By Geena Roslyna
In the spirit of World Ranger Day 2026 with this year marking 20 years since this global observance began, we honour rangers worldwide who face the growing pressures of climate extremes, biodiversity loss and wildlife crime.
The HelloSabah team chatted with veteran ranger of Tawau Hills Park, Mr. Jolumin, ahead of the upcoming Tropical Rainforest Run (TRR) 2026 on 20 September 2026.
Mr. Jolumin has served with Sabah Parks for 22 years, joining full-time as a Park Ranger in 2006 before being posted to Tawau Hills Park in 2016.
Over the course of his service, he has become one of the people who knows this park’s trails best, knowledge that will prove invaluable to the hundreds of runners set to take on the 10KM and 28KM routes this year.
The Stretch That Will Surprise Runners Most
According to Mr. Jolumin, the 28KM route offers runners a true taste of the rainforest, winding entirely through hilly forest terrain for an experience unlike typical trail races elsewhere. The 10KM route has its own charm too, with a final 1.5-kilometre stretch that makes for a memorable finish.
Bombalai Peak (CP3, 10KM Route)
Photo Credits: 乐飞翎 luvfeelin
As the highest point on the 10KM route, Bombalai Peak also serves as a checkpoint (CP3). Every runner is required to collect their final wrist band here as proof of having completed the designated route before heading to the finish line.
Mount Lucia & Bumburing Hut (CP3–CP4, 28KM Route)
Photo Credits: MySabah.com
For 28KM runners, the journey reaches new heights around the 12-kilometre mark, where the route climbs Mount Lucia to an elevation of nearly 1,197 metres. Mr. Jolumin describes this stretch as one of the more scenic yet demanding parts of the trail, with exposed tree roots along the way. His tip for runners: take it at a steady pace, breathe easy, and enjoy the climb.
Gelas Waterfall & Sulfur Hotsprings
Photo Credits: Monmaria
Interestingly, runners won’t actually pass by or see Bukit Gelas Waterfall directly, yet its name still draws curiosity. “Gelas” is said to refer either to how the waterfall glimmers like glass (“gelas”) when struck by sunlight, or to the way rocks jutting out along its lower cascade resemble something being carried, or “digalas” (slung over one’s shoulder).
Meanwhile, the Sulfur Hotsprings, located about 3.2 kilometres from the finish line, offer a unique experience, the water is 100% naturally warm, carries a rotten-egg (sulfur) smell, and is said by medical practitioners to be beneficial for skin conditions.
Wildlife Along the Trail
Photo Credits: 乐飞翎 luvfeelin
Tawau Hills Park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including hornbills, orangutans, red leaf monkeys, barking deer, sambar deer, wild boar, gibbons, and clouded leopards. According to Mr. Jolumin, sightings are rare but keep your eyes and ears open, as you never know what you might encounter along the way.
A Ranger’s Daily Work
Beyond serving as the annual TRR route, this trail is also open to the public year-round for hiking. To ensure user safety, trail inspections are carried out once a month, covering tasks such as clearing fallen trees, removing thorny rattan or wood that could injure runners, and setting up trail-marking ribbons along the route.
A Ranger’s Role on Race Day
On race day itself, ranger responsibilities include:
● Ensuring all runners stay on the designated route
● Ensuring no runners continue past the cut-off time (COT) at the Mount Lucia and Bombalai Peak summits
● Filing a final report to Park management and co-organiser Sri Pelancongan Sabah confirming no runners or personnel remain within the park after the event concludes
● Ensuring all other personnel carry out their rubbish from duty stations or overnight posts along the route
● Assisting Hospital and Civil Defence Force (JPAM) teams in the event of any injuries along the running route
TRR’s Role in Conservation
In Mr. Jolumin’s view, annual events like TRR play an important role in raising awareness and educating the public about natural forest conservation, particularly among local and international participants stepping into the rainforest for the very first time.
What Keeps Him Coming Back
Asked what continues to draw him back to these trails every day, Mr. Jolumin’s answer is simple but sincere: making sure every trail remains safe to pass through at all times, and the satisfaction of serving members of the public who enjoy hiking.
A Message to Every Runner
Closing out the interview, Mr. Jolumin shared his hope for all TRR 2026 participants:
“I hope runners don’t experience anything unfortunate during this race simply from chasing the rewards on offer. Instead, take in the natural beauty of Tawau Hills Park. Your safety is our priority.”
In the spirit of World Ranger Day, our appreciation goes out to Mr. Jolumin and all the rangers of Sabah Parks who continue to safeguard the safety and beauty of the state’s forest reserves, including the very trail that hundreds of TRR runners will take on this 20 September.
Tropical Rainforest Run 2026 takes place on 20 September 2026 at Tawau Hills Park, featuring ITRA-certified 10KM and 28KM categories. Registration closes 20 August 2026.
Register for the Tropical Rainforest Run 2026:
https://climbathon.com.my/tropical-rainforest-run-2026/
