Rumbia Information Centre

Kuala Penyu

There is more than meets eye when it comes to the sago plant, also known as rumbia. It has fascinated local communities and foreign visitors alike with its wide variety of uses and many visit the Rumbia Information Centre in Kuala Penyu to learn more about it.

Scientifically known as matroxylon sagus or metroxylon rumphii, the rumbia comes from the family of palmae. It is mostly found in Kuala Penyu and the surrounding districts of Beaufort and Papar. Sago Palm matures in 9 to 12 years. The starch or sago is extracted from the stem of a matured rumbia. Sago is rich in carbohydrate and is an alternative staple food for the Bisayas and Kadazan (Dusun Tatana) people, and is locally known as "ambuyut". It was said that during the Japanese occupation, the local population was saved from starvation by making sago their staple food.

No part of the sago palm is discarded. The locals used the leave as roofing materials and the branches (known locally as kumbar) for making their house's walls. Floor mats, baskets of various sizes and shape are some of the examples of things made entirely from various parts of the plant.

The information centre, located in Kampung Kasugira, also holds exhibitions on handicrafts made out of the sago plant and a demonstration on how to make sago delicacies. If you're ever in the quaint district of Kuala Penyu, be sure to swing by!

Opening hours
Monday - Thursday -8:00am - 12:00pm
2:00pm - 4:30pm

Friday- 8:00am - 11:30am
2:00pm - 4:30pm


Saturday-8:00am - 12:30pm

Closed on Sunday

Kuala Penyu

A town located in the Interior Division of Sabah, it is home to the Kadazan or Dusun Tatana community as the largest single ethnic group. Kuala Penyu is located on the Klias Peninsula, which was originally covered with mangrove swamp forests. Administratively, this district is divided into three parts—Sitompok, Bundu and Menumbok.

It is one of the gateways to Pulau Tiga Survivor Island. Kuala Penyu is famous for its beaches, especially the Tempurung Beach, Sawangan Beach and Sungai Labuan Waterfront. Kuala Penyu is also a district dotted by sago trees which are widely planted throughout the area. In fact, the sago plant is such a popular product in the district that there is an annual celebration for it called the Pesta Rumbia.

Tamu Kuala Penyu

Kuala Penyu is a quaint district located some 114 km from Kota Kinabalu. The town comes alive each Tuesday as traders and members of the community gather at the daily Tamu(market). From leafy greens to delicious local cakes, vendors proudly display their goods, enticing passers-by with bargains. Come and join the hustle and bustle of traders at this weekly market.
Held onTuesday
Opening hoursMost ‘tamu' operate as early as 6am and close by 2pm

Kota Marudu

A tiny district in the Kudat division, Kota Marudu is mainly populated by the Kimaragang and Tobilung Dusun communities with other dwellers consisting of the Bajau, Bugis, Brunei, orang Sungai, and Suluk natives. Situated in the northern region of Sabah, Kota Marudu is bordered by Kudat, Kota Belud, Pitas and Beluran. It is located 130 kilometers away from Kota Kinabalu city, roughly 2 hours drive away.

Kota Marudu is formerly known as ‘Bandau’, derived from the KadazanDusun word ‘Mondou’; which according to local ancient folklore is a buffalo-like creature that had caused the residents much terror. The district’s name was consequently changed to Kota Marudu, after a famous port on Marudu Bay which was built by local warrior, Shariff Osman.

Tamu Kota Marudu

Tamu Kota Marudu held every Sunday at Pekan Goshen
Big or small, tamus or open market sprout wherever people need to trade. The Tenom 'Tamu' is meeting place of the Kadazandusun, Tatana from different villages from different villages and other local ethnic groups.

Even today it is as much market as local gathering where traders from the far and near come together to discuss the latest events. Kuala Penyu is the main local producer of Sago, visitor will find handicraft here, fresh exotic fruits, vegetables, dried and fresh fish, sarongs, pots and pands and of course safo even electrical items.

Kota Belud

The quaint town of Kota Belud lies about 70 kilometers, or an hour’s drive away, from Kota Kinabalu. Well-known for its ‘Land of the Cowboys of the East’ soubriquet, it is also one of the most scenic and culturally abundant districts in Sabah.

This town of Kota Belud is a tapestry of cultures and customs; embracing those of the Bajau Muslim majority and smatterings of the KadazanDusun and Irranun mores. For many centuries, Kota Belud has played an imperative role as the cultural hub of Northern Borneo.
Until today, the Kota Belud Tamu remains as the rendezvous for people to mingle and trade.

