Let’s not regard Mt. Trus Madi with contempt just because it comes second in Sabah after the Mighty Mt. Kinabalu, South East Asia’s greatest peak. Mt. Trus Madi proves to be a destination worth exploring and a climb deemed valuable to triumph over.
So even though you have already conquered Mt. Kinabalu, Mt. Trus Madi should definitely be on your list of climbs to conquer too! Here’s why:
It’s challenging
The trails of Mt. Trus Madi proves to be equally if not, even more challenging than Mt. Kinabalu’s trail. On a scale of “Easy to Strenuous”, it’s definitely Strenuous. Its ‘introductory’ starts-off with an easy boardwalk trail in the beginning with some stairs along the way to get to the rest house where climbers will stay overnight. The following day at 2am is when the real climb begins. Climbers will need to trek in the dark and climb steep rocks that are almost vertical, sometimes with only the help of a rope for support. There would also be obstacles along the way like fallen tree trunks and branches, so climbers must be aware of their surroundings and watch their step at all times.
Less Touristy
Compared to Mt. Kinabalu, Mt. Trus Madi receives fewer visitors and climbers each year most probably because it isn’t as commercialized. You can say it’s the less travelled road for adventurers in Sabah. The jungle trails are quite pristine and almost completely untouched still. Climbers will most likely have the whole rest house all to themselves since not many tourists venture to Mt. Trus Madi. Hence, a climb up Mt. Trus Madi will definitely make a special and intimate nature experience as well as an adventure worth pursuing.
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Array of Nepenthes, Orchids and birdlife
Mt. Trus Madi holds an array of birdlife and fauna within it, which makes it a gem worth exploring. Along the trails, climbers will stumble upon different species of nepenthes, orchids and other plants, including the nepenthes that can only be found in Mt. Trus Madi- The Nepenthes trusmadiensis which is the natural hybrid of Nepenthes lowii and Nepenthes macrophylla species. So a climb up Mt. Trus Madi will be perfect for you if you’re an avid climber and a nepenthes enthusiast.
Different view from summit
The view is nothing short of breath-taking and what really makes the view from the summit special is the fact that you get to see Mt. Kinabalu in the distance, surrounded by a fluff of clouds! And the sunrise view from the top- Well, it’s beyond words especially after all the climbing you’ve done. It will be a feast for the eyes and a memory that’s worth cherishing!
Different experience altogether
Overall, the climb up Mt. Trus Madi is certainly unlike the climb up Mighty Mt. Kinabalu, but proves to be just as physically and mentally challenging for adventurers and trekking enthusiasts alike. If you’ve yet to conquer Mt. Kinabalu and plan to do so one day, why not start out with Mt. Trus Madi as your training turf first? If you’re able to succeed in taking on Mt. Trus Madi, then you know you will have no problem with Mt. Kinabalu. Plus, to climb Mt. Trus Madi will only require a weekend for you to do! It’s a different environment, a different terrain, a different view, which will give you a whole new experience in itself and one that is worthwhile. Bucket List worthy? Definitely!
How do I book a Mt. Trus Madi tour?
Borneo Eco Tours offers travellers a trekking adventure up Mt. Trus Madi. So if you’re interested, just get in touch with our ever-ready tour consultants at info@borneoecotours.com for inquiries and bookings.
You can check out further details about our BB5D : MT. TRUS MADI NATURE TREK tour here!
Will there be a guide during the tour?
Absolutely. A mountain guide who is knowledgeable and skillful will be with you throughout the tour and making sure your safety is a priority. He will also conduct interpretations of the flora and fauna that you encounter along the way, especially about Nepenthes plants.
What our team players who have climbed Mt. Trus Madi had to say about their experience:
“The weather was good that day and we were fortunate to see the breath-taking view of Mount Kinabalu, which lies about 40 KM to the north. At 7.30am, we descended back to the rest house for lunch. We walked slowly and took photos on the way back. We were unable to take many photos when we ascended at 2am, but when the sun was up, we were able to see the things that we missed on the way up. We also found the Nepenthes Trusmadiensis pitcher plant on top of a tree along the trail!”
– Rosa, BET Sales & Reservation Executive
“I have conquered Mt. trus Madi via Sinua, Keningau, which is known as the toughest trail from 3 of the other trails of Mount Trus Madi. Indeed, it is very tough than Mount Kinabalu and the view of the summit is different from Mount Kinabalu. It was full of vegetation with montane forest, and you can see a lot of Nepenthes species there as well. A good try for those who love a challenging adventure and don’t miss out the breathtaking view at the top of Jiran Point Tower!”
– Oviera, BET Tour Consultant
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