Hiking the trails around Kiau in the Mount Kinabalu foothills, Sabah

Kinabalu Geopark Trekking (Kiau Jungle Trekking day trip)

1 days
0 nights
Departs Kota Kinabalu
Day-trip
Price fromRM 390
per person
Duration1 day
DepartsKota Kinabalu

About this trip

Jungle trekking in Kinabalu Geopark, in the foothills of the majestic Mount Kinabalu is not for the faint hearted! This trek will take you from Kiau Village through dense forest, pineapple fields, steep mountainsides and finally to the lookout point where, on a sunny day, you’ll be greeted with a panoramic view of Mt Kinabalu.. This day trip departing from Kota Kinabalu city is a great alternative to a traditional trip to Mount Kinabalu and offers you the chance to immerse yourself in local ethnic Dusun culture whilst testing yourself physically in the jungles of Borneo. Those that dare to venture off the beaten path will be rewarded with spectacular views (weather dependent!), beautiful jungle surroundings and a chance to discover one Malaysia's most stunning Geoparks.

Highlights

  • Two-hour hike to the summit of Nuluh Lingion
  • Walk through local farms tasting pineapple and jackfruit
  • Panoramic views of Mount Kinabalu from the lookout
  • Guided by a local Kiau Village guide
  • Trip facts

    1 days of travel
    Physical difficulty 3 / 5
    Departs from Kota Kinabalu
    Rates: Prices valid until 31 Dec 2026

    Day by day

    Day 1

    Kinabalu Geopark trekking (day trip)

    Pick up around 6.30am from your accommodation in Kota Kinabalu to begin the scenic drive to Kiau Village in the foothills of Mt Kinabalu, if the weather is on your side you will be able to enjoy a great view of Mount Kinabalu along the way! Once you arrive in Kiau Village you will meet your local guide and begin the two hour long hike to the summit of Nuluh Lingion (other hikes are available within the National Park upon request with at least 3 days notice). Along the way, you’ll walk through local farms where you can spot (and taste!) fresh pineapple, jackfruit, wild ginger, bananas and much more. You will then continue your hike through trails of primary forest up to the scenic lookout point. Enjoy a well deserved rest at the summit of Nuluh Lingion (1420 meters) where weather permitting, you’ll have panoramic views of Mount Kinabalu and it's waterfalls! After a chance to catch your breath, make your descent back to the Kiau Village to enjoy lunch with your host family, and sample a variety of delicious traditional Dusun dishes. Note: The expected time of arrival back in the village is around 2pm, we therefore recommend having a good breakfast before joining the hike and/or bringing some snacks with you to enjoy whilst trekking. After lunch, transfer back to Kota Kinabalu city, the expected arrival time is around 5pm to 6pm but this is traffic & trekking route dependent.

    Where you'll stay

    Accommodation details for this trip are on request.

    What's included

  • Return transfers to Kota Kinabalu
  • lunch
  • entrance fees
  • leech socks
  • English speaking guide
  • Not included

  • Items not mentioned.
  • Prices

    Kinabalu Geopark trekkingRM 390per person; discounts available for group bookings
    Rate validityPrices valid until 31 Dec 2026

    Frequently asked questions

    What time does the day start and finish?
    You will be picked up around 6.30am from your accommodation in Kota Kinabalu for the scenic drive to Kiau Village. You should be back in the village around 2pm, and the expected arrival time back in Kota Kinabalu is around 5pm to 6pm, though this depends on traffic and the trekking route.
    How difficult is the hike?
    It is a two hour hike to the summit of Nuluh Lingion at 1,420 metres, walking through local farms and then primary forest to the lookout point. It is recommended that all guests are physically fit before joining this trip, as the trails are challenging and can become very slippery, especially in wet conditions.
    What is included in the price?
    The price of RM390 per person covers return transfers to Kota Kinabalu, lunch, entrance fees, leech socks and an English speaking guide. Discounts are available for group bookings, and prices are valid until 31 Dec 2026.
    What should I wear and bring?
    We recommend a water bottle, insect repellent, a hat, walking shoes with good grip (Adidas Kampung are best), trousers and a raincoat. Wearing trousers helps protect against leeches, and leech socks are provided.
    Will I need to bring food?
    Lunch with your host family in Kiau Village is included, and you will sample a variety of traditional Dusun dishes. As you are not expected back in the village until around 2pm, we recommend having a good breakfast before the hike and bringing some snacks to enjoy while trekking.
    Can I choose a different hike or visit without hiking?
    Yes, other hikes are available within the National Park on request, with at least three days' notice. You can also skip the hike and spend the day around the village looking at traditional coffee processing methods, visiting the pineapple processing factory, visiting a rubber plantation and trying your hand at tapping rubber.
    Can I combine this with onward travel to the east coast?
    Yes. You can stay overnight in Kiau village after hiking, then catch our West to East shuttle from Kiau junction the following day around 8.15am, stopping at Kinabalu Park, Poring hot springs and Sabah Tea before arriving in Sandakan or Sepilok in the early evening. Just ask our staff at the time of booking and they will advise on accommodation rates and shuttle availability.

    Photos from this trip

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    Ready to book, or still deciding?

    Tell us your dates and we will come back with availability, the total cost and honest advice — including when a different trip would suit you better.

    Getting between destinations: we also run private van and 4X4 transfers across Sabah and a daily Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan shuttle — ask us to add either to your trip.

    WhatsApp / phone: +60 11 1265 8581
    Email: info@river-junkie.com
    Hours: 8am–5pm, Monday to Sunday
    Office: Wisma Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

    ★ 4.7 / 5 from 288 traveller reviews on TripAdvisor