TAMAN PERTANIAN SABAH
Introduction
General Information
Welcome to Taman Pertanian Sabah ( Sabah Agriculture Park ) Website. You have reached one of the most exciting parks found in Borneo.
Have you ever dreamt of being in nature’s paradise? Taman Pertanian Sabah is a visitor friendly park which offers you more than just any other parks. 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.In and around the park are places worth checking out notably
- Native Orchid Centre
- Living Crop Museum
- Bee Centre
- Germplasm Collect
- Ornamental Garden
- Hoya Garden
- Evolution Garden
- Agro-forestry
- Lake Sapong
- Lake Rundum
- Animal Park
- Jungle Trekking
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.
About Taman Pertanian Sabah
Background
Taman Pertanian Sabah is part of the 1,500 acres of the Agriculture Research Station, Lagud Sebrang Tenom which is administered and owned by the Agriculture Department Sabah. It is a complex consisting of the Agriculture Research Station, seed Production Centre for Cash Crop, Farmers Training Centre and Taman Pertanian Sabah itself. The Park sprawled over an area of 500 acres.
The park was first opened to visitors in October 2000, and was officially launched by the former Prime Minister of Malaysia Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad on the 25 March, 2001.
With its rich biodiversity, the Park has a magnificent collection for indigenous and introduced plants species. It is also a conservation centre for the native Orchids of Borneo. This park would become a heritage for the next generation and this will help to educate people in nature conservation and the preservation of natural rainforest through cultivation of trees, shrubs, plants and flowers.
The lush greenery, multitude species of plants / flowers of endemic to Borneo Island and very rare, panoramic view of the lakes, captivating landscaped gardens provide an excellent base to expand your knowledge and ideal environment for those who seek peace, quiet and tranquility away from stressed and urban noise. This park also provides a great trekking ground as well as nature walks and jungle activities. The park is blessed with mother nature’s treasures.
The park is a showcase of integrated activities carried out by all the Departments and Agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture Development and Food Industry. It also serves as a training and education centre for agriculture, horticulture, apiculture, seed production, forestry, fishery and animal husbandry. It is divided into five key areas:
- To provide demonstration farms for Agricultural activities, Animal breeding and Fisheries
- To serve as a centre for training and demonstration on Agriculture, Horticulture, Fishery, Apiculture, Seed Technology, Forestry and Animal Husbandry;
- To provide facilities for nature-based recreational activities
- To promote awareness and love for nature.
Attraction
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.
BambooThis 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.
Palm Garden
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. Useful native palm include the Sago palm (Eugeissona utilis), Sugar palm (Arenga pinnata) and two species of “nibong” palms (Oncosperma tigillarium and O. horridum). Introduced palms such as Oil Palm, Peach Palm and many other ornamental palms. 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. Its cover the order of Zingeberales, which includes Zingeberaceae. The collection is much-expended version of Zingeberales collection in the Parh HQ Ornamental Gardens. The main collection is of native gingers, with almost more than 100 species. Among the native species are “Tuhau”or Etlingera punicea, Burbidgia stenantha, Etlingera pubscens and many more.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 ForestThe 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. The Borneo Iron wood tree (Eusideroxylon zwageri) and the majestic “Kayu Raja” or “Mengaris” (Compassia excelsa), home to the migrating Apis dorsata honeybees, are all found here. 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.
Recreation Forest
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 FruitPlanted 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 like Dabai(Canarium Odontophyllum), Peruput (Artocarpus Rigidus) and Timakon (Artocarpus Ianceifolia).
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, which is perhaps, the biggest collection of the Bornean in the region. The palm collection highlights its uses. The park also has in its collection, the strongest structurally of all bamboos, which is endemic of Peru.
Living Crop Museum (Living Museum Of Crop Plant)
There are fifteen major sections in the Living Museum of Crop Plants. The theme of the garden, which introduces the agricultural industry, 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. Do you know what type of plant that produces latex for the locals in Borneo before Rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis) being introduced in 1976? In the Industrial crops section, one will learn that early Rubber latex from Borneo was actually obtained from a creeping vine, called “Serapit” (Willughbiea sp.). 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 . It is very interesting to visit this section during fruiting season as 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.
