About 20km southeast of Tambunan town is the 2642m peak of Mt Trus Madi, Sabah's second-highest peak. It's possible to make an ascent of this peak, but it's more challenging than Mt Kinabalu, and more difficult to arrange. Though Mt Trus Madi is surrounded by logging concessions, the upper slopes and peak are wild and jungle-clad and classified as forest reserve.

The muddy trails to the summit can be treacherous in parts - just the thing for those who find the open expanses of Mt Kinabalu a bit pedestrian. Independent trekkers must be well-equipped and take all their food and water up the mountain. Most climbers take a 4WD vehicle to Kampung Kaingaran then trek for most of the day to arrive at base camp, then summit and descend all the way back to Kampung Kaingaran the next day (often spending that evening in Tambunan before returning to KK).

Before setting off, you are strongly advised to hire a guide or at least get maps and assistance from the Forestry Department (Jabatan Perhutanan; 087-774-691) in Tambunan. The Tambunan Village Resort Centre can arrange treks. Tour operators in KK can also arrange trips up the mountain.