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Best trails in Kinabalu Park

Best trails in Kinabalu Park

4.2(1,087 reviews)

·

Malaysia
: 
#2 of 12 national parks

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Kinabalu National Park, also known as Taman Negara Gunung Kinabalu, is Malaysia's first national park and the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Malaysia. The park is home to Mount Kinabalu, the tallest mountain between New Guinea and the Himalayas. The park offers a variety of flora and fauna, and visitors can enjoy challenging treks to the peak of Mount Kinabalu.

Top trails

1
#1 - Timpohon - Summit Trails
4.8(455)
•Hard
•6.3 mi
The hike from Timpohon Gate to Panalaban can be a challenging and rewarding experience. Along the way, hikers can stop at several points of interest, including Carson Falls, Kandis Hut, Orang Utan Viewpoint, Vilosa Hut, Paka Hut, Waras Hut, and the Resthouse. Carson Falls is a popular spot for a refreshing dip in the cool water and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Kandis Hut is a great rest stop named after the Kandis tree that grows in the area. It offers a view of the...
2
#2 - Laban Rata - Gunung Kinabalu
4.8(113)
•Hard
•3.3 mi
Embark on the awe-inspiring ascent to Low's Peak of Mount Kinabalu, beginning your journey from the comfortable lodgings of Laban Rata, the final pit stop before reaching the summit. As you exit Laban Rata, the trail initially presents a steep climb. Ascending through a stairway carved into the mountainside, each step brings you closer to the towering summit of Mount Kinabalu. Further along the trail, the landscape unfolds into a dramatic panorama of rocky outcrops and sheer cliffs. Here,...
3
#3 - Mount Kinabalu Trail
4.9(155)
•Hard
•14.4 mi
Mount Kinabalu is a famous mountain in Southeast Asia and is protected as Kinabalu National Park, World Heritage Site (Kinabalu National Park, World Heritage Site). It is renowned as a World Heritage Site due to the remarkable biological diversity of botanical and biological species with native plants of the Himalayas, Australasia and Indomalaya. The route that will take you to the top of Mount Kinabalu (Mount Kinabalu), which is Low's Peak, uses the Silau Silau Trail, Jalan Power Station,...
4
#4 - Silau Silau Trail - Mempening Trail
4.5(86)
•Moderate
•2.1 mi
•Est. 1h 15m
The Silau Silau Trail and Mempening Trail are popular hiking routes that begin at the parking lot across from Kinabalu Hall. These trails are known for their challenging terrain and breathtaking scenery. Hikers can expect to encounter steep ascents and descents, as well as exposed roots and rocks along the way. Some parts of the trails can be muddy, so it's important to wear appropriate footwear and take extra caution to avoid slipping. Despite the challenging terrain, the trails offer...
5
#5 - Kiau View Trail - Silau-Silau Trail
4.4(65)
•Moderate
•2.8 mi
•Est. 1h 40m
Hiking via the Kiau View Trail and Silau Silau Trail is an exciting adventure that offers breathtaking views and a chance to explore the lush green forest. The trailhead for this hike is located near the Kinabalu Park Office. The Kiau View Trail takes hikers through a dense forest and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Along the way, there are several rest areas where hikers can take a break and enjoy the scenery. After completing the Kiau View Trail, hikers...
6
#6 - Langganan Waterfall
4.6(42)
•Hard
•4.7 mi
•Est. 3h 59m
The hike to Langganan Waterfall starts at the parking lot of Poring Hot Spring. From there, hikers will pass by the hot spring area and continue towards Kipungit Waterfall. Along the way, hikers can take a break at the bat cave area and observe the bats hanging on the ceiling. The trail to Langganan Waterfall is steep and can be challenging, especially during the rainy season when it can become muddy and slippery. Hikers are advised to wear appropriate footwear and bring along a hiking...
7
#7 - Mempening Loop
4.4(31)
•Moderate
•3.0 mi
•Est. 1h 49m
Hiking via the Mempening trail is a popular way to explore the Kinabalu National Park. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Along the way, hikers will pass through lush forests and may even spot some of the local wildlife. The trail can be quite steep and rocky in some sections, so proper hiking gear and caution are advised.
8
#8 - Kiau View - Bukit Ular - Liwagu
4.2(32)
•Moderate
•6.2 mi
•Est. 3h 33m
The hiking route via Kiau View Trail, Bukit Ular Trail, and Liwagu Trail offers a diverse range of experiences. Starting with the Kiau View Trail, hikers can expect to see lush vegetation and several rest areas along the way. The trail also leads to a viewpoint called Kiau Gap, which offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Moving on to the Bukit Ular Trail, hikers should be cautious as the name suggests that there might be snakes in the area. It's essential to be...
9
#9 - Bukit Burung
4.3(15)
•Moderate
•1.0 mi
•Est. 35m
Bukit Burung is a hill located in Kinabalu National Park. The hill offers a hiking trail that is suitable for nature enthusiasts. The trailhead for the Bukit Burung hike is located near the park entrance. The trail is well-maintained and marked with signs. The ascent is gradual, making it an easy hike for people of all ages. Along the trail, hikers will pass by lush rainforest vegetation and have the opportunity to spot various species of birds and other wildlife. At the summit, hikers are...
10
#10 - Canopy Walk Loop
4.6(12)
•Moderate
•0.8 mi
•Est. 29m
The Poring Hot Spring Canopy Walk is a popular tourist attraction located in the Poring Hot Springs Park in Sabah, Malaysia. The canopy walkway consists of a series of hanging bridges and platforms that are suspended between the trees of the rainforest. The walkway stretches for around 157 meters and is situated at a height of about 41 meters above the ground. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding forest and see a variety of plant and animal species, including birds and...
Showing results 1–10 of 24
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Trail reviews for Kinabalu Park

