The species has been recorded from numerous mountains across Borneo. It can be found at several sites on Mount Kinabalu, including Kambarangoh, the Marai Parai plateau, the mountain's East Ridge, and the Bambangan River at around 1500 m. It also grows on the side of the road connecting the park headquarters and the power station, at an elevation of around 1550 m, despite being frequently cut back as part of road maintenance. This is one of the few places where "N. fusca" can be easily seen by visitors. These roadside plants were greatly affected by the El Niño climatic phenomenon of 1997 to 1998. The resulting dry period severely depleted the population, such that "almost all the plants were destroyed". Nearby plants from more sheltered locations fared better and appeared to have recovered by the following year. A number of "N. fusca" plants have also been transplanted to the Mesilau nature trail.