Inobong Substation is one of the substations around Crocker Range Park, which is the largest national park in Sabah with a vast mountain range. The meaning of substations here are the control posts surrounding the huge area of the protected forest, far away from one another as the area is too big. There are a few substations around the Crocker Range, such as the ones located in Inobong, Malungung (Tikolod), and Buayan.
The Salt Trail, Crocker Range
Other than their functions as research centers and control posts, these substations are also gateways to the historic Salt Trail. It was, and still is, a trade route used by the villagers from the remote villages in the forest, accessible only by foot, to travel out to the towns. The 35.8km Salt Trail requires at least 3-4 days of jungle trekking, from Inobong to Malungung (Tikolod), or vice versa. You will encounter several villages deep in the forest and they are often the place where hikers would camp for the night before continuing the journey. By the sound of it, you’ll know that this would be a great adventure for an enthusiastic hiker. Due to the ongoing pandemic, however, the trail was closed for outsiders, hence I am only able to show you around Inobong Substation for now.
Inobong Substation, Penampang
This is the nearest Crocker Range substation from Kota Kinabalu. To go there, use the location as above.
Not to be confused with the Inobong Substation Hiking Starting Location in Google Maps, as it is still a long road to reach the gate of the substation. The road ahead, however, consisted of loose rocks and many bumpy sections. I went there with a motorbike and it was “fun” trying not to slide on the moving rocks. Anyway, a car would do alright on the road.
This is the gate of the substation.
Crocker Range Park Conservation Fee:
Adult: RM3 (Malaysian) / RM10 (Non-Malaysian)
Children: RM1 (Malaysian) / RM6 (Non-Malaysian)
Pondok Nampasan (Nampasan Hut) is the first thing you’ll encounter.
The view from the hut is one of the main highlights in Inobong Substation.
This is the map of Inobong Substation, and the accommodation fees for staying in the substation. As you can see, there are two short hiking trails other than the Salt Trail.
Waterfall Trail & Bansadon Trail
Easy and obvious trails.
Bandason Trail passes through a section of Waterfall Trail 215 meters away from Kibambangan Waterfall.
Kibambangan Waterfall is a small waterfall 412 meters from the starting point of Waterfall Trail.
The far end of Bansadon Trail brings you back to the substation road, with hostels at the side. It is also the starting or ending point of the Salt Trail.
Hopefully, I get to experience the Salt Trail when it reopens.
*Captain Planet passing by* Remember, please take care of our environment, and please don’t destroy the Nature. Leave no trash behind and take back only photos and memories (and also some trash if you can). Walk on the designated path and stay in the middle as much as you can, so that the exposed soil doesn’t spread/corrode further. BE ONE WITH NATURE *flies away*
Have this guide helped you? Tag @meowtainpeople in your hiking stories & posts!
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