Hiking offers many benefits, such as improved cardiovascular health, as regular exercise reduces your risk of heart disease. It also helps you build strength in your legs, core, and upper body strength.
If you are staying in Sabah and are looking to Increase your strength and endurance and improve your balance and coordination, check out these 10 best places for hiking in Sabah. This healthy exercise would also reduce your stress levels in the long run.
How Do You Protect the Environment While Hiking?
While hiking, you can take specific measures to protect the environment, such as staying on designated trails and avoiding trampling on vegetation, which can take years to recover.
You can also bring a garbage bag and take all your trash when you leave. Aside from that, bring your water bottle and avoid using disposable plastic bottles and utensils.
How Do You Train To Improve Your Hiking Stamina?
You can train to improve your hiking stamina by starting with shorter hikes and gradually increasing the distance over time. As you get fitter and stronger, gradually increase the distance and difficulty of your hikes. You can also do strength training exercises focusing on your legs, core, and upper body to build the muscles needed for hiking.
What Should You Do When Hiking with Children?
When hiking with children, choose short, easy, and exciting trails such as a waterfall or a lake. Make sure the trail is suitable for the age and ability of your child. Also, pack plenty of snacks and water as children can quickly become tired, hungry and thirsty.
Also Read More:
- Places For Hiking in Sarawak
- Places For Hiking Near PJ
- Places For Hiking Near Cheras
- Places For Hiking in Penang
10 Best Places For Hiking in Sabah 2025
1. Mount Kinabalu
Mount Kinabalu offers terrific scenery during your hike. Engaging a local guide and staying a night at Laban Rata is compulsory. Routes can get somewhat monotonous initially, but the path will transition from a jungle path to a desert-like path and eventually a mountainous rocky climb. Be prepared to climb hundreds of steps, rocks, and a slightly risky slab when you are nearing the summit. Slope elevation can be strenuous for long periods, but it is well worth it when you arrive at the summit, as you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view above the clouds.
Address: Mount Kinabalu, Ranau, Sabah
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Google Reviews: Here
Check Info On Website2. Sosodikon Hill
Sosodikon Hill is perfect for beginners as it takes under 30 minutes to reach its peak for moderately experienced hikers. This hiking spot is family-friendly as the climb is relatively easy, with a comfortable incline to the top. A fee must be paid before you enter, and the peak of Sosodikon Hill is perfect for photoshoots as it offers a gorgeous view.
Operating Hours: 6:00 am – 5:00 pm daily
Address: Sosodikon Hill Kundasang, Kg Kauluan Peti Surat 873, 89308 Kundasang, Sabah
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Google Reviews: Here
Refer Info On Website3. Bukit Kopungit
Bukit Kopungit is located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu town, and if you time your hike to its peak correctly, you can enjoy a superb view of the sunrise and sunset. Bukit Kopungit is a popular hiking spot with locals and tourists alike, and you would love the exciting sights along the way, such as a tunnel and a cave that has been around since World War 2.
Operating Hours: All-day
Address: Bukit Kopungit Hiking Trail starting point, 88200 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
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Google Reviews: Here
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4. Bukit Janggut
Bukit Janggut is a hiking spot recommended for intermediate to experienced hikers, as the climb is quite steep and challenging. No entrance fee is charged, and you will find easy parking at the side of the road to the entrance. Along the way to Bukit Janggut’s peak, you will see a bee farm, some wildlife, and lush greenery while feeling the cool breeze brush against your skin. Overall, it would be a fantastic experience for those who love the outdoors.
Operating Hours: All-day
Address: Bukit Janggut, Sepanggar, Malawa, Sepanggar Bay Road, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
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Google Reviews: Here
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5. Nuluh Lapai
Nuluh Lapai is an easy hike, and the viewpoint from its peak faces the morning sun; if you arrive in the wee hours of the morning, you can enjoy a blanket of golden rays enveloping the horizon. There are two trail options, and the entire hike would feel like you are moving through a jungle. In addition, there is also a restaurant nearby where hikers can enjoy a meal after a good workout.
Address: Nuluh Lapai Jungle Trails, Jalan Sulaman, 89200 Tuaran, Sabah
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Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NuluhLapai/
6. Bukit Perahu
The hike up Bukit Perahu comprises 95% of stairs. This hiking spot is a great place to train if you are planning to prepare to climb Mount Kinabalu. As it primarily consists of steps, it would improve your stamina if you practise regularly. At the peak of Bukit Perahu, you can view the whole of Tamparuli town and Tuaran’s sea in the front and Mount Kinabalu in the back. Furthermore, if you hike up Bukit Perahu in the morning, you will feel the cold fresh air and morning dew on your skin.
Address: Bukit Perahu Hiking Trail, 89250 Tamparuli, Sabah
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Google Reviews: Here
7. Maragang Hill
Maragang Hill offers a pleasant 3:00 am sunrise hike. However, check on weather forecasts in advance so you can enjoy the fantastic scenery it offers. Maragang Hill is suitable for intermediate hikers as it offers a majestic view of Mount Kinabalu up close. There are bathroom stops and prayer rooms along the way, and remember to wear extra layers if you hike in the morning, as it can be rather cold.
Address: Maragang Hill Registration Center, 89308 Kundasang, Sabah
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Google Reviews: Here
View website8. Bukit Botak
Bukit Botak offers its hikers an easy trail despite several steep climbs. The hill is 250 m from sea level and is located close to Bukit Janggut and Bukit Merah. Along your hike, you can enjoy a view of lush greenery, and if you are lucky, you will see some squirrels and rare birds too. The best time to hike up Bukit Botak would be during the evening to catch its sunset views, however, do bring a torch light as it would be dark while hiking back down.
Operating Hours: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm daily
Address: Bukit Botak, 89200 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
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Google Reviews: Here
9. Matanoi Hill
Matanoi Hill is suitable for beginners, and you can choose from three different trails with different distances to hike up. The hike takes around fifteen to twenty minutes, depending on your fitness level, and you can also stop and take pictures along the way to the peak. As the trails are relatively straightforward, Matanoi Hill is also a family-friendly hiking spot suitable for children. Furthermore, a rabbit farm is nearby, which many children would love.
Operating Hours: 6:00 am – 6:00 pm daily
Address: Matanoi Hill, Jalan Apin-Apin Bundu, Kg. Tiga, 89650 Keningau, Sabah
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Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matanoihill/
View website10. Mount Trusmadi
Mount Trusmadi is the second-highest peak in Malaysia after Mount Kinabalu. Its peak offers a perfect sunrise view with Mount Kinabalu in the background. The temperature is below 10 degrees at the summit, so appropriate attire is recommended for the hike. You would need to hire guides and obtain a permit to hike Mount Trusmadi, and the whole trip would take around two days for those with moderate physical strength and stamina.
Address: Mount Trusmadi, Sabah
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
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Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.asia. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
