Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TAMBUNAN
Nestled among the green curves of the Crocker Hills, Tambunan, a small agricultural ser-
vice town about 81km from KK, is the first settlement you'll come to in the range. The re-
gion was the last stronghold of Mat Salleh, who became a folk hero for rebelling against
the British in the late 19th century. Sadly, Salleh later blew his reputation by negotiating a
truce, which so outraged his own people that he was forced to flee to the Tambunan plain,
where he was eventually killed.
Sights
Tambunan Rafflesia Reserve
( 088-898500; admission RM5; 8am-3pm) Near the top of the Crocker Range, next
to the main highway 20km from Tambunan, is this park devoted to the world's largest
flower. The Rafflesia is a parasitic plant that grows hidden within the stems of jungle
vines until it bursts into bloom, at which point it eerily resembles the monster plant from
Little Shop of Horrors . The large bulbous flowers can be up to 1m in diameter. The 12 or
so species of Rafflesia here are found only in Borneo and Sumatra; several species are
unique to Sabah, but as they only bloom for a few days it's hard to predict when you'll be
able to see one. Rangers can guide you into the jungle reserve for the day for RM100.
Keningau-bound buses will stop here if you ask the driver to let you off, but getting back
to Tambunan will require hitching on the highway. A round-trip taxi from Tambunan costs
RM100, which includes waiting time.
NATURE RESERVE
Sleeping
Tambunan Village Resort Centre $$
(TVRC; 087-774076; http://tvrc.tripod.com ; 24 Jln TVRC; r & chalets RM60-110;
) The main accommodation game is this quirky resort, located some 2km from the tiny
town centre . The staff at the centre can help arrange trips up Mt Trus Madi. If you're
driving here from KK, the centre is just south of the Shell station on the main road.
RESORT
Getting There & Away
BUS & MINIVAN
Regular minivans ply the roads between Tambunan and KK (RM15, 1½ hours), Ranau
(RM15, two hours), Keningau (RM10, one hour) and Tenom (RM15, two hours).
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