Kawang Forest Reserve

The Kawang Forest Reserve can be found between Kota Kinabalu and Papar, on the old road. With Bill and Rina in the car in front, we took the old Penampang road from the Kadusan Hat roundabout in Donggongon and headed towards the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, passed that and continued passed the Kinarut turn off. We passed through kampung called Limau-limauen, and soon afterwards there was a wooden sign on the left indicating the Kawang Forest Reserve, which was about another half kilometre through some harvested date palm trees.

On arrival, there is a rather gaudy new signboard on the left, and a building in front of you where you must go and register and pay! Yes, its one of those places where we had to pay double, but that only amounted to RM5 so can'tt complain! We were greeted by a very friendly malay "ranger" who seemed extremely pleased to have some visitors - I don't think they get very many, as once again, they are off the tourist trail! We declined the offer of a guide as the paths didn't look to hard to follow. The main attractions here are the Waterfall, and a Bat Cave! It looked like there had been recent "tarting up" of the grounds around the main building. There was a nice new toilet/shower block, some plunge pools (which were empty), and some nice looking cabins which you can rent out for RM250 - they are 3 bedroomed so if there are a few of you, its a very cheap night! There is a BBQ too.

The grounds a lovely and clean and were being tended to by gardeners who all said hello with big wide smiles. On the left ran the river which was beautiful and all of us thought that we would come back and spend a night and bring some G & T!

We followed the path which took us to the front of the waterfall, where there is a nice viewing platform. all around is forest and butterflies and lizards. Terry and I left Bill and Rina here for a half hour or so while we set off to try and find the Bat Cave. This part of the trail was actually not well maintained and there were a lot of fallen trees to negotiate. We weren't really prepared (again!) for a long trek and so turned round agreeing we would come again but with our studded shoes, at which point I fell on a rock that had been disguised by leaves. I fell right on my coxis - the pain was extreme and I lay still for a few minutes, relieved that I hadn't dropped the camera. After a wee while I ventured up right and everythings still worked OK, but I knew I would be bruised and in pain for a few weeks to follow.

Back with Rina & Bill at the waterfall we made our way back to the entrance area and removed a couple of leeches we had picked up (note to spray on more repellent next time!), and decided to head off to Kinarut town for some lunch, where we had noodles and rice and drinks for just RM20! Bargain. All in all, I liked Kawang, and will definitely go back, maybe alone next time so I can spend more time in one spot with the camera, but also with a group to spend the night.

Please see: http://www.sabahtourism.com/sabah-malaysian-borneo/en/destination/159-kawang-forest-centre/ for contact details.