Keningau, the second largest city in Sarawak is a must see. This historical town played host to many foreign expeditions from around 1900s onwards and there are still ancient carvings on some buildings that date back even further than this time frame! The people here speak English fluently so it’s easy for visitors who don’t know any Malaysian dialects at all – making them great spots if you want more of an authentic experience while traveling through this beautiful country!
The 3rd largest rock art site in the world is located at Keningau Tambunan, Sabah at kilometer 42 on Jalan Kuranda (North). These paintings were created by the ancestors of the Tidung people during the 12th century. The mural rock paintings were used for the Tidung calendar and the stories of their life in Sabah.
Some paintings depict animals like pigs and lizards while some showed pictures of ceremonies including one that was believed to be a wedding ceremony.
Some scenes in the painting even depict a well known story about a man who was hunting in the forest when he got lost and saw strange creatures that looked like men but were not. When he finally found his way out of the jungle after walking for a long time, another creature with pointy ears appeared before him. This creature asked him where he had been all this while. When the man knelt down to ask for forgiveness, the pointy eared creature told him that he would not punish him but warned him never to cut down trees, otherwise he would die in seven days time. Interesting stuff!
Mount Kinabalu is probably number one among many attractions in Keningau, Sabah and it has become an icon representing Malaysia and Malaysian tourism worldwide for attracting millions of visitors each year. The name is taken from a Kadazandusun legend of Sri Aman. According to the legend, there was once a princess named Tina Gininda who lived in this mountain and fell in love with one of her father’s servants, Awang Semaun. Their affair was found out by the angry king who then ordered his men to kill Awang Semaun. The princess escaped but fell into a deep sleep where she remained until she died. It is then believed that her spirit guarded the mountain while Awang Semaun became an orang bunian (supernatural being). This legend is known as ‘Sri Aman I Tina Gininda’ in the local language.
The mountain has many species of rare flora and fauna that are unique to this area. It also provides an incredible view of the North Bornean cloud forests at lower elevations.Its enormous size and beauty , together with its location near to the equator yet surprisingly snow-capped peaks, makes Mount Kinabalu a special mountain. In fact, it is the first landmark to be climbed because of its beauty and challenge. It is important to note that it is a climb not made for people unprepared to face the challenge so for those who enjoy a challenge on their trip, this mountain is yours to conquer!
One another natural attraction in Keningau city that must be visited is the Loagan Bunut which is located at Kampung Lopak. This place is famous for its 3 lakes that look like a hatching egg, hence the name Loagan Bunut or Three Egg Lake. Trips to the lake must be planned ahead of time because getting there requires a lot of effort. It was previously known as Loagan Bangau/Duck Lake because of the abundance of ducks that used to live in it. Sadly, overfishing forced these ducks to leave and never return. However, If you are lucky, you can also see the Great Argus Pheasant , an endangered species of bird living here.
Mount Trusmadi is an active stratovolcano that towers up to 2950 meters. It last erupted in 2009, after centuries of dormancy beginning with the 1815 eruption which was considered the most powerful since 1600s. It is one of the most accessible mountains in Sabah located fifty minutes away from Keningau. From here you can see a 360 degree view of all its peaks, valleys and rivers surrounded by lush green forest.
Along the road leading up to Mount Trusmadi stands Apin-apin Keningau, which is an old Sundanese name for this mountain. The view from its summit offers extensive panoramic views over lush tropical forests that cover much larger parts than elsewhere around it as well as rugged montane landscape. The highland areas where you can find Mount Muria and Danum Valley are on the east sides while the south side has been reserved by Sematan Range’s craggy cliffs making them a one of a kind sight. Very beautiful indeed!
The Keningau Oath Stone is a mysterious object that has not been explained. There are many stories about it, which all speak to its power and the strength of those who placed their hands on this rock for protection against enemies both near or far away, even if they themselves could never make contact with it again afterwards! One Sundanese story tells that the stone was first brought over by a group of men who left their homes in Java many generations ago.
These were part of the Adat Berugak (Orang Bukit or Hill People) who had fled to Borneo after the collapse of their kingdom around 1457 AD. They found themselves unwelcomed in Brunei and so made their way north until they reached the border region of Sabah. The Bukitans who live in this area today claim descent from these early settlers. The stone was discovered when a large tree fell to reveal it, but no-one present that day knew enough about the markings to be able to read them. It passed from one community to the next and eventually found a home in a village called Tambunan.
The Dusun Cultural Museum in Keningau is a must-see for anyone who wants to learn more about the art and culture of Malaysia’s indigenous people, or simply unwind. The museum was established by locals with an aim on preserving their rich history through displays which include traditional houses like the Iban house (a kind used primarily during weddings) as well other items such us musical instruments made out tree bark; percussive stone tablets called “kendangan” that can be played when tapping among others things.
The Keningau Dusun Cultural Museum is also home to an extensive collection of important artifacts that trace the history and culture, not just for Malaysia’s Indigenous Peoples but also for Southeast Asia. This includes traditional clothing worn by animist worshipers in Indonesia which you can find on display at this museum!
A walk along Jalan Mat Salleh is an experience like no other. The narrow alleys and winding streets will make you feel as though there’s nothing else in the world but this moment, where it feels perfectly safe to explore every hidden corner or simply enjoy life with a coffee from one of many local cafes on offer or street stalls.
This Historical Street in Keningau is especially popular with the locals and is said to be home to some of the best traditional food one can enjoy around Sabah, mainly for its authentic Malaysian delicacies. It is also a place at which souvenirs and items handmade by sellers can be found to be purchased as memorabilia.
Come to Keningau for its historical streets which are lined with shops, restaurants and cafes. The hustle-and- bustles of the city will make your heart flutter as it always does when we’re in a new place! On top of that, the beautiful nature to be enjoyed here is also plentiful, giving anyone who chooses to take a trip here many activities to run through!