
Crocker Range Park Inobong Substation
A budget-friendly jungle paradise with diverse trails, camping, and stunning views of Kota Kinabalu.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Crocker Range Park Inobong Substation
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A budget-friendly jungle paradise with diverse trails, camping, and stunning views of Kota Kinabalu.
"Truly a hidden gem, offering an affordable and serene nature escape with breathtaking views."

🥾 Gear Up for Leeches!
Pack waterproof shoes, extra socks, and consider leech socks. Leeches are common on trails.
💰 Affordable Nature Fun
Entrance is only RM6, camping RM10. Bring your own food & water for a budget-friendly trip.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bandason Trail Trek
Inobong Substation
Enjoy a refreshing jungle trek through lush greenery, a perfect introduction to the park's natural beauty.

Kibambangan Waterfall
Inobong Substation
Discover a serene waterfall, a tranquil spot for a break amidst the sounds of the rainforest.

Panoramic Kota Kinabalu View
Park Summit
Ascend to the park's peak for breathtaking panoramic views of Kota Kinabalu city and its surroundings.

The Epic Salt Trail
Penampang to Tambunan
For the adventurous, this 3-day trek through dense forest offers an unforgettable, challenging experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Jungle: Leeches & Trails
Budget-Friendly Nature Escape
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
suggestions for KK date ideas
🥾 Gear Up for Leeches!
Pack waterproof shoes, extra socks, and consider leech socks. Leeches are common on trails.
💰 Affordable Nature Fun
Entrance is only RM6, camping RM10. Bring your own food & water for a budget-friendly trip.
🗺️ Guides for Salt Trail
The 3-day Salt Trail requires a guide. Book in advance!
⛺ Camp with Amenities
Camping available with toilets, showers, electricity. Bring your own tent.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Gear Up for Leeches!
Pack waterproof shoes, extra socks, and consider leech socks. Leeches are common on trails.
💰 Affordable Nature Fun
Entrance is only RM6, camping RM10. Bring your own food & water for a budget-friendly trip.
🗺️ Guides for Salt Trail
The 3-day Salt Trail requires a guide. Book in advance!
⛺ Camp with Amenities
Camping available with toilets, showers, electricity. Bring your own tent.
💧 Stay Hydrated & Fed
No food stalls on-site. Pack plenty of water and snacks for your hikes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Crocker Range Park's Inobong Substation is lauded as a hidden gem offering incredible value for nature lovers. Visitors praise its affordability, serene camping facilities, and diverse hiking trails, from gentle walks to the challenging Salt Trail. The panoramic views are a significant highlight, though the presence of leeches requires preparedness.
"This place is truly a hidden gem and deserves more spotlight. The Inobong Substation is open from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. The entrance fee is just RM6 per person for Malaysians. Here, you can go for short jungle treks along the Bandason Trail or to the Kibambangan Waterfall. If you're up for the challenge, I recommend taking the Salt Trail, which is around 38KM one way and requires prior booking for guides.
The Salt Trail, which was previously closed, is now open again. It takes you all the way from Penampang to Tambunan and usually takes around 3 days to complete. That’s why having a guide is necessary. I’ve included a contact number in the photos I shared.
You can also camp and have a barbecue here. The fee is just RM10 per person for Malaysians. The amenities are complete—there are toilets, showers, and electricity. There's also a hut where you can set up your camp for shelter from the rain. You’ll need to bring your own tent, though, as they don’t provide any for rent.
The view from the top is also amazing!
Note: There are terrestrial leeches (land leeches), known locally as pacat, in the jungle here. So, if you're leech-phobic—which I assume 90% of people are—don’t say nobody warned you, okay? 🤭🤣"
Farinlee Danganu
"Great place to spend your weekend with hiking, running, briskwalk you name it. Better to warm up before your activity. To enter the gate, you need to pay RM5. Careful not to disturb the dogs, they are friendly, just don't do anything stupid."
Russell Ray
"Great place for 5,6km hike and don't forget to bring your own food and water. No guide is needed and if you are planning for a short hike, just hike until Pondok Babagon and then return back to the starting point."
Munir
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Inobong Substation is accessible by car from Kota Kinabalu. It's recommended to use a GPS or navigation app. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Some visitors mention paying a small entrance fee at the gate, around RM5-RM6.
Public transport options are limited. Hiring a taxi or using ride-sharing services from Kota Kinabalu is the most convenient way to reach the substation.
For the Salt Trail, you'll likely need to arrange transport to the starting point in Penampang or Tambunan, depending on your direction. This often involves pre-booking with guides who can assist with logistics.
Yes, there are parking facilities available at the substation for visitors arriving by car.
The Inobong Substation is located about 20-30 kilometers from the Kota Kinabalu city center, depending on the route taken.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Inobong Substation is typically open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The entrance fee for Malaysians is very affordable, usually around RM6 per person.
For day visits and short hikes, advance booking is generally not required. However, for camping or the Salt Trail, prior arrangements are essential.