Kampung Kuala Abai

One of the most prominent must-see stops near Kota Belud is Kampung Kuala Abai. It is a popular fishing village which is situated facing the South China Sea. Kampung Kuala Abai is also the departure point for Mantanani Island; a famous spot for fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving. Located 20 kilometers away from Kota Belud and 90 kilometers from Kota Kinabalu, it is home to the Bajau Laut (Sea Bajau) community.Getting ThereGetting to Kampung Kuala Abai takes 1 hour and 30 minutes of car journey from Kota Kinabalu.

Kota Belud District

Kota Belud is the hometown of the Bajau ‘cowboys’ who are Sabah’s very own horsemen. This Sabahan native group is famed for rearing and handling of horses.
The quaint and lively little town affectionately addressed by the locals as KB is also home to Sabah’s most vibrant and illustrious weekly ‘tamu’ market. The word ‘tamu’ means “meeting place”; up to this day it is very much a place where traders from the surrounding areas come together both for trading purposes and to discuss the latest events.
Visitors of the Kota Belud district will find many of Sabah’s handicrafts here, muddled up with betel nut stalls, vegetables, dried and fresh fish, sarongs, pots and pans, and Taiwan-made electrical items.

Tamu Kota Belud

When in Kota Belud, be sure to drop by the famous Tamu Kota Belud. This weekly market is a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds and smells as traders gather here to sell their produce. From leafy greens to delicious local cakes, vendors proudly display their goods, enticing passersby with bargains.

Once a year, Kota Belud hosts the Tamu Besar - an annual event where people flock to this quaint district to join in the festivities. Tamu Besar - which means Big Market - is literally the biggest tamu organised throughout Sabah. It is a time when traders come out in full force with their best goods and the local residents highlight the colourful cultures of Kota Belud.

A sight to behold is the Cowboys of the East. Bajau horsemen dress their horses and ponies in resplendent costumes, while displaying their unrivaled horse-riding skills. A great time to witness traditional sports such as buffalo racing and the crowning of the Sarempak/Senisip Beauty Queens. Check the event listing to see when this year's Tamu Besar Kota Belud will take place.

Held onSundays

Opening hoursMost ‘tamu' operate as early as 6am and close by 2pm

Kinarut / Papar (Day 2 )

Dubbed ‘the Rice Bowl of Sabah’, the agricultural town of Papar is situated 38.5 kilometers from the State Capital, Kota Kinabalu. Journey from Kota Kinabalu to reach Papar takes pproximately 45 minutes to 1 hour by car and 1 hour and 30 minutes by train. The main attraction in Papar would be its tamu (Sunday market) which offers a wide variety of juicy local fruits, unique Sabahan handicrafts, fresh vegetables, fish, and many more.

Dinawan Island

Surrounded by the serene waters of South China Sea, Dinawan Island is reachable via speedboat from the Marina Sutera jetty in approximately 25 minutes.

This premier island resort is built on a lustrous tropical rainforest in the midst of clear, blue sea with warm and gentle blowing sea breeze. It is built with minimum disturbance to the natural surroundings - an excellent place to engulf oneself in tranquil island atmosphere.

A stay in the resort will give visitors a taste of untainted nature at its divine best! Be thrilled by the sights and sounds of squawking hornbills flying free in the rainforests, and enjoy a breathtaking view of the majestic Mount Kinabalu in the morning.

Guests can entertain themselves with a myriad of exciting activities such as snorkeling, sea walking, scuba diving, and other water sports. Other available activities include day and night fishing, a game of pool, and a game of mahjong. Guests can also enhance their zen experience by getting a traditional massage.

For queries regarding overnight accommodation, please refer to tour operator.

Kawang Forest Centre

The verdant 1, 551 hectare Kawang Forest Reserve is situated in Kawang; somewhere along the Kota Kinabalu – Papar road, about 23 kilometers from KK city and 30 kilometers from Papar town.
This forest reserve was gazetted on March 16, 1957 in an effort to preserve and sustain the biodiversity of the Primary Forest Reserve. In 1984, it was re-classified as a Second Class Domestic Forest Reserve. The main function of this forest reserve is to supply gravity water to the locals living within its proximity.

Adventurous nature lovers will truly appreciate a jungle trekking expedition in the Kawang Forest Centre. Thinking of roughing it for a night? The Kawang Forest Centre makes an excellent spot for camping and other recreational activities. Those who are neither afraid of the dark nor repelled by bad smell should also explore the bat cave for more thrills and spills.

