Mount Trusmadi Climb - 3 Days

Scheduling and coordination was super smooth and easy, even with some last minute requests and changes I made for pickup and equipment rental. Thanks to Martin for the cheerful attitude always. The lodge in Sinua is perfect. Dennis and Veronica were great. Our guide, Shed, went at our pace and we got to camp 2 in 4 hours. Definitely need a sleeping bag there! No view for us at summit but the challenging hike down was much more beautiful in the daylight. Back at lodge by 2pm and everyone coordinated to meet us, very nice. Highly recommend Daisy and her team, very professional and friendly! Highly recommend the leach socks or long pants.

warm hospitality at sinua tainiskon lodge at c1 by Dennis, Shed is a nice start. we started trekking to c2 early at 7.30am. I enjoyed the wilderness, huge diptercarp trees, flowers, fungi along the way. we also spotted footprints of wild boar, civet and barking deer. I felt humble yet honored... having lunch in the jungle was yummy, let alone well prepared dinner at c2 by jap. it was cold at night, so a blanket or sleeping bag is needed. the milky way at c2 and peak2 is stunning. the sunrise at the top is breathtaking. we started climbing to the top at midnight and reached there by 5.30am. climbing from c2 to peak1, peak2 and the tower in the dark was challenging but fun. there are many steep 90degree ladder climbing, which is not difficult, but stepping up/down on slippery, muddy roots is harder. pitcher plants are plenty and amazing. n. trusmadiensis, endemic to trusmadi is natural hybrid of n. lowii and n. macrophylla....another nature wonder, beautiful creation. I am fortunate to be the only person up there, with patient guide, caring porter, and talented cook. special thanks to Dennis, sinua tainiskon lodge and daisy, outback venture to make this challenging trip possible, achievable and memorable.

One of the most challenging and beautiful hikes I’ve been on. The hike to camp 2 takes you through a forest full of leeches. Be prepared to fight them all the way. The climb to the peak on the next day starts at 1am, taking you through a cool,mossy forest. The 4+ kilometre hike to the summit is slow going, with steep sections requiring ropes and ladders. It is a challenge to reach there by sunrise. We were fortunate to have clear skies and a great view of Mt Kinabalu. Retracing our steps back to camp 2 for lunch, followed by the trek back to the starting point by sundown at 6pm. We hiked for over 16 hours that day! Daisy from Outback Venture hiked with us and made our trip pleasant and enjoyable. Her arrangements for the entire trip went smoothly, and her coordinator of the trip spectacular. She replies to your messages promptly and accurately. If you’re in for a challenge, I would highly recommend Mt Trusmadi by Outback Venture!