Image source: Maraganghill.com.my
Maragang Hill is a popular hiking spot in Kundasang Sabah, Malaysia. Maragang Hill managed by Masilau Eco Tourism (META) is Located at Kampong Masilau Kundasang which is about 2 hours journey from Kota Kinabalu city.
Maragang Hill promises an unforgettable hiking experience that highlights the natural beauty of Sabah and rewards hikers with breathtaking views of Mount Kinabalu as it’s known as a rugged trail and challenging loop trail.
Maragang Hill is open to the public both citizens and non-citizen. The participants must be physically fit and between the ages of 5 to 65 years old. Children below 12 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Reaching Maragang Hill involves an organized tour that begins with land transportation from your respective hotel in Kota Kinabalu. Many tour operators offer packages that include a guided hike and an introductory briefing at the registration office. Check out our Maragang Hill tour package here.
Upon arrival at the registration office, visitors are greeted by friendly staff who provide an introductory briefing about the trek. Here, you’ll need to sign a liability waiver form that ensures a safe experience as this tour involves an element of risk. Being physically fit for this journey is essential, as the hiking trails can be challenging.
Standing at 2,232 metres above sea level, Maragang Hill is one of the highest hills in Ranau and become one of the top choices for adventurous trekkers. This trekking spot offers an exciting hike with routes that feature muddy slopes, jungle paths, and lush surroundings.
Maragang Hill has a loop trail that begins near Kampong Mesilau. The trails are simple but can be challenging especially during bad weather conditions. Hikers are recommended to wear long pants and shoes with good grip as slopes can be slippery after rain. A small towel is also practical due to the humidity along the trail.
The hike involves some preparation as Maragang Hills known as rugged trails. As mentioned above, each participant signs a liability waiver form (or liability release form) to acknowledge the natural risks involved with outdoor hiking.
The route has limited amenities and minimal cell reception, so preparing accordingly is a good idea. The local guide accompanies the group providing support and ensuring that all participants are comfortable with the pace and route.
For those who want to hike at the Maragang Hill Kundasang, you need to wear a comfortable outfit (wear long pants) and shoes to ensure a smooth hike. Hikers are advised to carry only essential items, such as water and snacks. Additionally, it is important to bring a torchlight, as the hike starts at 4.30 AM for a sunrise hike.
There are two types of Maragang Hill climb packages available, the Sunrise Hike and the Regular Hike.
The Sunrise Hike begins in the early morning at 4.30 AM that is allowing hikers to reach the summit just in time to watch the sunrise over the hills.
This option is ideal for those who prefer cooler temperatures and wish to experience the landscape as the morning light shines on Mount Kinabalu and the Crocker Range. The sunrise offers excellent conditions for photography.
The Regular Hike usually begins at 6:00 AM. This package is ideal for those who prefer a later start. This hike allows participants to enjoy the serene morning environment without the pre-dawn chill, while still providing stunning views from the peak.
Both hikes follow the same trail that gives you the same adventurous journey regardless of the start time.
Some tour agencies in Sabah offer an additional tour package for their clients. The journey from Kampung Mesilau is rugged and can only be accessed by 4×4 vehicles. For those choosing to ride an ATV or quad bike, participants must be at least 18 years old and have a valid car or motorcycle driver’s license. To ensure a smooth process, please bring a scanned copy of your original license.
Since safety is the top priority, riders may be instructed to ride as a pillion passenger with the accompanying guide if the guide feels that their driving skill is not good.
The tour package fee differs depending on the travel agency. Our Maragang Hill hike package is priced at RM400 for adults and RM300 for children, with a minimum requirement of 4 participants.
Our Maragang Hill package includes return land transfers, a shared guide, an entrance fee, a conservation fee, meals, drinking water, insurance, and a certificate.
The best time to hike Maragang Hill is during the dry season, typically from March to September. During these months, the weather is generally more stable, providing clear skies and nice temperatures ideal for trekking.
However, hikers should always be aware of adverse weather conditions that can arise unexpectedly in the highlands. Rain can make the trails slippery and challenging, particularly on the muddy slopes. It’s advisable to check the weather forecast, especially if planning a trip over the weekend when conditions can change rapidly.
Maragang Hill is indeed a hidden gem in Kundasang that should not be missed. Whether you choose to hike the rugged trails, the experience promises to be memorable. With its breathtaking views and rich biodiversity, Maragang Hill is an ideal destination for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty of Malaysia.
Want to get in touch? We’d love to hear from you. Here’s how you can reach us…
Remarkable Borneo Travel & Tours is a Malaysian tour operator based in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. We offer a wide range of affordable and appealing Sabah tour packages, such as Mount Kinabalu climb, Borneo tours, Sabah diving and island packages and Sandakan tours. Our mission is to provide memorable travel experiences that allow our customers to discover the wonders of Borneo.
