"Nepenthes murudensis" was known for some time prior to its description, although authors differed as to its identity. In 1988, Anthea Phillipps and Anthony Lamb suggested that it might represent a natural hybrid between "N. reinwardtiana" and "N. tentaculata". However, in their 1996 monograph, "Pitcher-Plants of Borneo", the authors treated it as a species in the process of being described, referring to it as ""Nepenthes murudensis" Culham ined.". This name had been given to the taxon informally by Alastair Culham and was in use since at least 1994.