by Ruth Yong Wang Theen
At 2,423 metres, Gunung Murud (Mount Murud) is not only Sarawak’s highest peak but also one of its most sacred. Tucked away in Ba’kelalan, near the Kalimantan border, the mountain holds a special place in the hearts of Christians in Malaysia and beyond. Known as “The Prayer Mountain,” this remote and rugged summit is much more than a stunning geographical landmark—it is a spiritual haven marked by revival, faith, and encounters with God.
The vision that sparked a movement
Mount Murud’s journey from obscurity to sanctity began 40 years ago in 1985. A Lun Bawang pastor, Agong Bangau, received a compelling vision from God to build a church on the mountain. The vision was specific: a tree would mark the exact spot, and the timber from that very tree would be used to build the church. Though initially met with scepticism, the community eventually rallied behind him. Construction began in faith, and by July of the same year, the church was completed.
From 15–20 July 1985, over 600 people—mainly from Ba’kelalan and Bario—climbed the mountain for what would be the first prayer meeting. What took place during those days was no ordinary gathering. It was marked by deep repentance, powerful worship, spontaneous confessions, and divine healing. This revival is widely considered the beginning of Mount Murud’s spiritual legacy. Psalm 24:3-4 (NIV) echoes the sanctity of the site: “Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart…”
From a local revival to a global movement
Word spread quickly of God’s presence and power being seen in great measure, and believers from other parts of Malaysia, Singapore, and beyond began making the pilgrimage to Mount Murud. The mountain became synonymous with revival, a spiritual lighthouse drawing believers hungry for renewal and refreshing in God’s presence.
Today, biennial prayer meetings at Mount Murud attract thousands from nations including South Korea, Hong Kong, and from the African continent. Despite the physically demanding ascent, many believers consider the hardship part of the spiritual process. The journey involves treacherous jungle trails, unpredictable weather, and carrying food and supplies on one’s back. Yet, for many, the experience is transformative. As James 4:8 (NLT) reminds us, “Come close to God, and God will come close to you.”
Praying, worshipping, believing in faith together
Raymond Law, one of the many who have made the ascent, described his trek to Mount Murud as “a journey of mud and faith.” He recounted visions of cleansing and personal healing, describing the experience as one of profound spiritual intimacy and unity among believers. For him, the revival meetings at the mountain were like stepping into the book of Acts—a community praying, worshipping, and believing in faith together.
Another traveller who documented his journey, Leonard Leet, shared his experience at Church Camp. “We had our Bible study, huddled together in one of the rooms. There was no electricity or mobile network. But we had a wonderful time singing to the Lord and sharing His Word,” he remembered.
This atmosphere of revival mirrors Acts 2:42 (NIV), “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” It is not uncommon for pilgrims to return home with testimonies of healing, renewed purpose, and a deeper relationship with Christ.
Not just a physical site, but a spiritual posture
Mount Murud’s influence has extended far beyond the Lun Bawang and Kelabit communities. The revival wave that began there touched Bario and eventually influenced many Christian communities across Malaysia. According to Christianity Today, the revival spirit even reached churches in urban cities, challenging believers to return to prayer, humility, and dependence on the Holy Spirit.
Churches began to echo the mountain’s call for holiness and intimacy with God. Some even initiated their own mountain prayer meetings or spiritual retreats. The mountain came to symbolise not just a physical place but a spiritual posture—a readiness to meet God in purity and reverence. Hebrews 12:28 (NIV) aptly reflects this: “…let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.”
God is doing extraordinary things
As the mountain approaches the 40th anniversary of its first prayer service in July 2025, its legacy remains deeply etched in the hearts of those who have encountered God there. It stands as a reminder of what can happen when ordinary people respond in obedience to God’s extraordinary call.
Mount Murud is no longer just a destination—it is a movement. A symbol of revival, community, perseverance, and faith in action. As pilgrims prepare to return in 2025 for a commemorative gathering, many see it not only as a celebration of the past but as a prophetic signpost for what is yet to come.
Isaiah 2:2 (NIV) paints a fitting picture of this vision: “In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains… and all nations will stream to it.” For all who have walked its muddy paths and knelt at its altar, Mount Murud remains more than a labelled holy site. It is sacred ground, where God meets His children in profound and unexpected ways.
Featured Photo Credit: Wilson Chin
