In recent years, hiking has been in spotlight among fitness enthusiasts in Kota Kinabalu. Hiking not only expose you to the beauty of Mother Nature and here the benefits of hiking:

- Lower your risk of heart disease

- Improve your blood pressure and blood sugar levels

- Boost bone density

- Strengthen your glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings and muscle in hips and lower legs

- Strengthen core

- Improve balance

- Weight control

- Increase positive mood by boost endorphins - perfect on combating the symptoms of stress and anxiety

Here are the top hiking destinations for hiking lovers in Kota Kinabalu:

1. Bukit Padang, Kota Kinabalu

One of the pioneer and well-known hiking destination in Kota Kinabalu. Many hikers will visit Bukit Padang in the weekend or early morning in weekdays. This hill been famous and familiar to whenever the idea of hiking comes in mind. There are few trails, so hikers can choose whichever their favorite.

Besides known as hiking destination, this place is famous for family to spend their weekend feeding fishes in the lake and evening stroll.

Address: Bukit Padang, 88300, Kota Kinabalu

Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

2. Bukit Kopungit, Kepayan

One of the hiking destinations that is not far from Kota Kinabalu city centre. It is located along the Jalan Penampang Baru, just right at the back of the Golden Hill residences area. This hill is a short hike and well-known for its beautiful sunset. Many hikers choose to hike here to catch the beautiful scene.

Address: Bukit Kopungit, 88200, Kota Kinabalu

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

3. Bukit Gundul @ Botak, Sepanggar

Bukit Gundul, also known as Bukit Botak located in Sepanggar, along the way right after One Borneo Shopping Mall. One of the challenge for hikers to reach the top is they need to trek through the lavish and steep jungle. However, the view at the top is worth for all this challenge.

Address: 606, 89200, Sepanggar

Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

4. Signal Hill, Kota Kinabalu

The nearest hiking destination which located at the heart of Kota Kinabalu city centre. The trek start near the Atkinson Clock Tower and lead you to an ancient and abandoned officer mansion. As you start your hiking trek, you will learn bits of the past that Kota Kinabalu holds from experiencing many hidden historical sites. From the top, you'll experience the breath taking view of Kota Kinabalu.

Address: Signal Hill, Jalan Bukit Bendera, 88400, Kota Kinabalu

Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

5. Bukit Nuluh Lapai, Tuaran

Favorite hiking trail for both hikers and bikers. Once you reach the top, you will be able to view another peak which is Bukit Tirig and also experience the beautiful sunset.

Address: Kampung Lapasan, Jalan Sulaman, 89200, Tuaran, Sabah

Level of Difficulty: Easy

6. Bukit Perahu, Tamparuli

Once reach Tamparuli town, pass the legendary Tamparuli bridge, keep right drive ahead until you'll see St. Veronica Hill on your left; and here's the starting point of Bukit Perahu. This hill is one of the most talked among avid-trekkers. This hill could test you physically and mentally. After the challenging hike, the view of the peak definitely worth all this struggle.

Address: Bukit Perahu, 89250, Tampurili, Sabah

Level of Difficulty: Strenuous, but totally doable

7. Inobong Station, Penampang

Just about one hour drive from Kota Kinabalu city centre, situated in the western part of Crocker Range Park. Once you reach the top, you will able to experience the wonderful view of Kota Kinabalu, Penampang and Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. Along the hike up, you accompany by rejuvenating nature scenes satisfying for any nature-junkies.

Address: Crocker Range, Inobong sub-station, 89500, Penampang, Sabah.

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

8. Bukit Tirig, Telipok

This hill is easy and effortless for experts, but definitely a good start for beginners. Situated close to St. Flora Catholic Church. Once reach the top, will be able to see the remarkable view of Mengkabong Bridge and the abundance greenery at the bottom of the hill.

Address: Bukit Tirig, Kampung Lapasan, Telipok, Sabah.

Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Picture Source: Google