Crocker Range National ParkAbout Crocker Range National Park
Crocker Range National Park protects a long mountainous spine in Sabah on the island of Borneo, conserving montane and lower-elevation tropical forests. The range forms an important ecological barrier and watershed for western Sabah.
The Crocker Range has long been recognized locally for its ecological importance; government protection was put in place to conserve watersheds, forest resources and biodiversity across the range in the late 20th century.
The park runs inland from Sabah’s west coast across central parts of the state, forming a mountainous zone west and south of Kota Kinabalu and separating coastal lowlands from the interior.
- Watershed protection: The park protects montane rainforest, freshwater catchments and many rural water sources that supply lowland communities in Sabah.
- Access and terrain: Access is via roadheads and village tracks from inland Sabah towns; much of the park is rugged and requires local guides for remote treks.
Best Time to Visit Crocker Range National Park
For visiting Crocker Range National Park, choose the drier months (spring-early autumn) for safer, more pleasant trekking and wildlife viewing.
Weather & Climate near Crocker Range National Park
Crocker Range National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 19°C to 27°C. Heavy rainfall (2083 mm/year), wettest in May.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 19° - 25° | 22° | 135 mm | overcast | 90% | 2.4 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.7h |
| February | Very Good | 19° - 25° | 22° | 112 mm | overcast | 88% | 2.7 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.8h |
| March | Good | 19° - 26° | 23° | 131 mm | overcast | 88% | 2.2 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Good | 20° - 27° | 23° | 172 mm | overcast | 88% | 1.6 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.1h |
| May | Good | 20° - 27° | 23° | 231 mm | overcast | 89% | 1.7 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.3h |
| June | Good | 19° - 27° | 23° | 193 mm | overcast | 89% | 1.6 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.3h |
| July | Good | 19° - 26° | 23° | 147 mm | overcast | 89% | 1.6 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.3h |
| August | Good | 19° - 27° | 23° | 152 mm | overcast | 88% | 1.7 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.2h |
| September | Good | 19° - 26° | 23° | 186 mm | overcast | 89% | 1.7 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.0h |
| October | Good | 19° - 26° | 23° | 215 mm | overcast | 90% | 1.9 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.9h |
| November | Good | 19° - 26° | 23° | 218 mm | overcast | 90% | 2.3 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.8h |
| December | Good | 19° - 26° | 22° | 191 mm | overcast | 90% | 2.1 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.7h |
How to Get to Crocker Range National Park
Crocker Range National Park lies inland in Sabah and is accessed by road from Kota Kinabalu via the interior routes toward Tambunan, Keningau and surrounding towns. Different trailheads and ranger stations (e.g., around Tambunan/Keningau) serve different parts of the park; driving time from Kota Kinabalu to park entry points typically ranges from about 1-2 hours depending on which section you are visiting. Arrange access, guides or permits locally through the relevant ranger station or tour operator before setting out.
Tips for Visiting Crocker Range National Park
- Plan your visit in the drier months (roughly March-October) when trails and access roads are least likely to be affected by heavy rain and landslips.
- Check in at the park headquarters and arrange a local guide for any backcountry trails-much of the range is remote and guides know the safest routes and permits required.
- Expect long, rough drives into trailheads and limited mobile coverage in the highlands, so leave a flexible schedule, confirm transfer arrangements with your operator, and let someone know your itinerary.