The Salt Trail is a route traditionally followed by villagers when taking their produce to the tamu (markets) on the west coast, and returning with salt and other goods. It is still the only access route to the remote villagers in the Park, especially in upper Papar river and Tambunan area.

Major Routes

The are 4 major routes which crosses Crocker Range Park. There are : Inobong-Terian-Buayan-Kionop-Tikolod trail, Tagudon-Kalangaan-Kionop-Tikolod trail, Mile 32 -Timpango Sugud trail Kuyongan-Longkogungan-Mile32 trail

But, tourist can now only walk the Inobong-Terian-Buayan-Kionop-Tikolod trail with guides, and stay each night in village homestays.

The total distance of the Inobong-Terian-Buayan-Kionop-Tikolod Trail is 34 km, and hikers are recomended to spend 3 days and 3 nights for the journey. The starting point is in Inobong sub-station which is about an hour drive from Kota Kinabalu via Donggongon road.It is located on the western tip of Crocker Range Park with an altitude of 1400 ft asl. First visitors have to climb up from the station to Mt. Kebambangan (2385 ft asl). The climbing is a bit hard work, but after arriving on the mountain ridge, most part of the trail to Kg. Terian is generally gentle slope. The highest peak is about 2630 ft located on the southern part Mt. Kebambangan which is still surrounded with thick forest. There is a suspension bridge which crosses the Terian river before arriving at Kg. Terian. The distance from the Inobong Sub-station to Kg. Terian is about 10 km with an estimated walking time of about 7 hours.

There is no bridge crossing the Papar river from Kg. Buayan to Kg. Kionop, therefore visitors have to cross the river. The best crossing site is the Lower junction of the Papar and the Kionop river from the north to the south side. Crossing the river is a real challenge when the water level is high after rain. The distance from Kg. Buayan to Kg. Kionop is about 5 km and estimated walking time of 3 hours.

The trail follows the Ponobukon river from the Kionop community centre to the tip of the ridge trail. Visitors have to cross the river several times. At the 22.5 km point from the Inobong station, the trail goes up to the main ridge which separates the west coast side and the interior plain area. Most part of the trail in Kionop is gentle but a part of the trail in Tikolod side is steep.The trail meets the Bolotikon river and follows until Kg. Tikolod passing by park boundary. Visitors will pass three shelters before ariving the Bolotikon river. The distance from Kg. Kionop to Kg. Tikolod (Bolotikon) is 13.5 km and estimated walking time of 7 hours.

Maliau Basin Conservation Area is ideal for adventure jungle trekking & wilderness experience, bird watching, photography and night walks, night drives to spot nocturnal wildlife along the access roads, swimming and recreation.

The famous seven-tier Maliau Waterfalls could be reached within a day. Equally memorizing are waterfalls such as Giluk Falls, Rafflesia Falls and Alin Falls.

Maliau Basin is for hard-core trekker, the jungle trekking guides are specially trained. Known as the Lost-World of Sabah , this unique geological feature is still a wonder as it uncovers its treasures to the world. Maliau Basin trek brings you through varying terrain which requires some level of physical fitness, but nonetheless one with the best experience. The highlight of this trip would be when you arrive at the heart of Maliau Basin, at the 7-tier waterfall before heading back to conclude the trekking tour.

Cradled by a high limestone escarpment, the virginal Maliau Basin in the central southern region of Sabah is preserved for Conservation and research. Maliau Conservation area (MBCA) is a remote, pristine wilderness. Formerly part of Yayasan Sabah Concession Area and covering 39,000 hectares, the area was upgraded to a Class I Protection Forest Reserve in 1997 and extended to 58,840 hectares, encompassing additional forested areas to the north and east of the Basin. Man has never inhabited this remote and almost inaccessible region. Researchers have only recently investigated the isolated and mysterious Maliau Basin also known as Sabah's Lost World.

Two major expeditions in 1988 and 1996 have discovered a diverse and distinct flora, including six species of pitcher plant and 37 species of Orchid, several of which are new records for Sabah. Main forest types comprise lower montane forest dominated by majestic Agathis trees rare montane heath forest and lowland and hill dipterocarp forest. Significant wildlife species recorded include the rare and endangered Sumatran Rhino and Proboscis Monkey, along with over 182 bird species and a new crab species to science. More then 16 waterfalls have so far been discovered including the spectacular seven tiered Maliau Falls. Just outside the northern rim of the Basin lies the fabled Lake Linumunsut, Sabah's only true lake. Bound by a formidable escarpment reaching over 1,600m high, Maliau Basin has never been permanently inhabited, and over 80% of the areas remain to be explored.

Trekking tours to Danum Valley, Sabah will enable the holidayers to explore the complex ecosystems of Sabah. Danum Valley in Sabah boasts of “virgin rainforest “areas of the world. The Danum Valley region is full of small hills, but does not include any big mountains. Trekking tours to Danum Valley will allow the holidayers to explore the natural vegetation of the place which includes a number of rare and exotic plants and animals. Some of the animals include Orang Utan, clouded leopards and Asian elephants when you are out for trekking tours to Danum Valley, Sabah. The mountaineers can scale the heights of Mount Danum which is 1090 meters tall.

