Nepenthes burbidgeae is endemic to Kinabalu National Park, where it has a patchy distribution around Mount Kinabalu and neighbouring Mount Tambuyukon. Specifically, it has been recorded from the Marai Parai plateau, Mamut copper mine, and Pig Hill. On Pig Hill, it grows at 1900-1950 m and is sympatric with N. rajah, N. tentaculata, and the natural hybrid N. × alisaputrana. The altitudinal range of this species is often quoted as 1200-1800 m above sea level, but some sources give a lower limit of 1100 m and upper limit of 2250 m or even 2300 m.