1,987 trailgoers Busiest in May
Ako Si Ralph
Jun 12, 2025•Hiking
Not crowdedBathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

Mount Kinabalu is a must-hike destination! Given the right conditions, the mountain’s beauty and vastness will leave you in awe. The initial stretch of the hike is fairly easy, but without proper cardio training, it can become quite challenging—especially at the halfway point, where exhaustion starts to set in. Our organizer provided pre-packed lunches along with trail snacks, which was a great help in keeping our energy up. The Panalaban area is peaceful and majestic. The breathtaking rock formations form a stunning backdrop, and the sheer size of the mountain is incredible. The food here is hot, delicious, and satisfying. You'll have dinner on the first day, a light supper before the summit push, and breakfast after descending from the peak. The summit push begins in the early morning, around 2:30–3:00 AM. Timing is crucial—you must reach the summit by 7:00 AM to allow enough time for your descent. The latest recommended return time is 10:30 AM, as this marks check-out. Delays beyond this may incur extra costs for food and accommodation, so make sure to stay on schedule! Our organizer also secured a free lunch at a lodge in Kinabalu Park. We made it just in time—it’s best to arrive by 4:00 PM at the latest to take advantage of the buffet. Overall, the experience was absolutely **amazing!** Every bit of money spent was worth it. The guides and staff were incredibly kind and helpful, offering encouragement and staying by your side throughout the journey. So, good luck and enjoy your next hike!

Difficulty: Hard
Mount Kinabalu Trail
Jayanandhan Vasudevan
Jun 24, 2025•Backpacking
Bathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

A beautiful day 1 trail to summit Mount Kinabalu.Its an elevation gain of 1,400m,tests our limit.Its worth the effort,got a fabulous view of the mountain.Raring to go for the Summit

Timpohon - Summit Trails
Neil Tilbrook
Mar 4, 2025•Walking
Great conditions

Great little hike to help acclimatise for Kinabalu peak. Trail in good condition, no other people. Lots of orchids

Silau Silau Trail - Mempening Trail
Face Lai
Mar 27, 2025•Hiking

Finally climb up Mt.Kinabalu that so expensive for foreign tourist but worth that i booked 1night stay and found other share guide that feel less expensive. Anyway, D1 up was not too hard ofcos early start to avoid rain would be better. And mid night climbed up also luckily as dry and cool in end of March. Clear sky i think that i would have pretty sunrise. The view and landscape so impressive. Going down again after summit photo and after breakfast and rest 40min then walking down to HQ. And that moment i just feel my knee super tired and the last 2km that super slow that maybe i don't have enough rest for such 22.4k with tons stairs up and down. Ha. But overall, worth.

Parking: Permit required, Paid
Difficulty: Hard
Mount Kinabalu Trail
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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Kinabalu Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Kinabalu Park is Timpohon - Summit Trails, which has a 4.8 star rating from 455 reviews. This trail is 6.3 mi long with an elevation gain of 4,606 ft.

What is the longest trail in Kinabalu Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Kinabalu Park is Mount Kinabalu Trail. This trail is estimated to be 14.4 mi long.

How many trails are in Kinabalu Park?

There are 24 trails in Kinabalu Park. These trails have an average 4.2-star rating from 1,087 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Kinabalu Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Kinabalu Park has you covered. Mount Kinabalu Low's Peak via Mesilau boasts the most elevation gain with 8,595 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Mount Kinabalu Trail, which will get you 8,349 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Kinabalu Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 4 camping trails in Kinabalu Park and the most popular is Laban Rata - Gunung Kinabalu with an average 4.8 star rating from 113 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Kinabalu Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 13 running trails in Kinabalu Park and the most popular is Silau Silau Trail - Mempening Trail with an average 4.5 star rating from 86 community reviews.

Are there any trails with waterfalls in Kinabalu Park?

Yes, there are 9 trails with waterfalls in Kinabalu Park, including Timpohon - Summit Trails, Mount Kinabalu Trail, Langganan Waterfall, Kiau View - Bukit Ular - Liwagu, and Kipungit Waterfall.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Kinabalu Park?

Yes, there are 3 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Kinabalu Park, including Laban Rata - Gunung Kinabalu, Mount Kinabalu Trail, and Mount Kinabalu Low's Peak via Mesilau.

Are there any trails with cliffs in Kinabalu Park?

Yes, there are 3 trails with cliffs in Kinabalu Park, including Laban Rata - Gunung Kinabalu, Mount Kinabalu Trail, and Mount Kinabalu Low's Peak via Mesilau.

Are there any trails with rivers in Kinabalu Park?

Yes, there is one trail with a river in Kinabalu Park: Sungai Wariu.

Are there any trails with picnic areas in Kinabalu Park?

Yes, there are 3 trails with picnic areas in Kinabalu Park, including Timpohon - Summit Trails, Mount Kinabalu Trail, and Mount Kinabalu Low's Peak via Mesilau.

Are there any trails with huts in Kinabalu Park?

Yes, there are 3 trails with huts in Kinabalu Park, including Laban Rata - Gunung Kinabalu, Mount Kinabalu Trail, and Mount Kinabalu Low's Peak via Mesilau.

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Kinabalu Park?

Yes, there are 4 trails with scenic viewpoints in Kinabalu Park, including Timpohon - Summit Trails, Mount Kinabalu Trail, Kiau View - Bukit Ular - Liwagu, and Carson Falls via Liwagu.

Are there any trails with springs in Kinabalu Park?

Yes, there are 4 trails with springs in Kinabalu Park, including Langganan Waterfall, Canopy Walk Loop, Poring Hot Springs - Canopy Walk, and Kipungit Waterfall.

Suitability