Trekking tours to Danum Valley, Sabah include a visit to the cascading waterfalls which are generally found in Danum Valley Conservation area. There are number of pools in the waterfalls and is a treat for the nature lovers. Among the numerous things to do in Sabah the holidayers will be pleased with the trekking tours to Danum Valley, Sabah as they will come across a number of rare plants. The flora at higher levels is different from the plain lands and one can find nepenthenes and rare species of orchids, and climbing bamboos. While you trek through the Danum Valley, Sabah you will be blessed with the most spectacular view of the surroundings.

Gunung Danum is considered to be the highest elevation point of the Danum Valley Conservation Area. The trekkers generally prefer a casual hike which may take 2 to 3 days. However all the experienced trekkers will take less than 5 hours to scale the heights of the Gunung Danum and they can reach the top effortlessly. In 2000 an event was organized known as the Eco-Challenge and the experienced climbers took the effort to scale the heights within 5 hours.

Some of the other areas which are part of trekking tours to Danum Valley, Sabah include the Rafflesia Hill and the visitors are advised to take the help of the guide for reaching the top. The other activity which is enjoyed immensely by the nature lovers is hiking through the trails and you will see some of the fine specimens of plants on your way. The trees are labeled and booklets are provided to the visitors so that visitors can get acquainted with various plants and trees.

It is situated 235KM away from Main city, driving will be use of two and a half hour of good road and 4-5hrs of bad road conditions. The village call “ Longpasia”, the villages is near the border Kalimantan and sabah. At the village you don’t have any phone signall also they don’t have elect ricity supply from government, The villages only use solar panel for source of electric and if not enough some of them even buy a generator.

For those traveler in or from outside Malaysia, who love to do trekking, stay with local community, culture, jungle and some wildlife then Longpasia is one of the best place to go, the village itself is above 900 meter above sea level, and imaging in the forest area the highest peak is 1500 meters above sea level, night time the temperature can go down as low 20’c village and forest can go down to 15’c (remember it is combination of wind and moisture). Now there’s 4 trekking main point. Maga Fall, Bukit Rimau and each of the place is require walking at least 5-6 hours and covers return 15KM for each destination. Suggestion day to do all the place is at least 7 Days 6 Nights, basically first day and last day is travelling day, 2nd-6th day is tour day.

The price range is from 1750-2000 ringgit Malaysia per person and it is require 2 person per booking. The price is include normal transportation from kota kinabalu – sipitang, four wheel drive from Sipitang town – Longpasia Village, all entrance fee, one tour guide(tour guide is citified guide, however they are from village and bear in mind their English is only 60% and still on learning process), 2 porter, hammock tent, sleeping bag and full board meals (basic meals provided~ depend on what the porter cook.

The Trekking in Kinabalu National Park Tour from Kota Kinabalu is available in two options – coach and private. The private option offers you greater flexibility and you can spend as much or as little time at any of the places that you visit. Unlike coach tours, which have tight schedules, the private option allows you to do the tour at your own pace.

At the start of the tour, you will be picked up from your hotel in Kota Kinabalu and will drive through the Crocker Range seeing stunning views of the jungle-covered hills on the way.

Then head on to Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located at the base of Mount Kinabalu. Standing at 4095.2 meters (13,435.7ft) above sea level, Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in South East Asia. Its foothills and surroundings have an incredible diversity of flora and fauna and make up one of the most important biological sites in the world.

Botanical stars of the park include Rafflesia, the world's biggest flower – its huge red blossoms can reach more than 170 cm in diameter but it blooms only rarely. Another Kinabalu specialty is the giant pitcher plant Nepenthes raja, which can hold up to 3.5 liters of water and has even been known to catch frogs and small mammals. The forest trees are garlanded with colorful orchids which make it a delight to walk the trails.

More than 300 bird species have been recorded in Kinabalu including the mountain bush warbler, Kinabalu friendly warbler, pale-faced bulbul and mountain black eye. Small mammals which inhabit the jungle include mountain squirrels, tree shrews and bats.

At the Park, you will enjoy a guided nature walk along one of the graded trails. You will also visit the Exhibit Center and Mountain Garden, where you will see a stunning collection of orchids, pitcher plants and other fascinating flora, some of which are found only at Kinabalu Park.

Kota Marudu is a tiny district of Kudat Division, Malaysia with approximately 19.17 square kilometres of land and a population in 2000 of more than 58,841 people, made up mainly by Dusun Kimaragang, Tobilung & etc., Momogun Rungus, Bajau, Bugis, Orang Brunei, Orang Sungai, Orang Suluk, Chinese Hakka and Hokkien.

Located in the northern region of Sabah, bordered by the districts of Kudat, Kota Belud, Pitas and Beluran. It takes roughly 2 hours journey drive from the city of Kota Kinabalu over a distance of 130 km. You can also make an excursion to Kudat from Kota Marudu, which takes about 1½ hours by road. Kota Belud is merely an hour away.

