Ask most Malaysians what the tallest mountain in Southeast Asia is, and you’ll likely hear a proud answer: Mount Kinabalu. Towering majestically in Sabah, it’s a symbol of national pride—celebrated in our songs, painted on our banknotes, and featured in nearly every school textbook for decades.
But what if I told you that Mount Kinabalu, for all its grandeur and significance, isn’t the highest point in Southeast Asia? In fact, not only is it not the tallest—it’s not even in the top two.
Mount Kinabalu: A National Icon
Let’s make one thing very clear: Mount Kinabalu is still Malaysia’s highest mountain, standing tall at 4,095 meters above sea level. It’s a geological masterpiece and a biodiversity hotspot, home to more than 5,000 plant species and hundreds of endemic animals. Located in Kinabalu Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—this peak is both a scientific treasure and a spiritual one, deeply revered by local communities such as the Kadazan-Dusun.
Climbing to Low’s Peak at sunrise is a life-changing experience for many Malaysians and international visitors alike. The sense of pride that surrounds this mountain is well-earned.
Hkakabo Razi: The Silent Giant of Myanmar
But zoom out, and a taller shadow appears on the map. Up in the remote northern reaches of Myanmar, in the eastern extension of the Himalayas, lies Hkakabo Razi, a behemoth estimated to reach 5,881 meters above sea level. This makes it the tallest peak in mainland Southeast Asia—nearly 1,800 meters higher than Kinabalu.
It’s not just height that makes Hkakabo Razi mysterious. The area is incredibly remote and difficult to access. In 2014, a Burmese climbing team attempted a historic ascent but had to turn back due to extreme weather and terrain. Some claim the summit has never been truly reached and measured with certainty—adding to its mythical status.
Don’t Forget Papua’s Towering Peaks
Now here’s the part many Malaysians (and even Southeast Asians in general) don’t realize: the highest point in the entire region, if we count all of Southeast Asia including the island of New Guinea, is actually in Papua—Indonesia’s easternmost province.
That mountain is Puncak Jaya (also known as Carstensz Pyramid), and it stands at a jaw-dropping 4,884 meters above sea level. It’s not just the highest mountain in Southeast Asia—it’s also the tallest peak between the Himalayas and the Andes. Located in the Sudirman Range of Papua’s highlands, Puncak Jaya is a snow-capped marvel sitting just 4 degrees south of the equator.
Unlike Kinabalu, though, climbing Puncak Jaya is a serious alpine expedition, requiring technical gear, rock-climbing skills, and special permits due to its location in a politically sensitive area.
So if we’re speaking purely in terms of elevation, the hierarchy goes something like this:
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Hkakabo Razi, Myanmar – ~5,881 m
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Puncak Jaya, Papua, Indonesia – 4,884 m
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Mount Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia – 4,095 m
Why Were We Taught Otherwise?
The idea that Mount Kinabalu is Southeast Asia’s tallest peak likely comes from an era of limited access to information. For much of the 20th century, Myanmar’s mountains were poorly mapped, and Papua was practically off the radar for Malaysian general public. Kinabalu, on the other hand, was accessible, photogenic, and closer to cities —making it the star of regional geography lessons.
The myth stuck and became part of our collective national memory, proudly passed down from teachers to students for generations.
Does It Make Kinabalu Less Special?
Not at all. In fact, Kinabalu’s accessibility is one of its greatest strengths. It’s one of the few ultra-prominent peaks in the world that an average person in good health can climb without needing ropes or crampons. That alone makes it extraordinary.
Meanwhile, Puncak Jaya is remote and militarized, and Hkakabo Razi is almost impossible to reach without weeks of jungle trekking and ice climbing. Kinabalu, by contrast, invites people from all walks of life to experience its beauty. You don’t need to be a mountaineer—you just need determination and good hiking shoes.
In the End: Truth Matters, But So Does Love
So, is Mount Kinabalu the highest point in Southeast Asia? No. Not if we’re speaking in terms of raw altitude. That title goes to Hkakabo Razi in Myanmar, followed closely by Puncak Jaya in Papua.
But is Kinabalu still the most beloved mountain in the region? Absolutely. It’s ours. It’s beautiful. It’s reachable. And it carries with it the stories, legends, and aspirations of generations of Malaysians.
As we become more informed and globally connected, let’s not cling to outdated claims. Instead, let’s celebrate Kinabalu for what it truly is: not the highest, but certainly among the most meaningful.
And really, isn’t that the kind of mountain worth standing tall for?
