The Virgin Jungle Reserve !

Madai Baturong Forest Reserve Nature Centre

Another treasure of the Sabah’s East Coast is the Madai Baturong Forest Reserve Nature Centre.
This 3,436.5 hectares large area is located about 50 kilometers from Lahad Datu, 15 kilometers from Kunak.

Madai is basically a bird cave where the popular birds nest delicacy originates, while the Baturong cave is riddled with several caverns which contain ancient coffins.

The Madai Baturong Forest Reserve Nature Centre has been classified as a Class 1 forest reserve and is an excellent place for a day of cave exploration trip. Outdoor lovers will delight at the opportunity to familiarize with various aspects of tree species, caves, and the endemic flora and fauna in the area.

In addition to its canopy walkway, visitors of this forest reserve should not miss the chance to take a dip in the cool crystal clear stream of its scenic waterfalls.

Madai-Baturong Forest Reserve Nature Centre

This Virgin Jungle Reserve (VJR) is divided into 2 blocks, which are described as Block I stand for Madai and Block II stand for Baturong. Block I is located along the Lahad Datu-Tawau main road, between the bridge over Sg. Tingkayu and the junction to Kunak. It is about 16 km from Kunak town and about 98 km from Tawau while Block II is located further inland, about 10 km west of Block I.

Waterfall

The Madai-Baturong Forest Recreation Centre is located in the northwestern portion of Block I, where the Lahad Datu-Tawau main road traverses the VJR.

Usually, the Madai-Baturong Forest Recreation Centre is mainly visited by travelers as a rest-stop.

On weekends, visitors come to swim in the river next to the waterfall.

They are mainly from Kunak, Lahad Datu and even Tawau.

The centre is also a popular choice for nearby schools to hold nature camps.



The collection of bird's nests from the limestone outcrops is managed by the Wildlife Department.

There are 23 and 38 caves in Madai and Baturong outcrops respectively.
It comprises of a visitor centre, a surau, a canteen, changing rooms and toilets, a canopy walkway and a forest trail system.

There are also staff quarters near the centre. The centre was built near a 40 m waterfall, which is the main attraction.

Canteen

Surau

There is a fee for entrance to canopy walkway which is only RM1.00 per pax and the visiting hour is pre-arrange with the Kunak Regional Forestry office. While for the Madai Water Fall entrances fee for foreigner adult is RM5, foreigner child (<18) is RM2, Malaysian adult is RM2 and Malaysian child is RM1.

Canopy Walkway

The Block I topography mainly occurs on very high hills, slopes are generally between 15° and 25°, but many are steeper. The limestone outcrop is steep with sheer cliffs. Block II is mainly occurs on terraces of old alluvium at heights over 450 m. The terraces are, in general, flat to slightly undulating with short steep slopes in dissected parts.

For sure, you will be impressed with the nature. :)