Leptobrachium gunungense was described only in 1996, probably because it is very similiar to L. montanum externally. The two species differ in their altitudinal distribution and advertisement calls but may otherwise not be distinguishable. L. gunungense is found in the primary rainforest of Gunung Kinabalu from approximately 1.500 to 2.200 m asl. At its lower end of the elevational range, it can occurs together with L. montanum in the same habitat where then the calls of both species can be heard. Tadpoles of both species are also very similar and distinguishing features have not been established. 

This frog is brown above. The head is broad. The eyes are big. Outside the iris the eye sclera is white. See also page of L. montanum for general appearance. The broad head may indicate a preference for rather big prey items. Similar to other species in the genus, L. gunungense is a sit-and-wait predator of the leave litter. 

The advertisement call is a long series of 'quak'.

The tadpole and adult of L. gunungense shown here were from Mesilau (Kinabalu, Sabah) at 1950 m a.s.l. The tadpoles are large (up to approx. 70 mm) and possess a strong tail with well developed tail fin. The snout of the tadpole is relatively long and blunt. Early stages have only a few dark spots on the tail. As tadpoles grow, the number of spots increases and the tadpoles become darker in general. The skin has a iridescent shine, particularly at the belly.