[2] Kalophrynus baluensis is unusual in that it appears to have diverged from its closest known relative that is not endemic to Mount Kinabalu before the mountain reached its present elevation.

Most other Mount Kinabalu endemics are younger than the mountain (approximately 6 million years), and thus appear to have evolved there relatively recently.

Its brown colouration makes its perfectly camouflaged in its habitat, the leaf litter layer on the forest floor.

[3] Natural habitats of Kalophrynus baluensis are montane oak-chestnut forests at elevations of 1,300–1,800 m (4,300–5,900 ft) asl.

Male advertisement calls have been heard some distance away from water, suggesting that it might breed in phytotelmata.