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Mount Murud

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Mountain
—°1
Mount Murud (Malaysia)

Weather…

Mount Murud, standing at 2,423 meters above sea level, is the highest sandstone mountain in the state of Sarawak on the island of Borneo. Located within the Kelabit Highlands, it marks a significant geographical boundary near the Indonesian border. The mountain holds profound spiritual importance for the local Kelabit and Lun Bawang communities, who regard it as a sacred site for Christian pilgrimage, with a permanent 'Church Camp' established on its slopes for prayer retreats. Its unique sandstone geology supports a distinct ecosystem, home to several endemic flora species, most notably the pitcher plant Nepenthes murudensis, which is found nowhere else on Earth. The higher elevations are characterized by stunted mossy forests and sub-alpine vegetation that thrives in the consistently cool and misty environment. For trekkers, Mount Murud has a challenging ascent through some of the most remote and pristine wilderness areas remaining in Sarawak, providing wide-open views of the surrounding highlands.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C202021212120202020202020
Rain mm233157173230253230219207216277278266

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Expeditions typically begin with a flight to a rural airstrip in the Kelabit Highlands, followed by a multi-day trek organized with local Lun Bawang guides.
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Best season
The dry months, usually between March and October, are best to avoid the heavy monsoons that make jungle trails extremely slippery.
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Terrain & paths
The ascent features dense tropical rainforests, muddy tracks, steep inclines, and often wooden boardwalks near the ecologically sensitive summit.
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What to bring
Bring tropical trekking gear, protective leech socks, dry bags to waterproof your belongings, and warm layers for the chilly nights at high altitude.
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Parking
Conventional parking is not applicable here; transportation is arranged locally and vehicles are left at the starting highland villages.
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Safety
Altitude sickness can affect some climbers, while the dense jungle presents risks of insect bites and losing the trail without an experienced guide.
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Time needed
A complete ascent and descent of the mountain typically require three to four days of sustained and challenging hiking.

Geography

Coordinates
3.91670, 115.50000

Facts

  • The highest peak in Sarawak, measuring 2,423 meters (7,949 ft).
  • Primarily composed of sandstone, unlike the nearby limestone peaks.
  • Only known habitat for the pitcher plant Nepenthes murudensis.
  • Serves as a major spiritual center for Borneo's interior tribes.
  • Located in the remote northeastern part of the Kelabit Highlands.
  • The ascent usually takes 3 to 4 days from the nearest settlement.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

BarioBario10 km · SEExplore →
Bukit PagonBukit Pagon28 km · SWExplore →
Bukit RetakBukit Retak29 km · SWExplore →
Bukit TudalBukit Tudal31 km · SWExplore →
Bukit Pagon Cloud Forest ZoneBukit Pagon Cloud Forest Zone32 km · SWExplore →
Ulu Temburong National ParkUlu Temburong National Park41 km · SWExplore →
Bukit LesongBukit Lesong42 km · SWExplore →
Bukit BelalongBukit Belalong47 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Mount Murud (1)

Mount Murud🌿 nature

A prominent viewpoint located on the slopes of the highest mountain peak in Sarawak.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How difficult is climbing Mount Murud?
It is a challenging expedition, physical fitness is a must.
Do I need to hire a guide?
Yes, a local guide is necessary for safety.
When is the best time to climb?
The drier months between March and August.
Are there accommodations on the way?
Only simple camps; you have to carry your own equipment.
What is special about Murud?
It is the highest mountain in Sarawak with an impressive flora.
Mount Murud: where is it located?
Mount Murud is located in Malaysia.
Mount Murud: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Aug.
Mount Murud: why is it worth visiting?
Mount Murud, standing at 2,423 meters above sea level, is the highest sandstone mountain in the state of Sarawak on the island of Borneo.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Asia
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Nearby cities

Kuching — Mount Murud (Malaysia)
Kuching
The capital of Sarawak state on the island of Borneo.
Miri — Mount Murud (Malaysia)
Miri
A coastal city in Sarawak, the center of the petroleum industry in the region.
Sibu — Mount Murud (Malaysia)
Sibu
A town on the Rajang River in Sarawak, a major commercial center.
Bintulu — Mount Murud (Malaysia)
Bintulu
A coastal town in Sarawak that is a major industrial center.
Lawas / Lake Tasik Biru (Bau) — Mount Murud (Malaysia)
Lawas / Lake Tasik Biru (Bau)
A historic blue-water lake in Bau, Sarawak, formed from a former open-cast gold mine.
Bario — Mount Murud (Malaysia)
Bario
Bario is a remote highland plateau in Sarawak, famous for its premium rice and unique Kelabit culture.
Mulu (Gunung Mulu National Park) — Mount Murud (Malaysia)
Mulu (Gunung Mulu National Park)
Mulu is famous for its massive cave systems and spectacular limestone karst formations called Pinnacles.
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Kampung Bakam
A charming coastal village in Sarawak, known for its relaxed atmosphere and fresh seafood.
Layang-Layang — Mount Murud (Malaysia)
Layang-Layang
A remote oceanic atoll in the South China Sea, world-renowned for its diving and hammerhead sharks.
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RH. Noria-RH. Linggi
A traditional longhouse community in Sarawak, serving as a gateway to Similajau National Park and its wild beaches.
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Kampung Penat
A traditional coastal village in Sarawak, famous for its fishing and Melanau hospitality.
Kampung Pasir Pandak — Mount Murud (Malaysia)
Kampung Pasir Pandak
A picturesque Malay fishing village in Sarawak, known for its tranquil beaches and views of the majestic Mount Santubong.

Nature

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Tanjung Datu National Park Coast
The coast of Sarawak's smallest national park, known for its pristine beaches and coral reefs at the very western tip of Borneo.

More places

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Gunung Mulu National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its karst landscapes, giant caves, and millions of bats that swarm out in the evenings.
Bakun Hydroelectric Dam — Mount Murud (Malaysia)
Bakun Hydroelectric Dam
A giant dam on the Balui River in Sarawak, one of the largest engineering projects in Malaysia.
Niah Caves Archaeological Site — Mount Murud (Malaysia)
Niah Caves Archaeological Site
A significant archaeological site in Sarawak, where human remains dating back 40,000 years, known as 'Deep Skull', were found.
Bintulu LNG Complex — Mount Murud (Malaysia)
Bintulu LNG Complex
One of the world's largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) production complexes on a single site.
Bako National Park — Mount Murud (Malaysia)
Bako National Park
The oldest national park in Sarawak, known for its extraordinary diversity of ecosystems in a small area, from mangrove forests to cliff …
Bako National Park — Mount Murud (Malaysia)
Bako National Park
Sarawak's oldest national park, famous for its diverse ecosystems and the chance to see proboscis monkeys in the wild.
Fort Margherita — Mount Murud (Malaysia)
Fort Margherita
An old fort in Kuching, Sarawak.
Mount Santubong — Mount Murud (Malaysia)
Mount Santubong
A prominent mountain on a peninsula near Kuching, shrouded in legends of a celestial princess.