Sabah Nature, Tawau Hills Park

The lush forest of the Tawau Hills on the east coast of Sabah serves as an important water area for Tawau and Semporna. The area was gazetted as a National Park to protect the natural environment that has unique flora and fauna as well as to ensure an uninterrupted water supply for the region. Rugged volcanic terrain covers the natural landscape, in sharp contrast to the neatly cultivated plantations of oil palm, cocoa and rubber on the flat coastal plains. It covers an area of 27,972 hectares.

Tawau Hills Park: Flora and Fauna

Lush dipterocarp forest vegetation and lianas cover the lower region, giving way to thick and damp mossy forests as the altitude gets higher and temperatures get colder.

The variety of plant life found within the park includes Agathis, Mountain Ru, Tree ferns and different species of orchids and begonias. An interesting species is the Mengaris tree, where its smooth grey trunk makes it difficult to climb. Wild bees protect their store of honey from voracious honey bears by keeping their honeycombs high up the Mengaris tree.

Macaques, creamy white leaf monkeys, giant tree squirrels, civet cats and leopard cats inhabit the park's dense primary forest. Borneo's largest wild cat - the clouded leopard, is rarely seen but is not uncommon. It preys on smaller mammals such as rats and wild pigs. Other inhabitants of the harmless kind include hornbills, pheasants and the slow moving tortoise.

Tawau Hills Park: Planning an Itinerary

Cool streams winding through a lush tropical forest and waterfalls cascading into the rocky pools make an ideal location for picnics and a quick dip, leaving behind any strains from everyday life.

There are also hot springs - Mother Nature's very own spa - where you can ease tired muscles and weary bones while luxuriating in the therapeutic warmth of the 'geo-thermal' pool.

Explore the forest using jungle trails and study its varied plant life at a closer range. You might get lucky and spot a shy inhabitant.

For something more challenging, climb the Bombalai Hill. At 530 metres above sea level, it offers a sweeping view of plantations, Tawau town and the Sulawesi Sea.

Tawau Hills Park: Accommodation

2 hostels and a jungle lodge are available for visitors. The campsite can accommodate 500 to 1000 campers
* Camp site is RM5 per person/night. RM2 (below 18 years) per person/night. Those who wish to camp must use their own camping equipment.
* 2 Hostel blocks, Agathis Hostel A & B
The hostels provide a total of 19 rooms with four beds per room.
* Jungle Lodge Reservations for accommodation can be made at:
Koperasi KOKTAS Sdn. Bhd. Phone/Fax : 089-768719

Tawau Hills Park: Useful Information

The following information generally applies to all parks in Sabah.

Visitors are advised to observe the Park's regulations. Under the Sabah Parks Enactment of 1984, it is an offence to
* Kill, capture, disturb or remove any animal, nest or eggs
* Remove, damage or set fire to any vegetation or any object of geological, historical or scientific interest
* Bring in any plant or animal from outside
* Deface or write on any rocks, trees or buildings

Tawau Hills Park: How to Get There

The park headquarters at the southern boundary is merely 24 kilometres away from Tawau. Visitors have to make their own transport arrangements to the park, which is accessible through rough roads - but that's part of the adventure!