Hoya Garden
Hoya plants exhibit unique and varied foliages of different colours, texture, shapes and often with distinct markings on the stems and leaves while flowers are all shaped like five pointed stars. Hoya also known as “wax plant” because of it waxy appearance, they are suitable for indoor planting. The Hoya Garden was establish in July 1998, boasts 25 varieties of Hoya plants which includes the majestic Hoya imperiallis. Most of the Hoya plants collected are of endemic to Borneo. This collection is reputedly to be the best in Malaysia.
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.
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 such as the Elephant Ear Orchid ( Phalaenopsis gigantea), Rat Tail Orchid ( Paraphalaenopsis labukensis, P. denevei ), Slipper Orchid ( Paphiopedilum sanderiaum, P. lowii & P. stonei ), Giant Orchid (Gramatophyllum speciosum) and the Rose Orchid (Dimorphorchis rossii) are among the pride of the Native Orchid Garden.
Why Orchids? What is Orchid all about & what makes them so special? There must be a lot of questions than answer, but once you inter into this 2 acres garden all of your question will be answered. Most orchids are highly evolved plants and the majority of them are epiphytic on trees while some are terrestrial. They have green leaves for photosynthesis and roots that captured nutrients from the leaf litter caught on tree trunk and branches, or in the case of Bulbophyllum beccarii, in cup-shaped leaves of the plant itself, roots than grow and ramify the leaf litter collected there, to extract nutrients. This is only a tip’s of information about the orchid, come and find out yourself for more information in this Centre
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. The Centre is recognized as being one of the best Bee Research Centre internationally and has attracted researches from Europe. It has four species out of the nine bee species recorded in the world. Sabah alone has five species. You may have the chance to get close as a foot to a live hive of honeybees without fear of being stung. You may even get a chance to see how honey is being extracted from the honeycomb. You also get to see 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.
How to getting there
How To Get To Taman Pertanian Sabah? (Sabah Agriculture Park)
The Park is accessible by vehicle through 200 km of sealed road from Kota Kinabalu. The journey from Kota Kinabalu 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 Kota Kinabalu 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 Kota Kinabalu 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
Transportation Type
Fare
Taxi
RM25.00 per person (4 person),charter will be different price.
Van
RM 20.00 per person
Bus (Nui Luk Bus)
RM 16.00 per person
Transport Charges from Tenom town to Taman Pertanian Sabah
Transportation Type
Fare
Taxi
RM 30.00 - charter
Van /Mini Bus
RM 2.00 per person
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.
Facilities
Accommodation
Sabah Agriculture Park provides
Hostel
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.
Camping A
Camping Ground which located within the island of Lake Melalap is another choice of an adventures stay. This site is not only suitable for Boy Scout or any uniform association but also for individual that loves to experience new things, new challenge out of their comfort zone.Hostel and camping rate are stated below:
Charges
One NIght
Hostel
RM 15 – RM 25 a person( Separate rooms are available for male and female occupants)
Camping
RM 10 a person( Includes camping gear )
For further information, please contact :The Manager,Sabah Agricultural Park,WDT 28, 89909,Tenom, Sabah , Malaysia.Or E-mail us at : agripark@sabah.net.my
Nearest Rest Houses/Hotels:
ARS, TENOM REST HOUSE Agricultural Research Station,Lagud Sebrang, TENOMTel : 087-737568Fax : 087 -737570
Room Rate : RM 40/ person / nightRM 20 / person / night ( Malaysia Govt. Staff only )
PERKASAHOTELTENOM P.O. BOX 22589908 TENOM TEL: 087-735811Fax : 087-736134
Room Rate : RM 65 – RM 150 / night
ORCHID HOTEL Blok K., Jln Mustapha P.O.Box 5889907 TENOM Tel: 087-737600Fax : 087-735600
Room Rate : RM 42- RM 78 /night
HOTEL SRI PERDANA Lot 77, Jln Tun Mustapha P.O.Box 92,89907 TENOM Tel : 087-734001Fax : 087-734009
Room Rate : RM 47 – RM 63 / night
HOTEL SRI JAYA Lot No.78, Block L P.O.Box 47,89907 Tenom Tel: 087-736000Fax : 087-735518
Room Rate : RM 30- RM35 / night
TENOM INN No. 56, Jalan Datuk Hj. Yassin P.O.Box 192,89908 Tenom Tel: 087-735485Fax : 087-735485
Room Rate : RM 35- RM 38 / night
ASIARASA BED & BREAKFAST Jalan Tun MustafaTenom New Township89908 Tenom Sabah Tel: 087-737588Fax: 087-733588
Room Rate: RM 15 - RM 45 / night
Hospital/Clinics
A Government Hospital in town is opened daily (office hours) except for Sunday & public holidays. Public can get access to this Hospital easily as it located within the town area and very closed to the shop.
