Tawau Hills Park: A Wild Borneo Nature Essential

Tawau Hills Park, nestled deep in the heart of Malaysian Borneo, is a dream destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. With towering trees, ancient volcanic formations, and rich biodiversity, Tawau Hills Park is a must-visit destination for any Borneo nature traveler. 

Tawau Hills Park is a hidden gem in southeast Sabah, just an hour’s drive from the nearest airport and 24 kilometers from Tawau town. After exploring the park, guests can spend a night in Tawau town, where they can enjoy the laid-back vibe. 

Despite the beauty of Tawau Hills Park, it remains largely undiscovered by travelers, making it an excellent natural escape. With expert local guides leading the way, we ensure every step of your journey is filled with amazing wildlife encounters and hikes. Our Malaysian Wildlife Borneo Rainforest Trekking tour is designed to give you the ultimate nature experience in Borneo. 

Discover Tawau Hills Park’s Hidden Treasures

Tawau Hills Park was established in 1979 under the management of Sabah Parks to ensure its conservation and protection. It is home to pristine primary rainforest, which means it has never been significantly disturbed by human activity such as logging or palm oil plantations. It remains the last gigantic tropical rainforest with volcanic soil that has not been logged.

If you are looking for one of the oldest rainforests on Earth, Tawau Hills is that place, without a doubt. This area has been developing for millions of years, allowing the rainforest to grow and evolve naturally. As a result, it is rich in biodiversity, with a huge range of endemic plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms. Forests like this have complex structures with towering trees and various layers of vegetation.

Tawau Hills Park is a natural wonder shaped by ancient volcanic forces. The park’s most iconic natural landmarks are its three volcanic peaks, known as the “Three Sisters”: Mount Magdalena (1,310m), Mount Lucia (1,201m), and Mount Maria (1,020m). These dormant peaks, which last erupted around 27,000 years ago, now serve as breathtaking trekking destinations. Our tours offer an extended option to climb these peaks, so get ready for an adrenaline boost and stunning sunset views. 

Among the park’s highlights are its 11 thermal springs, rich in minerals and believed by locals to have healing properties, also called ubat kulit. The natural pools, with their cyan-colored waters and white sulfur deposits, offer a relaxing retreat for visitors.

For those looking to chase waterfalls, Tawau Hills Park does not disappoint. Check the Table Waterfall, which is easily accessible, just 200 meters from the park entrance – perfect for a quick refreshing dip. Another waterfall, Bukit Gelas Waterfall, can be reached via a 2.4 km hike, offering calm pools and lush jungle scenery.

The park is also home to the world’s second-tallest tropical tree, the yellow meranti, standing at an astounding 96.9 meters. This impressive giant, along with the park’s rich volcanic soil and high rainfall, makes Tawau Hills Park an ideal environment for such natural marvels.

Best Seasonal Experiences Throughout the Year

Depending on the season, Tawau Hills Park offers a variety of experiences. Before traveling there, you should consider what you want to include in your trip, as the calendar year is divided into two seasons: the dry and wet seasons.

First, the dry season takes place from March to October, making it a truly ideal time for wildlife spotting and outdoor activities. The trails are clearer, less muddy, and spotting wildlife is often easier. All you need to do is grab a pair of binoculars and start exploring the fascinating wildlife around you.

Secondly, during the wet season from November to February, the park is a green paradise, especially for botany lovers. The waterfalls flow at their most powerful, creating breathtaking scenery. While some animals might be harder to spot due to lush leaves and water bodies, nocturnal animals and amphibians thrive in the moist environment. Nonetheless, it is all worthwhile when you spot animals from your nature bucket list. Our team ensures that you will have a great experience, rain or shine, with proper gear and guidance. 

Wildlife Encounters: A Biodiversity Hotspot

Tawau Hills Park is thriving with biodiversity. It is an essential habitat for many endangered species in Borneo, including the slow loris, the pangolin, and the elusive clouded leopard. Furthermore, the Bornean Pygmy Elephant, Sun Bear, Proboscis Monkey, and Tawau Hills’ Wild Boar all call this area home. Some of them are a common sight in the park, while others prefer to stay in the denser forest in more secluded areas. 

One of the most iconic species in Borneo is the Bornean hornbill, and Tawau Hills Park is home to eight of these magnificent birds. Other fascinating species include the Bornean Bristlehead, Sunda Laughing Thrush, and various Kingfishers. If you aren’t familiar with birds, this is your chance to dive into the world of these fascinating species. 

