Mount Trus Madi

On 26th June 2015, we formed a group of 15 hikers from Keningau to trek Nuluhon Trusmadi (Mt Trus Madi), the 2nd highest mountain of Malaysia, with its summit at 2,642m high. It is located in a forest conservation area in the interior districts of Sabah. There are 3 entry points, we chose to enter the forest reserve via Wayaan Kaingaran, Tambunan.

A detailed guide to Mt. Trus Madi was well described by Murphy on his website:
http://www.mysabah.com/wordpress/guide-to-climbing-mt-trusmadi/

Our hiking took place on 4th to 5th July 2015. The 2 day 1 night perfectly covered our travelling and trekking schedules as the following;

On the 4th July:
8:30  Travelled from Keningau to Tambunan by using 3 nos. 4WD vehicles.
9:30  Reached Tambunan town and picked up 3 mountain guides. We managed to grab quick breakfast.
11:00  Arrived at Kupu-Kupu gate for registration. Heavy storm came in. The road into the starting point was hampered by felt tree trunks. Heavy mist appeared throughout the way.

12:00  We had quick lunch at Mirai Irat river camp site.

13:00  Arrived at the starting point.  We started trekking the 2km long boardwalk trail.

15:00  Reached a wooden rest house.  Everyone began to dry wet socks and wears. High humidity made drying impossible.
18:00  The guide made wonderful dinner for us. Rain continued throughout the night.

On the 5th July:
02:00  Morning call. The initial plan was to catch the sun rise at the peak.
02:30  We decided to cancel our initial plan due to persisting heavy rain. Some returned to bed.
03:30  Breakfast.
04:30  Began the remaining 3km jungle trek under considerate rain.

The wet weather added misty, slippery and challenging trail. There were several steep drops, ropes and ladders.

Several species of tropical pitcher plants were plenty in this rain forest.

08:00  The front group reached the peak.
09:00  The last group reached the peak. One gave up half way due to aches.
10:00  We started to descend to the rest house.
12:00  The front group reached the rest house and hungrily grabbed the prepared lunch.
13:30  The last group arrived at the rest house with light injury. We packed our belongings.
15:00  We continued to descend to the starting point.
17:00  Drove back to Keningau. We went home with a leech on a backpack!

Just as described by others, the trek was more like a "kampong road" if compared to the "highway" trail at Mount Kinabalu.

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How much does it cost?

As the area is managed by The Forestry Department, we applied the service of the Mount Trusmadi Travel & Tour agent in Tambunan. Their entry and service fees are as follows;

Payments to The Forestry Department, Tambunan

No	Particular	Fee
01.	Entrance Fee	RM 2.00 (Adult) RM 1.00 (Child)
02.	Climbing Permit	RM 20.00 (Adult) RM 10.00 (Child)
03.	Vehicle Permit	RM 100.00/Vehicle
04.	Climbing Certificate	RM 10.00/Pax

Payments to the Travel Agent

No	Particular	Fee
01.	Vehicle Rental (From Tambunan-Starting Point)	RM 400.00/Vehicle/5Pax (Max 7Pax)
02.	Guide	RM 160.00/5Pax/Trip
03.	*Resthouse *Meal *Insurance	RM 280.00/Pax

Payment to Porter RM 80.00 / 10 Kg below

If more than 10 Kg the additional charge is RM 8.00 / 1 Kg

We had spent about RM 430.00 per person for extra meats and beers.