There’re only two Clinics available in town which is call TMC Clinic and is open from 8:00 AM -4:30 PM & 6:00 – 8:00 PM on Monday – Friday , 8.00 AM – 12.30 PM on Saturday. This Clinic closed on Sunday & Public Holidays.
Banks available in Tenom town
ALLIANCE BANK MALAYSIA Ground Mezzanine and floor, Shop Lot No. 1 & 9Blok A Pangi LightIndustrial Complex Jln. Jungkat Tenom New Town Ship89908 Tenom
Tel : 087-737757087-737787Fax ; 087-737762
BANK SIMPANAN NASIONAL
Lot TL 83TenomSabah Tel : 087-735354
Banking hours :Monday – Friday : 10.00 a.m. – 4.30 p.m.Saturday : 9.30 a.m.- 11.30 a.m.
1’st & 3’rd Saturday of the month, Sunday & Public Holiday” closed.
Eateries
Park RestaurantThe Park’s Restaurant serves Malay food (Halal) and operated from 7:30 am – 5:00 pm. Tuesday – Sunday. Restaurant will be open in the evening upon request by visitors. Located at the centre of the Park’s Headquarters, the Restaurant has a panoramic view towards the gardens and Lake Rundum (Fishing Lake).
Other Restaurant There are quite a number of good restaurant which serves Chinese, Malay or other local food around town besides KFC. Its only takes about 15 minutes drive to get to the town. These Restaurants are opened until 10:00 pm.
Shopping
Souvenir Shop
The Gift Shop in the arrival hall sells varieties of local made handicraft, books, Honey (Bee’s honey), and a host of other items such as T’ Shirt and Cap with Park’s logo, Tenom Coffee, film, postcard and many more.
Kiosk
The Park’s Kiosk which located next to the Souvenir Shop sells soft (cold) drinks, ice cream and snack food.
Supermarket
Since Tenom is only a small town, there is only one supermarket call Tenom Supermarket which operates daily at 9.00 a.m till 10.00 p.m. It located right in front of the Police Station. Besides supermarket, there’re many more shop around town which offers a competitive and reasonable prices of their goods.
‘Tamu Minggu’ / Sunday Market
If you happened to visit the Park during weekend, don’t missed to see and buy something at this weekend event in town. The Tamu’s is normally start as early as 6 o’clock in the morning till 12.30 in the afternoon on Sunday. You can find a lot of local product brought all the way from the village such as wild and local fruit eg. Durians, Rambutans, Mangosten, Banana, Papaya, Tarap (Arthocarpus sp.) especially during Fruit season, vegetables and various types of other agriculture produce. Prices of these product is much more cheaper compared to Kota Kinabalu. As Tenom is well known with it coffee product, ones can buy coffee powder that was grinded specially during that day using a small machine, they will grind the coffee bean in front of you to how much quantity you want.
For further information and reservation please contact:
Tenom Office:
(6) 087-737952(6) 087-737571 (Fax)Mr. Zainal Abidin/Mr. Rauji A. Baluga
Kota Kinabalu Office:
(6) 088-258529 (Tel/Fax)Ms. Wan Masamah Wan Abedin Ms. Paula Chung
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