Review Author: Jo Chappell

Review Date: 22 Jul 2024

Review Body: We had an amazing day hiking through the Kinabalu Geopark. Our guide was Adam - he has lived in the area all his life and the insight he gave us to life on his family’s farm and living in the rainforest was just fascinating. He was so interesting and also encouraging during the hike which was a lot more challenging than we anticipated. That said, as a couple in our late 50s with a reasonable level of fitness the hike was perfectly achievable. The scenery was stunning and when we reached the top of Nuluh Lingion, the view of Mount Kinabalu was magnificent. We were so lucky to have a clear, sunny day to see the area at its best. Adam made the three of us walking poles to assist on the walk back down and they were very much needed - the path was slippery and at times, really narrow with a drop either side. Though we never felt in danger, you need to keep your wits about you. We walked through coffee bushes and pineapple plants - Adam was really knowledgeable talking about how his family grow and harvest the crops. We finished the hike at one of Adam’s cousin’s houses who had kindly cooked us some amazing local dishes. It was great seeing up close how a Bornean family live and eat. The feeling of community in the village was palpable. This was our last day in Borneo and it really was an experience we will never forget. The beauty of the scenery was just amazing but the day was made extra special by the wit and warmth that Adam provided throughout the day. He is a special person and the love he has for his village, family and their traditional lifestyle was heart warming. We loved every minute!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Tyson

Review Date: 03 Sep 2026

Review Body: We had a wonderful experience with our guide Herman and his family. The walk itself had some challenging points due to the heat and terrain but he was patient and supportive, while also offering interesting information about the landscape and life in the village. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, could not recommend more for people wanting to get out of the city and explore nature, without a 2 day hike. The lunch provided at his home afterwards was delicious including the coffee and pineapple from the local area. We are vegetarian which they were able to accommodate with rice, tempeh, eggs and fresh fruit and vegetables. Also, the cute, very well behaved dogs were a bonus!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Kev

Review Date: 04 Nov 2026

Review Body: Wow what an incredible experience trekking through the jungles of Kinabalu Geopark. Big thanks to our guide Sai, who’ve made the experience so much better with his knowledge and stories. He was also very patient, never rushing us. He made walking poles from scratch, which were absolutely necessary for the descent. Overall the hike was a good challenge and doable with reasonable fitness. The scenery was breathtaking and a good way to get away from city life. The lunch after was delicious, made by his wife in his own home. A must try if you are in Kota Kinabalu. Such a unique and amazing experience, one we will never forget!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Jamie

Review Date: 06 Sep 2026

Review Body: We had a great experience hiking around Mt Kinabalu. Our guide was a member of the local village and knew the area very well. He taught us a lot about the different crops that are grown in the area and the local way of life. After the great hike, we visited his house where his mom had prepared a wonderful traditional lunch. The hike is beautiful and the local knowledge and insight you gain from this tour is next level. It felt like a very unique and well cultured experience. I would definitely recommend to anyone visiting Kota Kinabalu.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Kate

Review Date: 16 Jul 2025

Review Body: A great way to get into the Kinabalu National Park if you’re not down for a 2 day hike up Mt Kinabalu itself! The hike is pretty doable for most people (even if you don’t hike much) and was taken at a steady pace. One of the family dogs, Tugi, decided to join the hike which was very cute! Our guide’s knowledge of all the local plants and how they’re used made it a really interesting walk and his wife cooked us a lovely lunch of rice, fish and vegetables at the end. All in all it was a nice escape from the city.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Fiona

Review Date: 03 Jun 2026

Review Body: Luna was a fantastic guide. We absolutely loved hearing about the community of the village and her family and she had so many interesting stories of the beliefs and traditions in the area. We tasted so many fruits on the way that she picked on the way and her grandfather gave us some snakefruit too. The lunch was delicious and it was so lovely seeing her family‘s house. It felt like such a genuine and lovely experience. The hike itself was stunning with beautiful views of Mount Kinabalu. We had an amazing time!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Gill

Review Date: 10 Aug 2026

Review Body: What a beautiful day we had. After a 2 hour drive from KK we reached the village, met our guides and began the hike. It was a wonderful walk with varying terrain and landscapes...sometimes covered by lush forest trees, sometimes out in the open. Up and down the valley. A really gorgeous day with a medium difficulty level but absolutely ok if you have a good level of fitness. We finished up with a delicious lunch in our guide's home. A highly recommended activity if you are visiting KK.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Leonardo Gridelli

