Tuaran

Introducing Tuaran

Tuaran, 33km from KK, is a bustling little town with tree-lined boulevard-style streets and a distinctive nine-storey Chinese pagoda. There’s little point stopping in the town itself unless you happen to pass through on market day, but the surrounding area conceals a couple of luxury resorts and two stilt villages.

Mengkabong Water Village, a Bajau stilt village built over an estuary, was once a very picturesque spot, though it’s not very special now.

The settlement at Penimbawan is much more appealing; to get there, take a minivan to Serusup (RM1.50) and charter a motorboat (RM40). The trip up the river takes about 15 minutes, and the boat will wait while you wander the plankwalks of the village. The villagers are friendly, but you’re better off going with someone who speaks Malay, because it can feel a bit intrusive just wandering around.

Last updated: Oct 3, 2008