Tambunan is a valley district covering an area of 1,347 kilometers square in Interior Division, Sabah, Malaysia. It is located 80 kilometres east of the state capital, Kota Kinabalu (to which is connected by the Kota Kinabalu-Tambunan-Keningau Highway, 48 kilometres south of Ranau and 48 kilometres north of Keningau. At an average altitude of 750 meters, this valley, which is part of the Crocker Range, experiences a mild tropical climate all year long. The valley is peppered with terraced paddy fields and 70 villages.

The dense forests of bamboo around Tambunan are a legacy of the British colonial period, during which an edict stated that 20 bamboo sprouts had to be planted for every bamboo cut. The Mat Salleh Memorial, located in the middle of paddy fields at Kampung Tibabar (Tibabar Village), is a concrete structure erected by the state government in memory of Datu Paduka Mat Salleh. Better known as Mat Salleh, he led a rebellion against the British North Borneo Company in the late 19th century in response to the locals' dissatisfaction with alleged exploitation by the Company. He was killed in a gun battle with the British police on 1 February 1900. The memorial was erected on the spot where Mat Salleh was killed after Sabah became part of Malaysia.

Tambunan is noted for the quality of its lihing and tapai. These are rice wines traditionally made by the Kadazan and Dusun peoples of Sabah. Just outside the town is the Rafflesia Forest Reserve, devoted to the world's largest flower, the Rafflesia. East of Tambunan is Sabah's second highest mountain, Trus Madi.

How to Get There

By Plane

Kota Kinabalu International Airport (IATA: BKI, ICAO: WBKK) is an international airport, which located in the city of Kota Kinabalu, the state capital of Sabah, the land below the wind. It is situated about 8 km away from the heart of the Kota Kinabalu city centre. The airport is approximately 1.5 hours from Tambunan.

Tourist Attractions

Tambunan Silat Festival

This three-day Tambunan open market extravaganza is the largest open market in the interior region of Sabah, which promises an array of goods, food and local handicrafts for visitors to discover and purchase. Don’t miss the cultural performances and other activities during this festival.

The Tambunan Music Festival

The Tambunan Music Festival takes place on the banks of the Tondulu River, showcasing Tambunan-born and bred entertainers. Enjoy the melodies of the valley through an array of evergreen as well as contemporary hits during the first ever music festival in Tambunan.

Hotels

Tambunan Rafflesia Hotel

Tambunan Rafflesia Hotel is a newly establish hotel in Tambunan and located near Tambunan town. its excellently situated and approximately 75 minutes’ drive from Kota Kinabalu and 45 minutes’ drive from Keningau. The Hotel itself located at Pusat Penerangan Pelancongan Tambunan building, which in turn will benefit the guest to know more about Tambunan and what Tambunan can offer in tourism industry.

Tambunan Rafflesia Hotel offer 2 variant of view which is paddy field view and village view. Equipped with 12 room, T Tambunan Rafflesia Hotel offer 3 types of room namely Executive king, Deluxe queen, and Deluxe Twin room.Tambunan Rafflesia Hotel offer a comfortable stay as we provide a spacious parking space, and security guard to to secure the guest safety and also their belonging so the guest can have their stay with ease of mind. The restaurant will serve your appetite with various type of delicacy that will make your stay more enjoyable and worth to remember.

Padi View Resthouse

Situated 12 km from Centre Point Sabah in Tambunan, Padi View Resthouse features free WiFi access and free private parking. Every room has a flat-screen TV. Certain units feature a seating area where you can relax. You will find a kettle in the room. The rooms are fitted with a private bathroom.