The Kawang Forest Reserve is equipped with facilities such as an information centre, changing room, toilet, 10 units of camping site, and 3 units of chalet. It is open to visitors daily from 8am to 12 noon and 2pm to 4.30pm every day except Fridays, and 8am to 11.30am and 2pm to 4.30pm on Fridays.

A visit to the Kawang Forest Centre guarantees heaps of fun and provides quintessential nature education for the urban dwellers.

Kinarut / Papar ( Day 1 )

KK Adventure Park

Located at Kampung Beringgis, Kinarut; The KK Adventure Park is especially designed to suit the penchants of unremitting adrenaline junkies who thrive on adventures.

Visitors can look forward to a smorgasbord of adrenaline pumping activities such as quad biking, riding on the beach buggies, bungee trampolines, high rope challenges, kayaking, doing the flying fox, wall climbing, taking the high ropes course challenge, giant chess, miniature golfing, as well as participating in Ken’s hidden treasure hunting.

The KK Adventure Park is open daily from 9am to 6pm.

Activities/ Facilities
1:All Terrain Vehicles(a) Buggy Rides(b) Quad Bikes-RM60/ 5 minsRM50/ 15 mins
2:Kayaks(a) Single Pax(b) Double Pax-RM50/ 90 minsRM70/ 90 mins
3:Bungee Trampolines-RM25/ 5 mins
4:Wall Climbing (3-face 9 Climbs)-RM20/ 15 mins
5:20ft Hign Ropes Course (7 events)-RM10 per event/ 30 mins
6:Low Ropes Course (11 events)-RM20/ 30 mins
7:Flying Fox (40 ft high, 458ft long)-RM20 per trip
8:Flying Squirrel (under 12 years old)-RM15 per trip
9:Giant Chess-RM10 per pax
10:Hidden Treasure (Under 10 years old)-RM10/ 15 mins
11:Crazy Ken’s Kids Brain teaser-RM10/ 25 mins
12:Coconut Tree Climbing (40ft high)-RM10 per trip
13:Krazy Ken’s 9-hole Mini Golf-RM15 per pax

Be warned that the activities listed here all involve an element of risk. All participants are required to sign a liability waiver prior to jumping the gun.

Papar District

The agricultural town of Papar is situated 38.5 kilometers from the State Capital, Kota Kinabalu. Journey from Kota Kinabalu to reach Papar takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour by car and 1 hour and 30 minutes by train.

The most popular spot in the Papar district is its Tamu (Sunday market) which opens every Sunday from 6a.m to 1.30p.m. The Tamu offers a wide variety of juicy local fruits, unique Sabahan handicrafts, fresh vegetables, fish, and many more.

Visitors who take the train will get to cross the Papar River over a steel trestle bridge as Papar, the ‘Rice Bowl of Sabah’ comes into view.

Getting ThereVisitors intending to visit Papar can come either by train, bus, or taxi.

Visitors may take the train at the Tanjung Aru Train Station to reach Papar Train Station. From Monday to Saturday, the train is scheduled to depart at 7.45a.m and on Sunday, the train departures are scheduled at 7.45a.m and 1.35p.m. Train fare per person is RM1.85 per way.

Buses to Papar can be taken at the Bus Station if front of Wawasan Plaza; drop off point is at the Papar Bus Station. Please communicate with the bus driver or the conductor regarding your desired drop off point. Buses are available daily from 6.30a.m to 6p.m. Bus fare is RM5 per person/way.

Otherwise, visitors with extra budget allocation can take a taxi (from taxi station near Merdeka field) to Papar. Taxi fare is RM50 per taxi/way.

Keningau

This sprawling timber and agricultural town district is located in the Interior Division of Sabah—it is the largest and oldest district in Sabah’s interior part. The Keningau district is situated in a valley surrounded by the Crocker Range to the west and the Trus Madi Range to the east and south sides. The district consists of 43 mukims and approximately 245 villages.

Keningau got its name from that of a Javanese cinnamon tree which grows abundantly in this area. It was once one of the most important administration centers of the British in the early 1900s. During its occupation in World War II, the Japanese also utilized Keningau as one of its government centers.

Crocker Range Park

144 kilometers away from Kota Kinabalu is the Crocker Range National Park (CRNP), situated in the Crocker Range, Sabah. The Crocker Range Park is located 13 kilometers from Keningau town, approximately 25 minutes away by car.

