Bukit Batu Lawi

2,046 m (6,713 ft)

A lot of hiking goes into just getting to the base of these peaks. It takes about 4 days of trekking through the jungle to get to and from the base of the peaks, plus another couple days or more for the peak climb itself. In total, the trek takes roughly 6 days.

The trek to the base of the peaks is much like any other jungle trek in Malaysia, including thick vegetation, low shrubs, mossy forest at higher altitudes, and obstacle-course-like terrain as the hike progresses. Experienced mountaineers can do this part of the trek.

On the hike you’ll cross multiple bridges, and many streams before even reaching Shelter 3 at 1,780 m (5840 ft) of altitude. You’ll come across orchids, ferns, a waterfall, and the endemic pitcher plant.

There is a logging road near Shelter 4 at an altitude of 1,640 m (5381 ft). 

Just below the female peak, the vegetation includes oak-laurel forest and mossy elfin forest.

Aside from the endurance needed, the real challenge is the summit assault. For the female peak, the summit can be reached with some tricky scrambling and a climb up a rope ladder. The male peak, however, requires rock climbing. This is an expert-level endeavour.

At the summit of the female peak, you’ll find two memorials; a wooden one and a bronze one erected next to it.

The weather in this region is generally humid rainy and overcast. The temperature generally ranges between 23°C to 33°C (73°F to 91°F).

The coolest period of the year is between mid-December and mid-February, though high temperatures still reach 31°C during this time. The hottest period of the year is between mid-March and the end of June when the highs reach 33°C. 

The rainiest times of the year are between September and December and between mid-March and mid-June.

Between January and mid-March is a good time to visit for hiking as this period is drier, clearer and cooler than the rest of the year. Late June to the end of August is also a cooler, relatively drier period of the year, suitable for hiking.

The first part of the trek requires your usual jungle hiking equipment such as camping gear, clothing for wet and cold weather, gloves and potentially hiking poles if desired.

To get to the summit of the male peak you’ll need specialised rock climbing equipment.

There are 5 rest stop shelters. You can pitch your tent at the summit of the female peak but there isn’t much space. 

You can find drinking water at the 7-8 streams before Shelter 3 at 1,780 m (5840 ft) above sea level and a couple of streams just before Shelter 4 at 1,640 m (5381 ft). The streams before Shelter 3 are all close to one another, so make sure to set off with at least some water for the beginning part of the trek.

There is no food available on the trail.

Guides and porters are necessary. They can be hired from Bakelalan or Bario, the nearby towns.

Bukit Batu Lawi can be found in Sarawak state, in the northern part of Borneo Island, Malaysia.

The starting point is Pa’ Ukat Village. To get there you can catch a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu and then a  3-hour flight directly from Kota Kinabalu to Bario Airport, which is very close to the village. You can also catch the daily flight from Miri to Bario Airport.

Not only is this a remote area, but the rock climbing can be dangerous, and the trek is long through the jungle. Be sure to come prepared with a comprehensive first aid kit equipped with the things necessary to treat insect bites, cuts, scrapes, sprains etc.