Mahua Waterfalls continue to awe visitors

KOTA KINABALU: Mahua Waterfalls nestled in pristine jungle and gushing with crystal clear waters is fast gaining popularity as a tourism attraction since it opened to the public in June 2003.

At 20 metres high, it is situated along the Crocker Range and only 26km from Tambunan town.

Despite the lack of infrastructure, Mahua Waterfalls continues to draw visitors and perhaps one main attraction other than the pure and natural surroundings is the cool and temperate climate.

During the day the temperature hovers around 23 degrees Celsius and can plunge to 15 degrees Celsius at night.

The area is managed by the Sabah Parks and according to Ranger James Soibi, there were 5,022 visitors to Mahua last year from as far as Canada, USA, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Norway and Australia as well as Brunei.

This year, as of August, there have been 3,022 visitors and he expects the number will peak towards the end of the year.

A sealed path stretching 13km from the main road into the waterfalls that was completed last month has also contributed to the growing number of people visiting the area.

Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan who is the assemblyman for Tambunan said the government would also be adding more facilities in Mahua.

At the moment, construction is underway for accommodation units, toilets and a canteen which will be ready for use by November.

“We have taken into account the feedback given by visitors who suggested accommodation and better roads into the area,” he said.

Pairin visited Mahua Waterfalls on Saturday to inspect the ongoing work to build facilities for visitors.

He was accompanied by Tambunan district officer, Thomas Angor, district engineer, Freddy Kimun and assistant district officer for development, Thomas Logijin.

Pairin is confident that tourism can be a sector that would generate further economic growth for Tambunan and assured there will be more facilities provided to attract tourists to the district.