Mount Nungkok, was given the name ‘Anak Kinabalu’, by locals from the nearby villages. It means the ‘child of Kinabalu’, as it sits right beside the gigantic Mount Kinabalu. Mount Nungkok is less known and it cannot be seen from the touristy town of Kundasang or Kota Kinabalu.
Even though it is less than half the height of Mount Kinabalu, Mount Nungkok is not to be made light of. You could even say that Mount Nungkok hike offers a greater challenge than the mighty Mount Kinabalu itself.
This is part of my Trip Around Sabah On A Bike.
How To Hike Mount Nungkok
A guided hike with permit is required to climb Mount Nungkok. Approved by Kinabalu Park, the activity is handled and conducted by the nearby village community, at Eco Tourism Tambatuon.
Advanced booking is required. To make a booking, kindly contact Mr Baruh (+6019-813 2853).
Mount Nungkok Hike
7.05am: Tambatuon Village to Starting Point
7.39am: Starting Point – Pangasaan (470m)
8.03am: Rafflesia Area (760m)
8.09am: Stage 1: Daayan (910m)
8.41am: Stage 2: Ruminoo (1115m)
9.25am: Stage 3: Wosoi (1373m)
10.22am: Mount Nungkok Peak (1652m)
1.45pm: Rafflesia
4x4 Transfer To Mount Nungkok Starting Point
7.05am: Meet up with your guide at Tambatuon Village and get transferred by 4×4 to the starting point. Yup, the river is part of the road. (Usual time to start the journey is around 4.40am but I went there at a later time)
(+15)7.20am: The 4×4 passed through the muddy road used by the villages to their plantations.
(+10)7.30am: Closer view of Mount Nungkok with Mount Kinabalu at the back.
+2)7.32am: The vehicle was supposed to go all the way to the starting point but due to some fallen trees, we had to start walking on foot early.
Mount Nungkok Starting Point - Pangasaan (470m)
(+7)7.39am: Reaching starting point Pangasaan.
(+4)7.43am: Unique looking vines. The trail has a slight inclination so far.
Rafflesia Area (760m)
(+20)8.03am: We passed by the Rafflesia Area. We will be exploring this area to see the Rafflesia flowers on the way back.
Stage 1: Daayan (910m)
(+6)8.09am: Reached Daayan point.
A popped out part of the tree trunk/root, looking like a fist or something.
(+8)8.17am: The inclination starts to get tough here. It is a nonstop uphill hike from here.
(+4)8.21am: Hitting the 2km mark, 921m above sea level.
(+11)8.32am: First of the many motivational signboards you will encounter on the way to the top.
(+3)8.35am: Just steep inclines all the way up.
(+4)8.39am: Another motivational signboard before stage 2.
Stage 2: Ruminoo (1115m)
(+2)8.41am: Reached stage 2 of the trail, at Ruminoo point.
(+4)8.45am: After a quick stop, we continued on. It is a few minutes downhill walk.
(+6)8.51am: And then it’s uphill again.
(+2)8.53am: Passing by an opening, where I could see the village where we started our journey.
(+9)9.02am: More uphill climb.
Stage 3: Wosoi (1373m)
(+23)9.25am: We reached stage 3, Wosoi point, took a break and picked off leeches from our body.
(+8)9.33am: From here, we were walking on the mountain ridge.
Clouds started to pass by, covering the views.
(+4)9.37am: Caution sign boards.
(+16)9.53am: More motivational signboard to keep your spirit up.
With increased altitude, you’ll notice the changes of plantations in the forest. These sights reminded me of the mossy Maragang Hill.
(+15)10.08am: More will-breaking upward climbs.
A wild pokemon gorgeous insect.
(+6)10.14am: One more motivational signboard, just 100 meters away from the peak.
Mount Nungkok Peak (1652m)
(+8)10.22am: And here we are, at the peak of Mount Nungkok, 1652 meters above sea level! (we took about 2 hours and 20 minutes from starting point Pangasaan)
Mount Kinabalu is just right there but was covered by the clouds. Here’s how the view would be during a clear day:
Even though it was cloudy and we did not get to view Mount Kinabalu, the sight was breathtaking!
Rafflesia
After resting and having our breakfast on the peak, we descended back to the starting point. On the way back, we explored the Rafflesia area and found 2 Rafflesia buds. The guide said these would bloom in 2 weeks.
2.27pm: After three hours of tiring descent with cramps on both legs, I was finally back to the 4×4 pick up point.
Complimentary Lunch
Upon returning to the village from the hike, you’ll get a complimentary hearty lunch (part of the package), usually with the signature ‘Mee Sup Kota Belud’ and snacks such as fried banana fritters.
You’ll also get a certificate upon completion of the climb.
Epilogue
Some say Mount Nungkok is tougher to climb than Mount Kinabalu. I could easily agree to it as the trail was very steep and some parts were quite slippery. It was the nonstop incline that tiring me out, and going back down wasn’t easy either.
The trails were quite cooling, especially at the upper part where the sun could not reach due to the peak ahead.
By the way, I got latched on and bitten by A LOT of leeches, even though I sprayed some citronella oil on my shoes and legs. Some were trapped/killed in my shoes, while some managed to bite into my legs, one even managed to get onto my belly and started feasting!
Next, I’m heading toward Kundasang for one of the best stays in the area for a rest, before starting my next hike to Mount Kinabalu!
Have this guide helped you? Tag @meowtainpeople in your hiking stories & posts!
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*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*
Yay for transparency!: Some of the links here are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a booking. I recommend only products and companies I use. Your support helps me keep the site going 🙂
