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Tawau Hills Park
The lush forests of the Tawau Hills in the east coast of Sabah serves as an important water catchment area for Tawau and
Semporna. The area was gazetted as a National Park to protect the natural environment with its unique flora and fauna and to ensure an uninterrupted water supply for the region. Rugged volcanic terrain cover 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.
Lush dipterocarp forest vegetarian and lianas cover the lower regions giving way to thick damp mossy forests as the altitude gets higher and temperatures get cooler.
The variety of plant life found within the park include Agathis, Mountain
Ru, Tree ferns, different species of orchids and begonia. Particularly interesting specie is the Mengaris tree whose smooth
grey trunk makes it particularly difficult to climb. Wild bees protect their precious store of honey from the voracious honey bears, by making their honeycombs high up these trees.
Macaques, creamy white leaf monkeys, giant tree squirrels, civet cats and leopard cats inhabit the parks dense primary forests. Borneos largest wildcat the clouded leopard, though rarely seen is not uncommon. It preys on smaller mammals such as rats and even bigger wild pigs. Other inhabitants of the harmless kind include hornbills and pheasants and the slow-moving forest tortoise.
There are also hot springs-Mother Natures very own spa, where you can see your tired muscles and weary bones while luxuriating in the therapeutic warmth of the geothermal pool.
There are also jungle trails for those who wish to explore the forest, study its varied plant life at closer range and, maybe fortunate enough to spot its shy inhabitants.
For something more challenging, climb the Bombalai Hill. At 530 meters
above sea level, it offers a sweeping panorama of the plantations, Tawau town in the far distance and the Sulawesi Sea on the horizon.
Similajau National Park
Similajau National Park is situated in the Bintulu Division and encompasses an area of approximately 7,067 hectares. It was gazetted in 1978 with the primary aim of conserving the flora, fauna and unique geological characteristics of the coastal area. The natural attractions of the area include fast following streams with rapids in the upper reaches set amidst a cool jungle setting. The clear waters of these streams are stained by the tannin acid of the peat swamp lending it an attractive ruby red tinge. The park is covered with a mix of vegetation types ranging from those commonly found on the littoral fringes to heath and mixed dipterocarp forests. Such diverse habitats naturally support an equally diverse wildlife.
There is a great variety of pitcher plants with tiny pitchers measuring merely 1 cm to those growing to 20cm high. Tiny and colorful orchids are found rooted to trees and the rocks around the headlands. There are three types of primates, namely the gibbons, banded langurs and long tailed macaques. The park also houses shrews, mouse deer, wild boar, civets, barking deer and squirrels. A chance encounter with a porcupine may cause its prickly spine to bristle in self defense. There are also 185 bird species, notably 7 species of hornbills. Migratory birds stopping by include the storm stork. Saltwater crocodiles, dolphins, porpoises and green sea turtles can also be found within the park area.
There are numerous white sandy beaches bordered by rocky headlands. Crystal clear streams cascade down small waterfalls to the sandy beach. Two popular beaches are Golden beach and Turtle beach.
The park lies about 20 km north-east of Bintulu. It is accessible by boat from Bintulu to the Park headquarters a Kuala
Likau. The journey takes about 1 hour.
Kubah National park
Situated approximately 20 km west of Kuching the Kubah National Park. Covering an area of 2,230 hectares, it was gazetted as a ional Park in 1989. The area is largely composed of sandstone, siltstone and shale and lies in the shadow of three
mountains-Gunung Serapi, Gunung Selang and Gunung Sendok. The crystal clear waters of fast flowing streams run down a series of waterfalls, some as high as 10 meters. The tranquil and picturesque setting makes it a popular destination for day-trippers.
Mixed dipterocarp forests predominate with patches of scrub and kerangas adding variety. The area is rich in palms and orchids, which include species of
Licuala, Rattans, Pantu, Pinanga, Appendicula, Dipodium and Eria.
The cool forest, the nearby mangrove and the dissected terrain is home to a considerably large wildlife population. This includes the mouse deer, squirrels and the bearded pig. The loud calls of the black hornbills
(kenyalang), can be distinctly heard as you walk through the park. This venerable bird features prominently in many Iban religious ceremonies. Other notable inhabitants of the park are varieties of amphibians and reptiles.
Jungle trails meandering through the cool forests provide opportunities to observe the rich variety of plant life found here. If youre quiet enough you may hear the loud gronk of the hornbills echoing through the forest
canopy. The picturesque waterfalls provide perfect spots for picnics and cool refreshing dips after the energetic walks through the forest. Rest a while and take in the beauty of your tranquil surroundings before moving on to new pursuits.
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