Review Date: 18 Apr 2025

Review Body: Our guide Jimmy was amazing, he has an incredible knowledge, knowing any single plant or animal along the path. Patient and wise, funny man, he's able to transmit attachment to the land and the village through his speeches. At the end of the day, for lunch, we were hosted by his family and the wife made a delicious lunch for all of us. We did the short trail, but he's able to bring you on top of the mountain if you like! We'll be always satisfied about this experience!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Jennifer

Review Date: 28 Mar 2025

Review Body: Loved the hike even though we came unprepared our guides helped us to rent equipment that made our experience better. (Still recommend being prepared, it would have been even better!) Our knowledgeable guide explained elements of local culture throughout the hike and we saw some of it come together on our plate at the end. We had a very nice car ride and good conversation back to the city.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Jiemin

Review Date: 02 Jul 2026

Review Body: Had the best time! We were initially met with a series of logistical challenges (our car broke down and we were going to be late for the hike), but the River Junkie team and our guide Jimmy were very supportive and accommodating, and we managed to have our hike and lunch! Jimmy was friendly and knowledgeable, and we were blessed with good weather. One for the memories for sure!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Elizabeth

Review Date: 09 Jun 2025

Review Body: We really enjoyed seeing the nature in the foothills of Mt. Kinabalu and then eating some of the plants we saw along the way. Our hosts were gracious and knowledgeable! This was an excellent activity for me and my middle-aged parents, who had the fitness level to do and enjoy this hike. It was a bit foggy, so our wider view was obstructed, but we enjoyed our hike nonetheless.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Ami

Review Date: 28 Dec 2025

Review Body: Luna was enthusiastic with her knowledge of the trail and we tried some very unique fruits! We had cacao fruit(not the seed!), wild tomato, sugarcane and torch ginger in the form of a salad. The trail was adequately challenging too. Highly recommend!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Luke Finley

Review Date: 15 Jul 2025

Review Body: Exceptional tour that exceeded our expectations. 5 stars. The local guides provided lots of information on Borneo native species, village life, Mountain Kinabalu, and then hosted us in their home for a delicious lunch. Fantastic day.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Nadia

Review Date: 20 Apr 2025

Review Body: Organised really well. Our tour guide was great! Thanks Jimmy! His wife cooked our lunch and we ate at their home. Delicious! 😍 on route up to the summit weather was good but at summit it rained and no view! 😟. Cool on the way down

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Rahel

Review Date: 23 Sep 2024

Review Body: Wir hatten super Wetter und einen tollen Tag. Die Früchte, welche wir auf unserer Wanderung probieren durften waren frisch und sehr lecker. Unser Tourguide Roodwill, hat uns durch die Hügel von Kiau zum Nuluh Lingion geführt.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Emily

Review Date: 10 Oct 2024

Review Body: We had amazing experience. Jimmy was a fantastic guide and very knowledgeable which made the whole trek super interesting. The trek itself is not too challenging and is a great way to experience the mountains and jungle!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Eleanor

Review Date: 07 Aug 2026

Review Body: We had a good time trekking with our guide Ginnick. He was friendly and very informative about the local plants and fruits. The view of Mt. Kinabalu at the top was worth it.

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Leisa

Review Date: 23 Sep 2024

Review Body: Good hike. Guide was very friendly and informative. We got to sample fruits growing along the way and had lunch back at the bottom hosted by a lovely family. Would recommend

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Paul

Review Date: 18 Aug 2026

Review Body: Great day out. Drive is only 2 hrs from Kota Kinabalu Hike is challenging on the way down from the summit so when offered walking poles, take them! Trust me on this!

Review rating: 5

Review Author: Joseph

Review Date: 13 Aug 2025

Review Body: Well organised and pleasant excursion. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about the area and helpful. I can only recommend.

Review rating: 5

Itinerary Day 1

Itinerary Summary: Hike to the summit of Mount Nuluh Lingion (1420m asl) and enjoy authentic local Dusun hospitality

Itinerary Description: 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! Arrive in Kiau Village and meet your local guide to 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 depending what is in season. 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! Make your descent back to the Kiau Village to enjoy lunch with your host family and sample a variety of 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. SPECIAL NOTE: It is recommended that all guests are physically fit before joining this trip. Trails are challenging and can become vary slippery, especially if you encounter wet conditions.