The Crocker Range was designated to be a forest reserve in 1968. In 1984, Crocker Range Nature Park was then established in order to protect the water catchments area which was supplying clean drinking water to the West Coast and the interior of Sabah. It was renamed Taman Banjaran Crocker (Crocker Range Park) in 1996 and is managed by the Sabah Parks.

Located in the heart of Crocker Range Park, the newly developed Sabah Park’s facility which opened in February 2004 is ideal a place for meetings, camping, jungle trekking and outdoor educational activities. Among the attractions to found in the Crocker Range Park are the Rafflesia sites, trekking courses, and camping ground.

The rising concern for protecting its rich biodiversity and rare species of flora and fauna had been the prime propellant in the initiative to gazette it as a national park.

TariffsUpon entry, visitors are charged RM3 per person.

Those intending to rough it out on the camping ground are charged RM5 per person (adults) and RM1 for youth below 18 years of age. The Crocker Range Park is open daily from 8a.m to 5p.m.

Trus Madi Forest Reserve

The Trus Madi Forest Reserve was gazetted in 1962 covering 75, 692 hectares of lush forest. In 1984, it was regazetted and was classified as a Class 2 Forest Reserve covering an extensive 184, 527 hectares of area.

The Trus Madi Forest Reserve is bordered by three districts—Ranau up north, Tambunan on the west, Keningau down south, and Sook in the east. Its highest peak, Mount Trusmadi which stands at 2,642 meters high, is only the second highest peak in Malaysia after Mount Kinabalu which is 4,095.2 meters high.

Five different vegetation types are to be found in this forest reserve: lowland mixed dipterocarp forest, hill mixed dipterocarp forest, lower montane forest, upper montane forest, and summit scrub.For adrenaline junkies, the Trus Madi Forest Reserve is a great place for a mountain climbing and jungle trekking trip. Don’t forget to bring along your insect repellents too for a camping weekend.

Getting ThereGetting to Trus Madi Forest Reserve takes 2 hours by 4 wheel drive from Kota Kinabalu. Please arrange with the tour operator for more information.

Beaufort ( Day 3 )

Weston WetlandBeaufort


One of Sabah's hidden treasures, Weston Wetland is a fantastic getaway for the nature-lover. Make your way to the small town of Weston. Your boat ride to the Weston Wetland Retreat begins from the 100-year old jetty by the village.


The lodge is an establishment built in the heart of Weston's swamp area, offering plenty to see and do. Lodging is basic and dormitory-style; a wooden ‘longhouse' with common bathrooms. Go on a river cruise in search of the elusive Proboscis Monkey, cheeky macaques and flying fox. Along the way, learn crab-catching the traditional way.


A hike along the nature trail will lead you to many exotic pitcher plants growing wild. In the evening, enjoy a home-cooked meal at the Kingfisher Lounge, built on stilts and offering a panoramic view of the wetlands. When the lights go off, it's show time! Hundreds of fireflies light up the trees, illuminating the stillness of the night. Another must-do activity? Star-gazing.
The brilliant night sky dazzling with stars will be a sight not soon forgotten right here at the Weston Wetland.


Getting ThereWeston is a two-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu and only 20 minutes from the district of Beaufort. Transportation arrangements can be made

Starcevich Memorial Stone



Private Thomas Leslie Starcevich enlisted in the Second Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in April 1941. In December 1941 he joined the 2/43rd Battalion, 24th Brigade, 9th Division in Palestine.
In April 1945, the 9th Division left for Borneo in the closing months of World War 11. There in Beaufort town and with his unit under fire from the enemy, Starcevich displayed tremendous bravery when he twice approached enemy fire, rushing forward and firing from his Bren gun. With the enemy machine-gun posts knocked out, his ‘B' Company was able to continue their assault.


Thomas L. Starcevich was awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery and on 28th August 1947, he received his Victoria Cross medal at Western Australia where he eventually returned to farming. He is buried in the Esperance Public Lawn Cemetery, Western Australia.


After the War, the road where the action took place was named Victoria Cross Road by the local townsfolk and a Memorial Stone was erected along it. It is located just near the present-day Beaufort Police station. The inscription on it reads ‘In June 1945, on this hill, by his valour and disregard of danger, Private L.T Starcevich of 2/43rd Battalion A.I.F (Australian Imperial Forces), routed the Japanese defenders.'



By train, board from the Tanjung Aru Train Station. Fares are RM4.80 one way.Schedule Departure : Mon - Sun 7.45am , Sun 1.35pm.Return from Beaufort : Mon - Sun 9.55am , Sun 10am

Beaufort ( Day 2 )

Klias River

Located on the Klias Peninsula is the Klias Wetland, a Mangrove Forest Reserve. With the bizarre-looking proboscis monkey gaining as much popularity with the tourists as the orang utan, the Klias Wetland with its large proboscis population is fast becoming the latest ecotourism destination in Sabah.

