Malaysia Destinations | Places of Interest in Malaysia

Sabah > Taman Pertanian Sabah

Taman Pertanian Sabah is a visitor friendly park which offers you more than just any other parks. It was opened by ex-Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad on 2001. During the park launch, the Prime Minister commented that the park is the best and most beautiful in the Asean region especially the Park’s orchid center.

With its affinity to nature, the park is set against a background of truly natural landscape with lush greenery of the Crocker Range (the longest range in the country) which creates a picture of a beautiful natural park all around. This park is knowledge oriented and recreational. The park also provides an ideal environment for nature-based activities that makes this park a worthy holiday destination. This is an excellent base to expand your knowledge on the taxonomy of plants that fits your taste and needs as well as the perfect escape from urban noise and pollution.

You can explore many stretches of well laid trails, elaborate display of gardens with great landscaping work, magnificent collection of plants/ flowers, stunning insects and wild birds that will fascinate you to your heart’s content. To get the real excitement and emotional touch of this beautiful park as well as a life-enriching experience to the interior, visit us and rest assured that it will thrill and fascinate you at no end.

The Evolution Park where replicas of different plant species on various development stage are displayed. The Sabah Agricultural Park is located at Lagud Sebrang which is about 15km from Tenom town. On normal days the park charges RM10 – RM25 for adults. Students will be charged half of this normal rate.

In and around the park are places worth checking out notably:

Native Orchid Centre

This centre is known and recognized worldwide as the major for its indigenous Borneo Orchid’s collections and is reputedly to be the largest in this region. It has some 400 species of the 1,500 orchid species identified in the Island of Borneo including some rare and endangered species.

Would you like to know more about Orchid such as What is Orchid all about & what makes them so special? You will get all answers in this 2 acres garden.

Living Crop Museum

The theme of the garden is to demonstrate to visitors the great diversity of Tropical crop plants and how man uses these plants. In a sense, it is also an ethno-botanical garden. This museum has collection of more than 400 species of economic value grouped in accordance to their uses such as medicines, spices and condiments, beverages, oil, fibers, fruits, handicrafts and nuts.

In the Perfume section, are found plants that produce scents or aromatic oils. For example, the flowers of the “Kenanga” tree ( Canaga odorata ), also known as “ylang-ylang” emit a fragrance, which is an important ingredient in producing the Channel 5 perfume industry.

Do not leave this museum without seeing the Tropical Fruits Section where there are over 200 species of local and wild fruits as well as introduced fruits, some of which came from as far as South America, Africa, India and Australia . During fruiting season, visitors have the opportunities to sample and taste the fruits! However, for your own safety, always follow the Guide’s instruction or read the labels on the plants before you eat anything.

Bee Centre

The Bee Centre is located at about 2.5 km from the Park HQ area, set in a 4 ha. (10 acres) site, arranged with Beehives around an English style Herbaceous Border Garden utilizing Tropical plants.

What you can see and do in this Park?? You may have the chance to get close as a foot to a live hive of honeybees, to see how honey is being extracted from the honeycomb, and what a modern beehive looks like compared to a native beehive called a ‘gelodog’. You need to make an arrangement with the Park’s Management prior to your visit.

Germplasm Collection

The germplasm collections comprise of the Ginger, Bamboo and Palm garden. The Park has a collection of almost 100 species of the native gingers. The palm collection highlights its uses. The park also has in its collection, the strongest structurally of all bamboos, which is endemic of Peru.

Ornamental Garden

The ornamental Garden is the Park version of a nature’s paradise. It consists of 21 gardens, which are harmoniously blended and beautifully landscaped in various garden settings. You will enjoy and relax amongst the arrays of beautiful blooms. Learn the names of the numerous species of ornamental plants and their unique characteristics.

In and around of Ornamental Garden are places worth checking out notably the Bougainvillea Court, Ixora Garden, Lily Glade, Hibiscus Garden, Cactus Garden, Oriental Garden, Hoya Garden, Shrubs Garden to name a few. These gardens display a magnificent collection of plants and flowers of delicate beauties.

Hoya Garden

Evolution Garden

This garden is a shop case of the different states of plant evolvement, which occurred 4.5 billion years ago. Learn how life on earth began. From a lifeless era of volcanic activities, earthquake and electrical storms in the beginning of earth’s history, you will with through exhibits, taking you through from the earliest life forms’ the Stromatolits, Algae, Mosses, Fern, Cycads, Conifers and to the modern-day plants. There is also a model of Dinosaur, ‘feeding’ on plants that had evolved some 60-120 million years ago. In this garden, there are also sections showing how plants have adapted to living in different environments, such as salt tolerant plants on seashores, in wetlands, growing along fast flowing streams, on ponds and on limestone. See the Giant Water lily ( Victoria amazonica) with it’s broad leaf, which can carry an object up to 30 kg of weight and the Giant Aristolochia (Aristolochia grandiflora) with it giant flower.

Agro-forestry

The Agro-forestry projects are located in the back hill area of the Agriculture Research Station. There are basically eight projects where visitors can get to see and learn about Agro-forestry. They are the Bamboo Garden, Palm Garden, Ginger collection, Rattan Plot, Medicinal Trees Plot, Native Fruit Plot, Man Made Forest and the Recreational Forest. Visitors are advised to contact the Park Management in advance if they wish to visit this part of the Park.

Bamboo This project is to provide visitors with information on the usefulness of bamboos. There are two sections, one of which is the native or naturalized species while the other is on the more recently introduced species, including some ornamental ones. You will also be able to see the “Guadua” bamboo (Guadua angustifolia) introduced from South America through Hawaii. It is considered to be the best (strongest) bamboos in the world of construction, it is also durable and pest resistant.

PalmGarden The Palm Garden was an introduction and collection of various native and introduced species of palms. This garden is divided into three sections, the useful Native Palm, Introduced Palm and Ornamental Palm. Many of the species are used for food (starch, sugar and vegetables), some are used for construction, e.g. the “Nibong” palm.

Ginger Garden

 This collection is established within the palms in a valley. The main collection is of native gingers, with almost more than 100 species. The in introduced Zingeberales naturalized species such as the culinary ginger (Zingiber officinale), turmeric (Curcuma domestica) or “Kunyit” and cardamoms are also planted in this in the collection. There is also a section covering the ornamental Zingiberales for the cut flower industry including the Costaceae and the Heliconiaceae families.

Rattan Plot

This plot is devoted to the rattans, mainly those that are commercial species. As they are climbers, the plot was establish in secondary forests where they can climb up the trees. Both native and introduced species are planted here.

Man Made Forest

 The objective of this Man-made Forest is to demonstrate to visitors the great diversity of plant species useful to man that are found in our Borneo forests. It covers the timber trees, the spice trees, medicinal herbs, bamboos, palm, ornamental flowering shrubs, native orchid, plants of Horticultural potential and many food plants. Visitors may see more than ten colonies of Bee hanging on branches of the 50 meters tall “Mengaris” tree. The Park provided a Bee watching platform at a nearby hill for the Bee researcher to have a closer look at this Bee.

RecreationForest This is a largely secondary forest, with nearly 5 km of nature trails laid out. The trail passes over an observation hill (ca 100 m high) where you can rest in a shelter. The path are graveled most of the way and concreted of hardwood in steps in steep areas. Details of trails – see Jungle Trekking. Interesting plants to be seen along this trail are “Pisang-pisang” (Uvaria grandiflora), the Spider Orchid (Arachnis flos-aeris) and the huge and very rare tree of the species Glannia philippinensis (Family : Sapindaceae).

Native Fruit

 Planted with only the fruit which is native to this region like Pangi (Pangium Edule), Durian (Durio Oxleyanus), and Takob-akob ( Garcinia Parrifolia). Some of the fruit are wildly from the jungle.

Lake Sapong

The lake is well landscaped and lit with garden lamps, which makes it an ideal place for evening stroll. The water Garden is a must –visit stop. The garden is planted with aquatic plants, which adorn the banks and the surrounding water surfaces. If you are fortunate enough, you will be able to see the majestic flower of The Giant Water Lily ( Victoria amazonica) that blooms early in the morning. Located in the middle of the lake are two islands called Padas Island and Bird Island, a haven for birds that sprawled over an area of two acres.

Lake Rundum

You have got to be here to enjoy the panoramic view and experience the wondrous of nature surrounding the Lake Rundum. This lake is a showcase of nature-based activities such as fishing and picnicking. The lake is filled with fish of endemic to this region like Tilapia, Grass and Common Carp, Patin, Toman, Kalui, Lampam Jawa to name a few. For reasonable fee one can try their fishing skill and your name could be on the park’s record for the biggest ever caught.

Animal Park

The Animal Park is equivalent to a mini zoo, covers an area of 4 acres of grazing land. Here, are kept some of the more common animals found on a farm such as Goat and Sheep. In addition, there are the exotic species, which many would like to see, namely, the great Black African Ostriches (Struthio camelus), Guinea Fowl, Peacocks and various breeds of poultry such as Geese, Ducks, Turkey and Quails. The park has three types of deer namely Sambar deer which is local deer, Chital deer (Axis axis) and Timorensis deer (Cervus timorensis) are Indonesian deers and lastly, the Australian deer. The children especially, will find this Animal Park a favorite place to visit. Do not miss seeing, just adjacent to this park on lake Sapong, the Water Birds, farm ducks, Muscovy ducks and Geese.

Jungle Trekking

Jungle Trekking is best for those who like challenges, this special privilege are given to visitors who stay overnight either in the Hostel or Camping. Visitors are required to bring along their own gear and suitable cloth/attire including insect repellent. The Jungle Trekking is located in the Recreation Forest of the Agro-Forestry area, 3 km away from the Park Headquarters. Get to know how the trees grow in the jungle and the living under canopy while enjoying the nature trail. Ones may see Squirrels, Birds, some special insect and sometimes small reptile like Snake and Monitor Lizard. If you are lucky enough, you may see the mouse deer or hear the sound of a barking deer.

Most part of the trail is concrete or hardwood steps especially the steep area and some gravel path at certain places. It is advisable that the jungle trekking activity is to be done in the morning or late afternoon otherwise, noon time will be very hot.

There are 3 choices of trails for you to choose which is every trail has their own attraction and challenge. The first trail is call Kembara Trail with a distance of 2.4 Km. As you see in the trail map, the Kembara trail is blue in colour. You may experience a steep slope as you try to reach the Eagle Nest Pondok/Shelter. Visitors can see many types/species of timber trees, bamboos as well as wild fruit trees. This trail ends up at the starting point, be alert and follow the instruction given by the guides or otherwise you may follow other route which will make you to lost your way.

The second trail which is only 400 m longer than the first one is call Tropical Trail (Brown Colour trail). It is a knowledge oriented trail where you may treasure the collection of Palms, Borneo Ginger (the best Ginger collection in Malaysia), useful Bamboos (local & exotic) in the Agro-forestry plots and gardens. You won’t feel that you had gone through quite a long distance as you are walking under the shade of the dipterocarps trees and most part of the trail trails is in concrete/hardwood steps or a gravel path. Take a few minutes break in the Rest House (Built sometimes in 70’s) and enjoy the serenity of it’s garden and surrounding. Soft and cold drinks is normally available for sell at the Rest House, please ask the housekeeper in charge to serve you. The next journey from the Rest House to the end point will be a bit tough and challenging. There are gullies to cross over, a steep and slippery slopes to climb but the most exciting part is that once you reach the top of a Cliff, you will see a better and beautiful view looking over the tops of some 50 m tall of trees and the whole Park area. While journeying through this challenging trail, try not to be missed to see the medicinal trees e.g. ‘Tongkat Ali’ (Grewia umbellata) grow naturally in the forest, The ‘Tongkat Ali’ is reputed to have aphrodisiac properties.

The third and longest trail is call Trail of Challenge (‘Laluan Cabaran’), which is 4.3 Km in length and considered as the toughest trail in the Park (Purple colour trail). This trail was the combination of the two trails, Kembara and Tropical. Visitors may need at least 3-4 hours to complete this trail.

Other Recreational Activities

Other recreational activities such as Fishing, Boating, Cycling and Sport activities also can be done at the Park. For Sport activities, visitors can have their on games or have a friendly match with the Park staff.

For Night activity, The Park can provide a Karaoke set or organize a cultural performance (at cost) base on request by the visitors.

Visiting Schedule

Operation Hours: 9am – 4.30pm ( Tuesday – Sunday )

Closed : Monday ( except Public Holiday )

Entrance Fee & Rental Charges

** Discounts are given for Malaysian - please show your NRIC

All rates are subject to changes without prior notice .

Contact

For further information and reservation please contact:

Kota Kinabalu Office: (6) 088-258529 (Tel/Fax)

Mr. Joseph Fung/Ms. Paula Chung
 Park Manager
Taman Pertanian Sabah
WDT, 28
89909 TENOM,
SABAH, MALAYSIA

Mr. Zainal Abidin/Mr. Rauji A. Baluga
Tel : 6087-737952 / 737558
Fax : 6087 – 737571
E-mail : agripark@sabah.net.my

Getting There

 The Park is accessible by vehicle through 200 km of sealed road from KK (Kota Kinabalu). The journey from KK to Tenom takes about 3 hours, journeying through the mountainous Crocer Range and down to the Tambunan Valley, passing through quaint, tradisional Kadazandusun villages, continuing on to Keningau and finally, Tenom. One can also make the journey from KK to Beaufort, by train through the scenic Tenom Gorge and return journey by road via Keningau, Tambunan. Hired taxi or bus is available at the Bus Terminal near the Padang Merdeka in the city. The taxis or buses depart daily from KK to Tenom between 6.00 am to 5.00 pm. If you choose to travel by bus or train, you have to change buses at Tenom town which is about 15 km from Taman Pertanian Sabah.

Transport Charges from Kota Kinabalu City to Tenom town

Transport Charges from Tenom town to Taman Pertanian Sabah

The train charges is RM 7.50 for adults ( 13 years and above ) and RM 3.75 for children ( 3-13 years ). The journey by train starts from Tanjung Aru to Tenom takes about 4-5 hours. If you are rushing for times, you can follow the earliest Railcar service From Beaufort at 6.30 am and reach Tenom by 8.30 am (but of course you have to drive early to get to Beaufort in time). The Railcar fare is RM8.05 one way.

Accommodations

Sabah Agriculture Park provides Hostel & Camping. A Hostel with capacity of 88 persons at a time, with 12 dormitory room is available for booking. Please book in advance to avoid any disappointment, Hostel normally fully booked during School and Public holidays. The Hostel is located at the centre of the garden and very closed to the Park’s Restaurant.

A Camping Ground which located within the island of Lake Melalap is another choice of an adventures stay.

The charges of the hostels and camping are pretty cheap that are RM15 – RM25/person/night, whereas camping is about RM10/person/night including camping gear.

If you are looking for the better and more comfortable accommodations, these are the one:

Home | About Us | FAQ | Tell your friends | Forum | Sitemap | Contact Us | Travel Links | Link Exchange

Copyright © 2006 - 2012 Hot Travel Station - MalaysiaBudgetHotel. All Rights Reserved.