Wildlifeof Borneo
Tawau Hills Park
Lowland / day-trip
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A rainforest park a short drive from Tawau town, built around a set of natural hot springs and waterfalls that make it one of the most accessible lowland forest experiences in southeastern Sabah — no long boat ride or multi-day trek required. It also protects some of the tallest tropical trees in the world: several dipterocarps here exceed 80m, among the tallest tropical rainforest trees ever measured. The combination of easy access and genuine old-growth forest makes it a solid budget option for wildlife that's usually reserved for far more remote sites.
Best for: day hikes, hot springs, accessible rainforest
Mammals: Bornean Bearded Pig, Long-tailed Macaque, Southern Pig-tailed Macaque, Sunda Giant Squirrel
Birds: Rhinoceros Hornbill, Great Argus, Blue-eared Kingfisher
Snakes: Reticulated Python
Other: Bornean Gibbon, Buffy Fish Owl
Top highlights
- Bornean Gibbon
- Rhinoceros Hornbill
- Great Argus
- Bornean Bearded Pig
- Long-tailed Macaque
- Southern Pig-tailed Macaque
- Buffy Fish Owl
- Sunda Giant Squirrel
- Reticulated Python
- Blue-eared Kingfisher
Accommodation
Mt Lucia Hostel, at KM10.55 on the climbing trail, has simple dorm beds with a shared kitchen and bathroom; most non-climbing day visitors base themselves in Tawau town instead.