Kota Marudu was formerly known as 'Bandau', which derives from the Kadazandusun world 'Mondou'. According to the local folklore, mondou is believed to be a buffalo-like creature feared by the local residents. The district was eventually re-named 'Kota Marudu', after a famous fort built by the famous local warrior Shariff Osman on Marudu Bay to protect the area from British colonization.

Among the places of interest in Kota Marudu include the famous Sorinsim Waterfall, located 40 km from the main town and Taman Sagabon, an agriculture research station at the Buyut lake. You can find South East Asia's biggest solar power station in Kota Marudu.

One may enjoy the district's celebration of the annual Maize Festival in honour of the agricultural product's contribution to the socio-economic development of Kota Marudu. The line-up activities includes a variety of exhibitions, competitions, traditional sports and the crowning of Maize Fashion Queen!

Explore the untouched forest of Tawau's Bukit Gemok.  10 km from Tawau town,  Bukit Gemok (Gemok Hill) is a popular spot for avid trekkers and Hash runners who love the challenge of varied terrain.

The hike begins with an easy trail of concrete stairs which eventually ‘disappear' and make way for natural ground. The uphill walk is fairly challenging, particularly for beginners. Watch out for rocks, bulging tree roots and the like. Some parts get steeper and more demanding, but the beautiful natural surroundings make it all worthwhile.

Along the way there is so much to marvel at, such as the giant trees that seem to stretch endlessly to the sky and the elusive creatures that scurry about. There are seven huts along the way for walkers to rest and relax. After hiking for about an hour (depending on your fitness level), you will arrive at the Titian Selara canopy walkway.

At 231 metres long, it is deemed one of the longest canopy walkways in Sabah. Your ‘struggle' to the top will be worthwhile once you get a glimpse of the breathtaking view of Tawau from this high up. The stunning scenery spans the town centre, the picturesque coastline and its surrounding areas. The trek down Bukit Gemok should take a shorter time, but be warned that the trail becomes muddy and slippery during the rainy season, so exercise extra caution.

The forest reserve was developed in the early 1990s and is now equipped with basic facilities such as washrooms and rest huts along the trail. Any land vehicle can be used to get to Bukit Gemok. Just be sure to dress comfortably, drink plenty of fluids and get ready to soak in the majesty of the lush greenery along the trails of Bukit Gemok.

Poring Hot Springs is a must for every visitor who goes to Kinabalu Park. It is about half an hour's drive from Kinabalu Park. You will pass by the town of Kundasang and Ranau on your way here. The local Kadazan people call bamboo "Poring".

This hot spring was first developed by the Japanese during World War Two. One is able to see and use the many open air and indoor Japanese style baths facilities. The hot water is channeled from the source where the temperature is hot enough to boil eggs. The temperature of the water can be regulated by mixing it with the cold water which is channeled from the nearby river.

Poring Hot Springs is actually an excellent place for jungle trekking. The well marked jungle paths lead through lush lowland forests to streams and waterfalls, amidst the merry chirping of birds and a colourful profusion of wild flowers.

There are also some trails for more serious trekking, such as the Langanan Waterfall trail. It takes the visitors deep into the untouched jungle, passing by bat caves and ending at the 100 meter high Langanan Waterfall. If you take this trail, which leads often steep uphill make sure to wear proper outdoor gear and let the park rangers know.
Along the trails you might see some of the shy inhabitants of the jungle, such as squirrels and snakes. Observe the forest floor, where you will find a myriad of curious looking beetles, ants and others, such as leeches!

Bird watching is particularly interesting in the early morning hours, or late in the afternoon. Follow the Langanan Waterfall Trail and install yourself on some ridge after the bat caves. You are already far enough from any 'normal visitor', yet still conveniently close to the park's facilities. 

The verdant 1, 551 hectare Kawang Forest Reserve is situated in Kawang; somewhere along the Kota Kinabalu – Papar road, about 23 kilometers from KK city and 30 kilometers from Papar town.

This forest reserve was gazetted on March 16, 1957 in an effort to preserve and sustain the biodiversity of the Primary Forest Reserve. In 1984, it was re-classified as a Second Class Domestic Forest Reserve. The main function of this forest reserve is to supply gravity water to the locals living within its proximity.

Adventurous nature lovers will truly appreciate a jungle trekking expedition in the Kawang Forest Centre. Thinking of roughing it for a night? The Kawang Forest Centre makes an excellent spot for camping and other recreational activities. Those who are neither afraid of the dark nor repelled by bad smell should also explore the bat cave for more thrills and spills.

The Kawang Forest Reserve is equipped with facilities such as an information centre, changing room, toilet, 10 units of camping site, and 3 units of chalet. It is open to visitors daily from 8am to 12 noon and 2pm to 4.30pm every day except Fridays, and 8am to 11.30am and 2pm to 4.30pm on Fridays.

A visit to the Kawang Forest Centre guarantees heaps of fun and provides quintessential nature education for the urban dwellers.