Established in 1979, Tawau Hills Park serves to protect key water catchment resources for both the Semporna Peninsula and Tawau Town. Situated 24 km northwest of Tawau, this 27,972-hectare sanctuary is the origin of no fewer than seven major rivers. Among them, the Tawau River winds through the core of the park, creating various waterfalls, including Table Waterfall, along with numerous deep natural pools.
Plants of Tawau Hills Park
Tawau Hills Park is dominated by ancient lowland dipterocarp rainforest, one of the world’s oldest and most biodiverse forest ecosystems. Nearly half of the park, particularly areas below 500 metres above sea level, is covered by lush primary rainforest that is home to towering commercial timber species such as the Mengaris tree (Koompassia excelsa), well known for hosting giant wild honeybee colonies. The park is also home to the remarkable Seraya Siput Kuning (Shorea faguetiana), which stands at 88.32 metres and was once recorded as one of the tallest tropical trees in the world. As the elevation rises above 1,000 metres, the landscape gradually changes into cool, mist-covered mossy forest, where orchids, epiphytes, ferns, and forest herbs thrive in the damp conditions. Around 150 orchid species have been recorded in the park, including the iconic Elephant Ear Orchid (Phalaenopsis gigantea), an orchid endemic to Borneo that is famous for having the largest leaves of any orchid species in the world, making Tawau Hills Park a paradise for botanists, photographers, and nature enthusiasts alike.
In addition to its towering trees and spectacular wild orchids, Tawau Hills Park is home to countless species of ferns, pitcher plants, palms, fungi, and medicinal plants, reflecting the park’s exceptional botanical diversity!
Wildlife of Tawau Hills Park
Tawau Hills Park is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, although many of its inhabitants are naturally shy and best spotted with patience and a bit of luck. The park’s pristine rainforest provides an important sanctuary for a wide range of mammals, from playful Long-tailed Macaques and Red Leaf Monkeys to the agile Bornean Gibbons, Maroon Langurs, and Grey Leaf Monkeys that move gracefully through the forest canopy. Lucky visitors may even catch a glimpse of iconic Bornean wildlife such as the Bornean Elephant or the endangered Orangutans in the surrounding forest landscapes.
Bird enthusiasts will find Tawau Hills Park particularly rewarding. The park is one of Sabah’s important birdwatching destinations, with more than 200 recorded bird species. Among its highlights are six of Sabah’s eight hornbill species: the Black Hornbill, Bushy-crested Hornbill, Helmeted Hornbill, Rhinoceros Hornbill, White-crowned Hornbill, and Wreathed Hornbill. Visitors may also encounter three of Borneo’s most spectacular pheasants, the Crested Fireback, Great Argus, and Malayan Peacock-Pheasant, making the park a favourite destination for bird photographers and nature lovers alike.
The park also supports a rich diversity of reptiles and amphibians. Forest Tortoises are often seen along the trails, while the park’s crystal-clear streams provide habitats for numerous frog species and small freshwater fish. As evening falls, the chorus of frogs creates a unique rainforest soundtrack, adding to the park’s magical atmosphere.
Other fascinating mammals that inhabit the park include the Giant Tree Squirrel, Civet Cats, Leopard Cats, and, on rare occasions, the elusive Sunda Clouded Leopard. Smaller creatures such as butterflies, beetles, stick insects, and colourful spiders also thrive within the rainforest ecosystem, highlighting the park’s remarkable biodiversity.
Thanks to its largely undisturbed rainforest, volcanic soils, and abundant freshwater sources, Tawau Hills Park serves as an important refuge for many of Borneo’s native and endangered species. Whether you’re trekking through lush jungle trails, enjoying a guided nature walk, or simply listening to the sounds of the forest, every visit offers an opportunity to experience one of Sabah’s richest natural habitats.
Go on an Adventure!
Tawau Hills Park is notably distinguished by its trio of majestic peaks: Mount Magdalena, Mount Lucia, and Mount Maria, which reach elevations of 1,310 metres, 1,201 metres, and 1,083 metres respectively. Adventurers aiming to conquer these summits should be mindful that specific conservation fees and official climbing permits are required for the ascent.
For a shorter excursion, a brief thirty-minute trek through the jungle leads to the summit of Bombalai Hill (530 metres). This vantage point offers visitors a sweeping panoramic vista that encompasses vast oil palm plantations, the bustling Tawau town, and the distant horizon where the Sulawesi Sea meets the sky.
Furthermore, nature enthusiasts can explore a variety of captivating trails within the park’s boundaries, including the 3.2 km path to the Sulphur Springs and the 2.5 km journey towards the scenic Bukit Galas Waterfall.
Accommodation in Tawau Hills Park
Magdalena Chalet
- A traditional wooden cabin lodging option located at the Headquarters of Tawau Hills Park, serves as a private, nature-immersive base for families and groups exploring the surrounding primary rainforest.
Mountain Lodge at Km10.55 trail to Mount Lucia
- Mountain Lodge and Lucia Hostel are names for the same accommodation, situated on the slope of Mount Lucia. Located 6.45 km before the peak of Mount Magdalena, the hostel is a spacious, long wooden building featuring five rooms, each equipped with six bunk beds (complete with mattress, pillow, and blanket).
- Features: A private, air-conditioned cabin for families, surrounded by rainforest.
Bombalai Jungle Lodge at Park HQ
- Location: Near the park entrance.
- Details: Offers 9 rooms with four single beds each. Perfect for hikers seeking proximity to trails.
Want to experience Tawau Hills Park beyond sightseeing? Join the Tropical Rainforest Run 2026 and turn your adventure into a contribution towards protecting this incredible natural heritage. The run offers participants the opportunity to experience Tawau’s rainforest while supporting conservation efforts, with 10% of all running fees going towards conservation projects at Tawau Hills Park. By taking part, runners are not only challenging themselves on the trail but also helping contribute to the continued protection of the park’s rainforest, wildlife and natural ecosystems.
