It is found in the high mountains, including Mount Kinabalu, in Sabah state of northeastern Borneo.

[1] Rhododendron rugosum is a shrub or small tree which grows up to 8 metres in height.

[1] It is native to upper montane rain forest and subalpine shrubland and alpine meadows from 2,000 to 3,500 metres elevation.

It grows in varying habitats, from shady locations in low mossy forests to sunny exposed locations on rocky ridges.

[1] Rhododendron rugosum lives at high elevations where deforestation is limited, and part of its range is in protected areas including Kinabalu Park.