If you're foreign to Malaysia, you must be wondering what's up with these paintings on the trees that lined either the sidewalks or the road dividers. Well, some time ago, our dear beloved PM decided on a logo to bring all Malaysians together. Hence, the 1 Malaysia logo. BUT, so far, only here in Tawau do you see this patriotism.
After spending 90mins cooped up in a car ride from Tawau, we now arrived at our destination. Menara is Malay for Tower and Kayanagan is Heaven. Literally translating it means Tower of Heaven. What's so special about this? Drive ON!
Oh, entrance fee is RM2/pax. No camera fees; thank goodness! :)
But before this, if you ever wondered where Danum Valley is, this is it's entrance from the Lahad Datu - Tawau trunk road. It's 30mins from Lahad Datu to here, and you continue onwards as per the signboard below...
Word of advise from my BIL, be prepared for a very bumpy ride onwards as it's a gravelled road.
Anyway, some 500meters or so after entering the Menara Kayangan main entrance, we stop at a little spot as my BIL wanted to show us just where we are going.
If you look right at the far end of the picture, you would see some very small and fine man made structures standing out. So that's where we are going. Thankfully, one can drive and it's recommended that you use a 4WD for it's not so much of the road that matters but the slopes.
So what do you need? POWER!!!
Looking through some gaps in the forest... and as you climb, you can spot the sea.
What's this? This image was purposely doctored like this in order for you to spot something that when it was pointed out to us, we just couldn't see it for what it was!
Answer? Pitcher plant. Right smack in the middle!
And finally arriving at the end, below is the view you would get.
There is an observation tower which you're allowed to get up onto and when you do...
I guess this is why they called it Tower of Heaven? Imagine sunrise/sunset up here...
My BIL can never resist...
This observation tower sits on Mt Silam which is where we are...
The observation tower itself.
Around it are some jungle tracks that you can venture into.
I would suggest you maximise the picture above and read the last clause. :)
The trail heading to somewhere...
Walking up from the car park is simple tarmac/cement. Shouldn't pose any problems to any healthy human! The best part of it all, no sweating involved!!!
A mini waterfall that we came across on our way down. If this was gushing...
Last view coming back down...
Everybody knows Tawau is famous for it's seafood and there is just this one Chinese restaurant that stands above the rest; Kam Ling at the waterfront.
Yummy prawns.
Sayur Manis which is Sweet Vegetable.
And Mantis Prawns.
The End.
