Tawau Hills National Park

Tawau Hills National Park is a protected forest reserve in Sabah that covers lowland rainforest with thick tropical growth throughout. Multiple trails wind through the vegetation and follow natural streams, offering different ways to explore the landscape.

The park was established in 1979 with the main goal of protecting the water supply for Tawau town and keeping the surrounding forest intact. This early action to safeguard drinking water sources remains central to why the park exists today.

The park holds meaning for nearby communities as a source of water and livelihood that must be protected for future generations. Visitors notice how local guides share knowledge about the forest and its resources, reflecting deep respect for the land.

The park entrance is roughly 24 kilometers from Tawau city and accessible by road. You will find camping grounds, chalets, picnic areas, and clearly marked trails suitable for different fitness levels.

Mount Magdalena rises within the park and reaches about 1,310 meters (4,300 feet) at its peak. The volcanic character of this mountain gives it natural hot springs and creates the cascading waterfalls that form throughout the area.