Sabah - Borneo - page 219

KK-Tenom express buses also pass through, though you may have to ask them to stop.
The minivan shelter is in the middle of Tambunan town. Minivans to KK pass the en-
trance to the Rafflesia reserve; you'll usually be charged for the whole trip to KK.
MT TRUS MADI
About 20km southeast of Tambunan town is the dramatic Mt Trus Madi , Sabah's
second-highest peak, rising to 2642m. Although logging concessions encircle the mount,
the upper slopes and peak are wild and jungle-clad and classified as forest reserve. As-
cents are possible, however it's more challenging than Mt Kinabalu, and more difficult to
arrange. Independent trekkers must be well equipped and bring their own provisions up
the mountain. It is possible to go by 4WD (RM500) up to about 1500m, from where it is a
five- to seven-hour climb to the top. There are places to camp halfway up the mountain
and on the summit. Before setting off, you are strongly advised to hire a guide (RM200)
or at least get maps and assistance from the Tambunan Village Resort Centre or Forestry
Department (Jabatan Perhutanan; 089-660811, 087-774691) in Tambunan. Bring
winter clothes, as it gets cold towards the peak, and be prepared for a long, muddy slog.
You can get here on your own, but it's far easier to organise with a tour company. Trop-
ical Mountain Holidays ( 013-545 7643, 013-549 2730; ht-
tp://www.tropicalmountainholidaysmalaysia.com ) , based in KK, specializes in Trus Madi
ascents. Their 2-day, 1-night climb up the mountain, which includes transfer from KK,
runs US$300 per person, which is close to what you'll pay if you hire guides and your
own vehicle to get out here.
KENINGAU
If you have a bent for the bucolic, you'll probably want to skip Keningau - this busy ser-
vice town has a touch of urban sprawl about it, and most visitors only pass through to pick
up transport, use an ATM or stock up on supplies. As far as attractions go, you might
check out Taipaek-gung , a colourful Chinese temple in the middle of town, or the large
tamu (market) held every Thursday.
For a sleepover, try Hotel Juta ( 087-337888; www.sabah.com.my/juta ; Lg Milime-
wa 2; standard/superior d from RM175; ) , which towers over the busy town centre.
It's convenient to transport, banking and shopping needs, and rooms are nicely appointed
in the Western- businessman style. There is a restaurant on the premises. Shabbier options
include the nearby Crown Hotel ( 087-338555; Lg Milimewa; standard/superior d
from RM40).
There are eight daily express buses to/from KK (RM15, 2½ hours) and four to/from
Tenom (RM8, one hour). These buses stop at the Bumiputra Express stop on the main