Mount Trusmadi (Mount Trus Madi)

2,642 m (8,668 ft)

There are 3 trails up to the summit of Mount Trusmadi: 

Tambunan (Wayaan Kaingaran) Trail

This trail takes 2-3 days to complete and is considered the easiest, most developed trail. The trail is roughly 4.9 km (3 mi) long, one way. 

Apin Apin, Keningau (Wayaan Mastan) Trail

This trail takes 2-3 days to complete. This is the shortest trail with a length of 4.3 km (2.7 mi), however, it is also considered the most difficult trail as it is the least developed and the steepest. 

Sinua, Sook (Wayaan Mannan) Trail

This trail takes 3-4 days to complete and is about 12 km (7.5 mi) in length, one way. This trail is the longest and is known for the rich biodiversity enjoyed by hikers along the way.

Mount Trusmadi is considered slightly more difficult than its taller neighbour Mount Kinabalu. This is because the trails leading up Trusmadi are less developed and the terrain more rugged. It is recommended to only attempt Trusmadi if you have a high level of fitness.

The overall terrain on the mountain consists of lower and upper montane forests, steep inclines, shrubs, the endemic pitcher plant as well as other exotic plants and birds. All trails go past a viewpoint that is 5 m (16 ft) high.  

Tambunan (Wayaan Kaingaran) Trail

This trail is regularly upgraded and is considered the easiest as it starts with a boardwalk for the first 2-3 km (1-2 mi). The boardwalk ends at the rest stop. The summit is about 1.5 hours from here.

The second part consists of a trek through dense jungle up to the summit. This section is more difficult. You’ll come across metal ladders, and ropes used to climb steep inclines. You’ll also have to do some scrambling over rocks, tree trunks and roots.

Apin Apin, Keningau (Wayaan Mastan) Trail

This trail is the steepest and shortest trail. It is also the shortest and least developed option. The way there starts off on a very slippery, muddy dirt road, which is usually driven up using a 4WD vehicle. The rest of the trail has much of the same terrain elements already described; long aluminium ladders, steep sections with ropes, and jungle –  however, on this trail you’ll come across a staggeringly tall waterfall as well.  

Sinua, Sook (Wayaan Mannan) Trail

This trail is the longest and is considered more difficult than the Tambunan (Wayaan Kaingaran) Trail, but less difficult than Apin Apin, Keningau (Wayaan Mastan) Trail. This trail takes an extra day, as hikers use that day to acclimatise to the altitude.

The terrain along this trek consists of the same elements as the other two trails but with the addition of a suspension bridge at the start, river crossings on foot, and many leeches.

From base camp/camp 1  to camp 2, you’ll mostly follow an old logging road (now overgrown) which has a gentle incline. It does get steeper as you go along, though. The last short section before camp 2 is when the terrain gets difficult, with wooden ladders, and scrambling. 

From camp 2 to the summit, the slope is steep, slippery and muddy with the added terrain elements mentioned earlier, (such as ladders and ropes etc.).

One of the perks of doing this trail is that it takes you over two smaller peaks before reaching the summit of Mount Trusmadi. 

The summit has been said to have the most beautiful sunrise in Malaysia. 

For all the trails you’ll most likely go back down the same way you came up.

Trusmadi is located in a tropical climate. It is hot year-round with temperatures averaging about 27°C, however, the temperatures at the summit can get as cold as 11°C (52°F). 

The best time to plan a climb would be between January and March as this is when the humidity decreases slightly, there is less rain, and clearer skies.

You will need decent hiking boots, leech socks, a torch for walking in the dark, a rain jacket, warm clothing, and snacks. Hiking poles and gloves would be helpful to navigate the difficult terrain. 

Most tour operators provide camping equipment for Trusmadi.

All trails going to the summit have at least one campsite.

Tambunan (Wayaan Kaingaran) Trail

There is a rest stop called Walai Tingkoyodon Resthouse along the way which has a cabin that holds 20 people along with electricity, restrooms, cooking facilities and water. Food is also usually provided here by your guides.

There are also several rest stops along the way which usually have restrooms and water.

Apin Apin, Keningau (Wayaan Mastan) Trail

The base camp for this trail provides the basics. There are shelters under which you can pitch your tent, as well as tables and benches. 

Sinua, Sook (Wayaan Mannan) Trail

There are two campsites along the way which provide restrooms, and running water. Camp 1 has bunkhouses/a dormitory and hammocks. Camp 2 has a similar setup to Camp 1, with restrooms, water, and basic cooking facilities.

Guides are recommended and porters are available if needed. You’ll need to apply for a permit to climb the mountain in advance as well as arrange your guides and/or porters in advance.

Mount Trusmadi can be found about 100 km (65 mi)  Southeast of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. Kota Kinabalu is a 2-hour direct flight from Manila, Philippines. 

Tour operators usually include transportation in the package.

4WD is necessary to get to all of the starting points. 

Tambunan (Wayaan Kaingaran) Trail

Takes about 2.5 hours by car to get there from Kota Kinabalu City.

Apin Apin, Keningau (Wayaan Mastan) Trail

Takes about 3 hours by car to get there from Kota Kinabalu City. 

Sinua, Sook (Wayaan Mannan) Trail

Takes about 4 hours by car to get there from Kota Kinabalu City.

It is not recommended to do this hike if you have any existing health conditions, such as chronic asthma, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes etc. It may be wise to get cleared by your doctor before attempting such a strenuous hike. 

Leeches are also a problem in the jungle, so take precautionary measures. 

This is not an easy climb, do your due diligence by checking the weather ahead of time, and coming prepared.