Mount Trus Madi is Sabah’s second-highest mountain, rising to 2,642 metres above sea level. Located in Sabah’s interior, it offers a much more remote and challenging alternative to Mount Kinabalu.
The mountain is surrounded by beautiful forest and is particularly interesting for its birdlife, orchids and pitcher plants, including Nepenthes lowii and Nepenthes villosa. On a clear morning, the summit provides spectacular views towards Mount Kinabalu and the surrounding landscape.
One of the main attractions is the lack of crowds. It is not unusual to have the trail largely to yourself, making Trus Madi a good choice for adventurous travellers looking for a more secluded mountain experience.
Things to do on Mount Trus Madi
The main activity is, of course, climbing Mount Trus Madi. The standard Sinua route begins at the village of Sinua and climbs through forest towards Camp 2 before the final ascent to the summit.
The summit climb begins in the early hours of the morning, with the aim of reaching the top around sunrise. The final 4km involves approximately 1,000 metres of elevation gain, with steep and slippery sections where ropes are used.
The forest itself is an important part of the experience. As you gain altitude, the vegetation changes and pitcher plants become increasingly common. There is also the possibility of an optional night walk around Camp 2.
Where will I stay?
Accommodation on Mount Trus Madi is basic jungle-camp accommodation, with no luxury facilities.
On River Junkie’s standard 3D2N itinerary, you spend two nights at Camp 2. Facilities are simple and designed for trekkers, with sleeping arrangements and meals provided by the local team.
This is an important part of the Trus Madi experience: you should be comfortable with basic conditions and prepared for variable weather, cold evenings and limited infrastructure. Temperatures at the higher camps can fall to around 13°C at night.
How long do I need?
The standard 3D2N Mount Trus Madi climb provides enough time to travel to Sinua, trek to Camp 2, summit the mountain for sunrise and descend back to the starting point.
River Junkie also offers 2D1N and 4D3N options, depending on your preferred pace and itinerary. The 3D2N option is the most straightforward choice for travellers wanting to experience the mountain without adding extra trekking days.
Who is Mount Trus Madi recommended for?
Mount Trus Madi is best suited to physically fit and adventurous travellers who are comfortable with long days of hiking and basic jungle accommodation.
The climb is generally considered more challenging than Mount Kinabalu because of the steep, less-developed trail and basic conditions. Some trekking days involve 5–7 hours of hiking, while the summit ascent requires an early start and sustained uphill walking.
It is particularly appealing to travellers who want a genuine wilderness experience and would rather tackle a quieter mountain than follow one of Sabah’s more established trekking routes.
Planning your Mount Trus Madi climb
Mount Trus Madi is usually visited as a standalone adventure from Kota Kinabalu, although it can also be incorporated into a longer Sabah itinerary.
For travellers interested in Sabah’s mountains and remote landscapes, Trus Madi can be combined with Mount Kinabalu, Kinabalu Geopark or Maliau Basin. Those looking to continue towards Sabah’s east coast can then combine their mountain adventure with wildlife experiences at Sepilok, the Kinabatangan River, Danum Valley or Tabin Wildlife Reserve.
Advance planning is essential as the climb requires permits, a ranger and arrangements for the jungle camps. Porters can also be arranged if you do not want to carry your own equipment and water.
