Piniapat Hill, Rising Nature Tourism Icon in Pitas

10 January 2026

PITAS: Sabah, located on the northern part of the island of Borneo, is renowned for its extraordinary natural beauty and rich biodiversity.

Often referred to as the “Land Below the Wind”, Sabah is home to lush tropical rainforests, majestic mountains and pristine coastlines.

One such gem is Piniapat Hill, nestled in Kampung Dingai, Pitas, that has steadily gained recognition as one of Sabah’s most appealing outdoor tourism destinations, offering breathtaking views, cultural significance and community-driven development.

Known for its panoramic scenery, Piniapat Hill attracts visitors with its stunning sunrise and sunset vistas, as well as sweeping views of the sea from its summit. These natural features have made the hill a popular spot for hiking, camping and photography enthusiasts.

According to Piniapat Hill spokesperson Rhappindy Maibin, better known as Andy, the site’s name reflects its historical roots.

“Piniapat comes from the Kimaragang language, meaning ‘divided into four’, which refers to the hill being jointly owned by four siblings "he explained .

Long before it became a tourism attraction, the hill played an important role in the daily lives of local children. Andy shared that around 2012, the area functioned as a simple recreational space where children would gather to fly kites and slide down the slopes using areca palm fronds as traditional slides.

The idea to formally develop Piniapat Hill emerged in 2018, in response to the growing popularity of hiking and outdoor activities, particularly among urban communities. However, plans were temporarily halted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Despite the challenges brought by the pandemic, development continued afterwards, and Piniapat Hill gradually evolved into the destination it is today,” Andy said.

One of the hill’s unique features is its accessibility. Visitors can choose between two routes, a so-called “magical route” that allows access to the summit without strenuous efforts, and a more challenging trail designed for adventure seekers. This makes the site suitable for visitors of all ages.

Beyond recreation, Piniapat Hill has become a sought-after location for photography. Numerous couples have chosen it for pre-wedding photo shoots, while Unduk Ngadau, local cultural icons, have also used the site to promote Sabah’s cultural heritage.

The hill has further gained national attention after renowned Malaysian singer Hafiz Suip selected it as the filming location for his music video Terus Bersinar. Several local Sabahan artistes, including Aben and Rijwil, have also filmed music videos at the site.

Camping is another popular activity at Piniapat Hill, with its charm extending well into the night. Visitors can enjoy the rare sight of bagang fishing lights, a feature unique to Pitas, while astronomy enthusiasts frequent the area to photograph the Milky Way.

Since its opening, Piniapat Hill has attracted international tourists from countries such as Germany, Japan, France, South Korea, the Philippines, Indonesia and China.

Andy noted that the destination also places strong emphasis on community engagement. “We believe in giving back to the local community. During the Christmas season, we contributed food baskets and gifts to nearby residents,” he said.

In addition, Piniapat Hill actively participates in tourism expos to promote Pitas as an emerging travel destination, highlighting how grassroots initiatives can transform local heritage and landscapes into sustainable tourism assets.