Penampang is about 9 km from Kota Kinabalu City. It has an area of 463,47 square km. In 2010, its population was estimated to be around 93,616, with Kadazan as the majority of all ethnics, followed by Chinese, Bajau and Brunei Malay.

Penampang got its name from an old village within the district. It originates from a Kadazan word called “pampang” which means a large rock. Long-time ago, huge rocks were commonly found within the vicinity of the village. The name usage refers to the district, with the town of Donggongon as the main town. The town’s name Donggongon originated from the Kadazan word tundo’ongon which refers to a ‘shelter’ or a ‘resting area’, referring to its historical role as a stop-over for people from the interior who journeyed down the coast to trade. The Salt Trail is a route traditionally followed by villagers when taking their produce to the tamu (markets) on the west coast, and returning with salt and other goods.

Tourist can enjoy the trail using the Inobong-Terian-Buayan-Kionop-Tikolod trail with guides, and stay each night in village homestays.