched jungles. Trekking here is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience raw nature at its finest.

Book: 4D3N Borneo Jungle Trek – Maliau Basin

4. Danum Valley

• Location: Lahad Datu
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Best Time to Visit: March – October
• Highlights: Ancient rainforest, rare wildlife, Borneo Big 5 (orangutan, proboscis monkey, hornbill, crocodile, pygmy elephant).

Danum Valley is one of Sabah’s most important conservation areas. Trekkers will encounter diverse ecosystems, crystal-clear rivers, and wildlife sightings that make this hike unforgettable.

Book: 3D2N Danum Valley: Borneo Rainforest Lodge

5. Aura Montoria

• Location: Kota Belud (1.5 hours from Kota Kinabalu)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Highlights: Tinuman Waterfall, caves, rainforest trails.

A hidden gem near Kota Kinabalu, Aura Montoria offers waterfalls, caves, and lush jungle trekking opportunities, perfect for adventurers looking for a less crowded trail.

Book: Aura Montoria’s Adventure

6. St. Veronica’s Hill

• Location: Tamparuli
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning for sunrise
• Highlights: Panoramic sunrise views, Mount Kinabalu backdrop, leisure hike.

This hill is perfect for those who enjoy sunrise hikes without too much difficulty. The views of Mount Kinabalu at dawn are magical.

Book: Top Of The World Sunrise Leisure Hike (St Veronica’s Hill)

7. Maragang Hill

• Location: Kundasang
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Best Time to Visit: Year-round
• Highlights: Close-up views of Mount Kinabalu, scenic valleys, manageable climb.

Maragang Hill is a rewarding hike in the foothills of Mount Kinabalu, offering stunning photography spots and panoramic views.

Book: Maragang Hill

8. Long Pasia

• Location: Sipitang interior region
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
• Best Time to Visit: March – October
• Highlights: Pristine rainforest, waterfalls, rivers, indigenous culture.

Long Pasia is a remote trekking destination offering cultural immersion with local communities and incredible jungle landscapes.

Book: 3D2N Long Pasia Sinipung Mount & Ferrian Waterfall

9. Ranau Tambiau Forest House Hiking

• Location: Crocker Range, Ranau
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Best Time to Visit: Sunrise & Sunset hikes
• Highlights: Highland views, photography opportunities, peaceful trail.

This trail offers breathtaking highland views, especially during sunrise and sunset, making it a top choice for photography lovers.

Book: Tambiau Forest House Hiking

10. Sosodikon Hill

• Location: Kundasang
• Difficulty: Easy
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning for sea of clouds
• Highlights: Rolling hills, panoramic view of Mount Kinabalu, Kundasang township.

Sosodikon Hill is a short, family-friendly hike offering magical views, especially when the sea of clouds covers the landscape.

Final Thoughts

Sabah is a hiker’s paradise, from the iconic climb of Mount Kinabalu to the hidden beauty of Sosodikon Hill. Whether you’re chasing sunrise views, trekking through untouched rainforests, or exploring remote villages, these trails provide unforgettable experiences. For adventure seekers, photographers, and nature lovers, the top 10 hikes and hidden trails in Sabah are unmissable.