Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Bukit Taku Protection Forest is located in the Malaysian state of Sabah on the island of Borneo. Covering steep hilly terrain, this forest serves as a vital watershed area, protecting water catchments essential to local communities and ecosystems. Characterized by dense dipterocarp rainforest, Bukit Taku supports a diverse array of flora and fauna, including many endemic and endangered species found only in Borneo. The forest is predominantly lowland and hill dipterocarp forest, interspersed with smaller patches of montane forest as elevation increases. Historically, it has been designated as a protection forest to restrict commercial logging and preserve important ecological functions such as soil stabilization and water regulation. Due to limited facilities and rugged landscape, recreational use is minimal and primarily attracts researchers and experienced eco-tourists. Wildlife watching is a key attraction here, with possible sightings of orangutans, gibbons, hornbills, and rare orchid species. The forest plays a significant role in regional biodiversity conservation and supports indigenous communities reliant on its natural resources. Visitors should prepare for remote conditions and limited trail infrastructure, focusing on low-impact exploration and nature observation rather than developed recreational amenities.
