MY · Sabah · 5.59°N 117.11°E

tawai forest reserve

A forest camp with a clear river outside Telupid, and a long guided trip to Tawai Falls.

Best time
March to September usually has the most dry spells. The forest is wet all year, and after heavy rain the gravel track and river crossings to the falls can be impassable.
How long
1–2 days
Getting there
Fly from KL to Sandakan (just under 3 hours) and drive about 2.5 hours west to Telupid, or fly to Kota Kinabalu (about 2.5 hours) and drive about 4 hours via Ranau. The camp is just outside Telupid. The falls need a 4WD on gravel and a guide, both arranged through the camp.
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MY · Sabahtawai forest reserve5.59°N 117.11°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,A forest camp with a clear river outside Telupid, and a long guided trip to Tawai Falls.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingTawai Forest ReserveMY, Sabah
KLtawai forest reserve
≈ 1,731 km from KL, as the crow flies

A big protected forest on the hills around Telupid, right in the middle of Sabah. The Forestry Department's rainforest camp, about 5 km from town, makes an easy break on the long drive between KK and Sandakan, with chalets, short trails and a clear river for a dip. Tawai Falls, deep in the reserve, is a proper expedition.

Makan

  1. Nasi campur in TelupidFill up in town before heading into the forest.Map ↗
  2. A packed lunchAsk the camp to pack rice for the waterfall day; there's nothing to buy out there.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Tawai Rainforest CampChalets, huts and a clear river on the edge of the reserve, good for a swim and a night in the forest.Map ↗
  2. Tawai FallsA tall waterfall deep in the reserve, reached by 4WD on gravel and then a steep, muddy trek. The camp sorts out the permit and guide.Map ↗
  3. Forest trailsShort walks from the camp through ultramafic forest, which grows plants found in few other places in Sabah.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Book the waterfall trip ahead through the camp. It needs a Forestry Department permit and a guide, and you can't just turn up for it.
  • Wear shoes with grip and leech socks, and stay with your guide the whole way. The trail is easy to lose.
  • Bring a change of clothes for the drive back.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.