PLACES OF INTEREST
Nature and Adventures |
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 Danum Valley
Comprises of 43,800 ha (108,186 acres) of virgin forest reserve of
lush tropical low land forest rich with flora and fauna and is one
of the world's most complex ecosystem.the Danum Valley field centre
is established in 1986 by the Sabah foundation as a tropical
rainforest research and environmental education centre.
Accommodations at the this centre is only reserved for researches
and scientist on assignment. to visit this centre, you need to
obtain a permission from Sabah foundation at Lahad Datu's
office. |
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 Madai Caves
Madai Caves, accessible by land from Lahad Datu or tawau as it is
only located 1.6 km from the main road. It is also a habitat for
swiftlets whose bird's nest are harvested twice a year. the nests
are harvested by the ida'an who owns the rights to the area for
More than five centuries.madai is one of Sabah's most important
archeological sites where traces of human existance could be traced
way back to More than 15,000 years through the layers of guona (bat
droppings) found inside the caves. Some wooden houses are located
outside the caves which are seasonally occupied (during harvesting)
and is guarded by a few local residents against illegal
harvesters. |
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 Madai Waterfall
Located near madai cave is the Madai Waterfall which is just beside
the highway from Lahad Datu to tawau. just 16 km away from madai is
baturong, another huge limestone massif. Boturong is once part of
tingkayu lake which drained away leaving traces of human existence
as far as 16,000 years ago. baturong is only accessible by one hour
drive and an hour's walk through virgin jungles. For those who wish
to go to baturong, it is highly recommended that you engage the
services of a guide or sign up with tour companies. On the way to
baturong, you will also see a mud volcano through the oil palm
eStates. |
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 Tawau Hills National
Park
Tawau Hills National Park was gazetted in 1979 and comprises of
27,972 ha. located 24 km from tawau town, this area is accessible
by road and there is a park head quarters located at the entrance
of the park. the highest point of the park is gunung madalena, at
1310 m. The park is popular with tawau local residents as picnic
spots on weekends. There are 2 hostels and a jungle lodge are
available for visitors. and also a campsite can accommodate 500 to
1000 campers.
 The
park is gazetted as a protection for water catchment for the people
of Tawau town and Semporna peninsula. The Tawau river flows through
the park and with attractive rainfall throughout the year, there is
a natural swimming pool with shelters, toilets and changing rooms
near the Table Waterfall. A trail will lead you further into the
forest in a bubbling Hot Springs, another 3 hour trekking will lead
you to another waterfall. Trek up Bombalai Hill (530m) for
half-an-hour and you will get a panoramic view of BAL plantations
to Tawau town and across Sulawesi Sea!
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