But the wildlife spotting does not stop there. Tawau Hills Park is home to various butterflies, including many endemic species – species found nowhere else. For instance, here you have good chances to spot one of the largest butterflies in all of Borneo, the Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing. Or maybe you are hoping to see rare beetles or praying mantises? Yes, Tawau Hills Park has it all. Likewise, the park’s ponds and rivers are alive with life, including dragonflies and fish. At night, fireflies create a magical glow near the waterways.

However, exceptional biodiversity extends beyond animals to plants as well. Tropical orchids thrive in the humid conditions of Tawau Hills Park, while pitcher plants are another iconic feature of the park’s flora. Explore trails that take you through different vegetation zones, from tropical rainforest to montane cloud forest. Especially during the wet season, many species grow even larger and more vibrant, providing food and shelter for the park’s inhabitants.

The extraordinary biodiversity makes Tawau Hills Park a prime location for wildlife spotting and plant identification. 

Ultimate Adventure Activities Guide

Tawau Hills Park offers unforgettable activities for every kind of adventurer. Our Tawau Hills Park trip is designed to immerse you in the natural beauty of Tawau Hills Park, ensuring an unforgettable eco-adventure. Whether you prefer a safari drive, a walk to spot wild mammals, a boat trip for marine mammals, or trekking for lowland and montane forests, Tawau Hills Park is the place for you.

For a spectacular view of the rainforest, don’t miss the park’s canopy walkway, which rises 40 meters above the forest floor. This narrow walkway is perfect for spotting canopy-dwelling wildlife and is a must-do addition to your itinerary. 

Our eco-travellers recommend Tawau Hills Park as fantastic for hiking. During the day, the trails are clearly marked and structured, so it’s easy to explore on your own. The night hikes, though, are something special! After sunset, the park transforms into a completely different world. Join our expert guides for nocturnal wildlife walks, where you will encounter the park’s after-dark residents, such as giant river toads, mouse deer, and colugo. In addition, our guides provide fascinating insights about the nocturnal ecosystem, introducing you to unique species such as rare frogs, spiders, and scorpions.

If marine wildlife excites you, head toward the coast to spot the Irrawaddy dolphin hunting fish. These inshore-adapted dolphins stand out due to their high, rounded foreheads instead of pointed beaks. Another larger dolphin species in the area, the Indo-Pacific humpbacked dolphin, varies in color from white to grey and sometimes, interestingly, even pink.

If you are up for a real challenge, climbing the park’s peaks is an exhilarating experience with adrenaline-pumping moments. Mount Magdalena, Mount Lucia, and Mount Maria provide thrilling climbs, and permits are available for international visitors at a fee. If you want to summit a few peaks at once, this option is also available with professional guides ensuring your safety. Some of these trips might require a minimum number of participants.

Local Culture and Conservation Stories

Tawau Hills Park is not only a natural treasure but also a testament to Borneo’s successful conservation efforts. The park has become a model for preservation, maintaining over 27,972 hectares of pristine rainforest. This protected area ensures that its ecosystems are preserved for future generations.

The park is located at the border of an oil palm plantation, which presents quite a surreal and contrasting view. It shows the importance of protecting the area and making long-term conservation efforts. Buffer zones surrounding the park help to protect its boundaries from encroachment and help to mitigate the impacts of human activities.

Wildlife conservation efforts are underway to monitor and protect several endangered species. Research, monitoring, anti-poaching methods, habitat protection, and restoration are all vital components of these efforts. Additionally, indigenous communities have played a vital role in this conservation journey, blending traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches to protect the park’s unique ecosystem.

Conclusion: Tawau Hills Park – A Hidden Paradise

Are you ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of Tawau Hills Park? Our team is excited to show you what Tawau Hills Park has to offer – a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and conservation. Whether you’re hiking volcanic peaks, relaxing in therapeutic hot springs, or observing hornbills in their natural habitat, every moment in this hidden paradise is an unforgettable experience. Each season offers something special, from wildlife watching during fig season to thrilling night hikes and mountain climbs. 

The best wildlife experience is included with our specialized ecotravel rainforest trekking tour, which offers jungle trekking, waterfall hikes, and incredible wildlife experiences. Exploring the island on your own can be tricky, so our guided tours ensure you see the very best of Tawau Hills with ease. What makes this experience even more meaningful is that our local guides not only have an incredible depth of knowledge of the region’s species, but also run a non-profit conservation organization. By choosing this tour, you will contribute to conserving Borneo’s unique natural heritage.

Tawau Hills Park is a sanctuary where you can explore, learn, and make memories that will last long after your Borneo trip ends.