These tree-dwelling animals normally hunt for food in the evenings so many boat cruises depart the Kota Klias jetty at around 3.00pm.Other riverside residents that may be spotted are macaques, crocodiles, moniter lizards, tree snakes and birds such as the eagle.

Back on the jetty, enjoy a natural light show when hundreds of fireflies put on a glowing performance for your benefit.

Getting ThereLocated 110km south of Kota Kinabalu, Klias is about a 2-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu City. You may want to arrange your visit with a local tour operator.

Garama Wetland

Another unique eco-tourism destination for you to explore in Sabah.Take a leisurely boat cruise along the Garama River to look out for the curious-looking Proboscis Monkey with its over-sized nose and pot belly. They usually hang out in small groups that consist of a dominant male and four or five females. Feeding on leaves and seeds, they go from tree to tree and are best sighted during the day or late afternoons. These animals are only found on the island of Borneo.

This tranquil setting of mangroves, palms, scrubs and secondary forests also attracts other wildlife like Macaques, the rare silver Leaf monkey, flying foxes, birds and water buffalos. The cruise lasts for 1 ½ hours and ends as the sun sets and daylight fades into dusk. There are a few riverside refreshment places along the Garama River serving up local dishes and refreshing drinks.

Getting ThereThe drive to Beaufort from Kota Kinabalu City is about 2 hours via the Beaufort Highway, southwest of Sabah. Travel another 25km to Kampung Garama to start your river cruise. This tour is best arranged with a tour-operator.

Beaufort

Beaufort District

Known for its annual flooding, this so-called Venice of the East is characterized by its shops built off the ground. One of the bigger towns along the railway line, Beaufort is the transit stop for passengers boarding the railcar to Tenom, continuing on by road to Menumbok then boarding the ferry from there to Labuan.

Beaufort was named after Leicester P. Beaufort, a lawyer and an administrator in the Chartered Company in the late 1800s who unfortunately was said to have neither any experience of the East nor of administration, but was appointed as Governor anyway.

Less than 95km from Kota Kinabalu City, you can drive there via the Beaufort Highway in 1 ½ hours or go by train, a ride that will take 2 hours. Local green oranges are this area's prized produce, as well as other local fruits. This is also where all whitewater rafters doing the Padas River will have to come to start their train ride to Panggi station where the rafting begins.

About 45 minutes drive away from Beaufort is the town of Kuala Penyu, where you pass through to go to Pulau Tiga, otherwise known as Survivor Island (of the popular ‘Survivor' television series.)

Getting ThereBy train, board from the Tanjung Aru Train Station. Fares are RM4.80 one way.
Schedule Departure : Mon - Sun 7.45am , Sun 1.35pm.
Return from Beaufort : Mon - Sun 9.55am, Sun 10am

Hotel & Resort

Sutera Harbour Golf & Country Club

In the midst of the luxurious Sutera Harbour Resort complex is the Sutera Golf Course, a magnificent 27- hole par 72, 9351m championship golf course designed by Graham Marsh. It comprises the Lake 1-9, heritage 10-18 and Garden 19-27 and is a ‘masterpiece' that combines nature with ingenious architecture to create a first-class course. Words from the man himself.

Centrally located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu City and just 10 minutes from the International Airport, it offers both day and night golfing. Its signature hole is the 24th par 4, 330m (Garden Course) with the challenge provided by the sandy waste and the ocean which comes precariously close to the undulating green.

Other facilities include a driving range, putting green, chipping and bunker practice area, Resident Pro, Pro-shop, buggy rental, locker rooms with sauna facilities and a golf club house. In-house guests at the Sutera are allowed cross-signing privileges.

Sabah Golf & Country Club

Situated along Jalan Kolam 10 minutes drive from the KK City Centre is the SGCC, Sabah's oldest 18-hole golf course which opened for play in 1976.This challenging par 72, 6335m championship course was designed by Robert Muir Graves and acknowledged as one of South East Asia's toughest courses. The longest and probably the most difficult hole is Hole 14 par 5, 625 yards but according to the locals, brain presides over brawn here.

Play is by member arrangement. The club facilities include golfers' lounge, tennis/squash courts, practice green, golf set rental, changing rooms, restaurants, gym, games rooms, pool and driving range.