Yes, there is an entrance fee for day visitors, and a separate, low fee for camping, which is around RM10 per person for Malaysians.
The Salt Trail, which was previously closed, is now open again. However, it's always best to confirm its status and book guides in advance, especially during certain seasons.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular trails include the short Bandason Trail and the Kibambangan Waterfall trail. For a serious challenge, the 3-day Salt Trail is available with a guide.
Yes, camping is permitted. The substation offers basic amenities like toilets, showers, and electricity. You'll need to bring your own tent.
While the focus is on the trails and views, you might encounter various jungle flora and fauna. Be aware of terrestrial leeches ('pacat') on the trails.
Guides are mandatory for the challenging Salt Trail. For shorter trails like Bandason, guides are usually not required, but can enhance the experience.
Campers have access to toilets, showers, and electricity. There's also a shelter hut. Remember to bring your own camping gear.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers stunning panoramic views of Kota Kinabalu, perfect for landscape shots. The jungle trails and waterfalls also provide beautiful natural scenery.
While the trails are generally safe, be mindful of the terrain and weather. Protecting your gear from rain and moisture is crucial, especially on longer treks like the Salt Trail.
Early mornings often provide softer light and fewer crowds. The golden hour before sunset can also offer beautiful lighting for the panoramic views.
Many visitors highlight the view from the top as a must-capture moment. The lush greenery and potential wildlife sightings also make for great photos.
For dense jungle, consider a wider aperture to let in more light and a faster shutter speed if there's movement. For panoramic views, a tripod can be beneficial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, as amenities are limited. While the park is generally safe, always supervise children closely, especially near water bodies or on uneven terrain. The affordable entrance and camping fees make it an accessible family adventure. Be prepared for leeches by ensuring kids wear appropriate footwear and long socks.
💰 Budget Travelers
The key to a budget trip here is self-sufficiency. Bring all your own food, water, and camping gear. This avoids any extra costs for on-site purchases, allowing you to maximize your experience while minimizing expenses. The value for money is exceptional for a nature escape.
💪 Adventure Seekers & Hikers
Preparation is paramount for the Salt Trail. Invest in sturdy, waterproof hiking boots, extra socks, and rain gear. Be mentally prepared for leeches and the demanding terrain. Hiring a guide is mandatory and highly recommended for safety and navigation. For less intense but still rewarding hikes, the Bandason Trail and Kibambangan Waterfall trails offer excellent jungle trekking opportunities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Trekking the Trails: From Gentle Strolls to Epic Journeys
For the more adventurous, the Salt Trail is a legendary, multi-day trek that spans approximately 38 kilometers one way, connecting Inobong Substation to Tambunan. This challenging route requires significant physical fitness and is not for the faint of heart. Due to its demanding nature and remote sections, hiring a guide is mandatory for this trek. The trail traverses dense jungle, crosses numerous small rivers, and offers a truly immersive, albeit arduous, wilderness experience.
When preparing for any hike, especially the Salt Trail, it's crucial to be equipped. Visitors strongly advise bringing highly durable, waterproof hiking shoes, extra socks, and rain gear. The jungle environment can be wet and muddy, and the presence of terrestrial leeches ('pacat') is a significant consideration. Many recommend wearing leech socks or treating your footwear and trousers to deter them.
Camping and Facilities: A Peaceful Retreat
While the substation offers a safe and peaceful environment, with one visitor even feeling secure enough to sleep without a tent, it's important to bring your own tent as rentals are not available. The presence of friendly dogs on the premises is also mentioned, though visitors are advised to treat them with respect. The overall atmosphere is described as very peaceful, especially for those who manage to have the place to themselves.
Campers are reminded to be self-sufficient, as there are no food stalls or shops on-site. Bringing your own food and water is essential for the duration of your stay. This self-reliance adds to the charm of the experience, allowing visitors to fully disconnect and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Navigating the Terrain: What to Expect
The Salt Trail presents a different level of difficulty altogether. This extensive trek involves steep ascents and descents, navigating through thick vegetation, and crossing numerous small rivers. The path can be slippery and demanding, requiring a good level of physical fitness and mental resilience. Visitors describe it as 'tormenting' and 'horrifying' at times due to the leeches and the sheer effort involved, but ultimately 'satisfying'.
Leeches are a significant factor to be aware of, particularly on the Salt Trail and other less-maintained paths. These terrestrial leeches, known locally as 'pacat', are a common feature of the rainforest environment. Proper footwear, long socks, and potentially leech-repellent treatments are highly recommended to minimize discomfort.






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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit