Hotels in Keningau

Keningau is a district and town in Interior Division, Sabah. It is the fifth largest town in Sabah. Keningau is the oldest and largest town in the interior part of Sabah. The Keningau district is situated in a valley surrounded by the Crocker Range to the west and the Trusmadi Range to the east and south sides. Keningau is also located between Tambunan and Tenom. The town has an estimated population of 189,970 while the surrounding municipal area has a total population of 200,985. The name Keningau is derived from the locally abundant Javanese cinnamon tree which is locally known as Koningau. The tree is known as 'Kayu Manis' in Malay, and is sometimes also referred to as the 'king of spices'. The bark of this tree was collected by the British North Borneo Company to be sold as a spice.

During the British colonial era, Keningau was one of the most important administrative centers in British North Borneo. The Japanese also used Keningau as one of its main administrative centers during their occupation of North Borneo in World War II. Apart from their own native languages, the indigenous Sabahan ethnicities present in Keningau mostly speak English and Malay. The ethnic Chinese population speaks Hakka and Mandarin . Most of the Indonesian and Filipino immigrants speak Malay in addition to their various native languages.

How to Get There

By Plane

There are non-stop flights to Kota Kinabalu provided by Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia and Malindo Air. From airport you can take taxi to Keningau and the journey will takes approximately 1 hour 46 minutes.

By Car

From Kota Kinabalu City you may take taxi or city bus to Station Tung Ma Nui Luk Express Keningau.

By Ferry

Visitors from Labuan, Indonesia and Philippines can arrive in Sabah by Sea. From Kota Kinabalu Ferry Terminal you can take taxi to Keningau.

Tourist Attractions

Crocker Range Park

If you are to visit Keningau, one of the best places to visit is the Crocker Range Park. Upon visiting the park, you will be able to see the most original types of plants and animals residing in the forest ever since 40 years ago. Many activities such as jungle trekking and camping are provided for the visitors to enjoy and learn about the habitats and observe the magnificent flora and fauna residing in the park up close. If you are interested with the study of the different tropical bird species, the park is also one spot you must not miss. Here, you will find all sorts of tropical bird species such as the Whitehead’s Broadbill, the Chestnut-hooded Thrushes, Blythe’s Hawk-eagle, and many more. You will also find Rafflesia flower and Malaysia’s treasured hornbill appearing on and off in the park in search of food.

Tamu Keningau

If you are looking for local culture, the ideal place for you to visit is the Tamu Keningau where you would be exposed to all kinds of culture elements presented by the locals in their own creative ways. In here, you will get handmade traditional local goods. Besides that this place is also well-known for its hand woven goods. Tamu Keningau was also well-known as being the main producer of cinnamon in the past.

Keningau Oath Stone

Situated in the interior district of Keningau township is the prominent oath stone which now stands as a monument where Sabah erected to commemorate the terms in which the former British Crown Colony of North Borneo joined the former colony of Sarawak and the other states of the Federation of Malaya to form Malaysia. It is also the sole historical attraction there is in the whole of Keningau. Look closely and you will see the inscription on the oath stone that remarks several points that the people of Sabah have control of over their land.

Mount Trusmadi

Mount Trusmadi is the second highest mountain of Malaysia. Climbing Mount Trusmadi is more challenging where it offers a thrilling experience for adventure seekers. If you are physically fit and exercise regularly, you would find Mount Trusmadi is very climbable even though the trail is fewer tourists friendly. Mount Trusmadi is located in Trusmadi Forest Reserve where you need to apply entry permit from Sabah Forestry Department for the climb.

Orou Sapulot

Orou Sapulot is a must visit place for you to get a wonderful experience. Visitor may experience Mother Nature and the hospitality of the Murut Headhunter Tribe of North Borneo while visiting Orou Sapulot. Visitors can expect various activities such as Caving, Jungle Trekking, Rock Climbing, River Cruises, Rapid Shooting, Hidden Waterfalls, Cultural Performance and many more at Orou Sapulot.

Hotels

Manis-Manis Rooftop of Borneo Resort

Manis-Manis Rooftop of Borneo Resort is a 3 star resort in a good neighborhood, which is located at Keningau. This romantic resort is 12.8 km from Keningau Oath Stone and 59.3 km from Kota Kinabalu International Airport. This resort features a restaurant, tour and ticket assistance, and wedding services.

Perkasa Hotel Keningau

Perkasa Hotel Keningau is a perfect choice when you are staying in Keningau. This 3 star hotel has a very good location where it takes only 0.5 km from Keningau Oath Stone and 36.8 km from Sabah Agricultural Park. The hotel features a restaurant, bar and lounge, and meeting rooms. Wi-Fi in public areas is free. Other amenities include dry cleaning, room service and a 24-hour front desk are provided.