Retracing History: Sir Hugh Low Trail to Be Revived in Mount Kinabalu Launch

8 August 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The Sir Hugh Low Historic Trail, which traces the original 1851 route of the first recorded ascent of Mount Kinabalu, will be officially launched this Saturday in Kiau, Kota Belud.

The trail follows the footsteps of Sir Hugh Low from Kiau Nuluh to the summit of Kinabalu via the Minitinduk Gorge, Lubong Cave, the Komburongoh Forest, and Paka Cave.

According to Koperasi Minitinduk Kiau Kota Belud Berhad, the first phase of the trail’s restoration, spanning 4.6 kilometres from Kampung Kiau Nuluh to Minitinduk Gorge, has been fully completed funded by the Federal Government under the Sejati MADANI Programme.

“This upgrade includes the construction of four pedestrian bridges across rivers, two rest huts equipped with toilets, slope repairs, and the installation of safety ropes and anchors at strategic locations.

“These enhancements provide a safer and more meaningful exploration route through one of Sabah’s treasured ecological and historical areas,” the cooperative said in a statement.

It added that the restoration process was made possible through active participation from the local community, who were directly involved in trail clearing, hut and bridge construction, and safety infrastructure installation.

“Two expeditions were conducted in 2023 to identify the original path, followed by a series of community dialogues between November 2023 and May 2025 involving village leaders, native landowners, and other conservation stakeholders,” the statement added.

The cooperative also confirmed that a second phase of the project is currently being planned to extend the trail from Minitinduk Gorge to Komburongoh, located within Kinabalu Park.

This upcoming phase has received in-principle approval from Sabah Parks, the trustee of Kinabalu Park.

Two further expeditions are expected to be carried out this year: a route-mapping expedition and a scientific expedition focused on biodiversity research.

These will involve collaboration with various agencies, including Sabah Parks, the Malaysian Cooperative Institute (IKMa) Sabah Zone, the Malaysian Cooperative Commission (SKM) Sabah, and National Cooperative Movement of Malaysia Berhad (ANGKASA) Sabah.

“This phase is expected to further strengthen Sabah’s position as a sustainable tourism destination rooted in heritage and culture.

“The Sir Hugh Low Trail is more than just a route. It serves as a bridge between the past and present, a tribute to the spirit of exploration, and a celebration of Sabah’s cultural heritage,” the statement added.

The launching ceremony is expected to be officiated by the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, Datuk Ewon Benedick, with 30 participants from the first group set to undertake the trail on launch day.

Information can be acquired from Koperasi Minitinduk Kiau Kota Belud Berhad at minitindukadventures@gmail.com or visit the official Facebook page of Minitinduk Gorge Adventures Kota Belud.