KOTA KINABALU: Visit Monggiland Waterfall Eco-Tourism if you are looking for a new trail to conquer.
Located at Kampung Kelawat in the semi-rural Tamparuli sub-district about 40km from here, the rural tourism site opened its trails to the public in 2019.
Scores of adventure seekers have gone there to check out the new hiking routes and to experience canyoning at the Monggiland cascades.
The loop trail takes hikers on a leisurely descent down a hill, past village farms and houses before leading them to forest routes.
Hikers can enjoy not one but several different waterfalls along the route, namely Bermusim, Tutuhunon, Munduk Sirung, Pangoh, Nagas, Taralasak and Dupil, besides Monggiland.
Monggiland Waterfall Eco-Tourism chairman Rubby James said the Taralasak and Dupil cascades were only discovered early this year.
He estimated that there were at least 20 other hidden waterfalls in the lush forest.
"People come here to experience hiking, navigating down the Monggiland waterfall and a refreshing dip in the pool," he said after launching Monggiland Waterfall Eco-Tourism on Saturday (Jan 14).
"For more easy canyoning, they can do it at Nagas waterfall.
"Foreign guests also came to explore the Monggiland trail in 2019. However, just as it was beginning to gain traction, we had to close the trail because of the Covid-19 pandemic," he added.
Since the trail's reopening in August last year, James, who is also a member of the Mountain Search and Rescue (Mosar) team, said the number of visitors was picking up.
He said they had guided hikers as young as six years old, making the trail suitable for hikers of all skill levels.
The name Monggiland originates from timber trees that grow in the area. If they are lucky, hikers may come upon a bear perched on a tree.
On Saturday, Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who is also Sabah Tourism Board chairman, flagged off about 100 hikers to launch the rural tourism product.
He said Sabah's abundance of hiking opportunities made it an ideal destination for eco-tourists and adventurers.
He added the Monggiland hiking route was a welcome addition to the area because the trail is connected to other established paths such as the Murug Turug waterfall trail.
"Hiking is growing in popularity, and the Sabah Tourism Board have been making efforts to promote it because of the revenue it could potentially bring to the local community.
"While we encourage outdoor exploration, we must also make sure our travellers feel comfortable and ensure they have access to facilities like restrooms and shelters along the hiking trails," Bangkuai said.
