Trip to MaDaI Waterfall.......Kunak, Sabah.....

A 40-metre high waterfall in the Madai Baturong Forest Reserve, 15km from here is a hit among local and foreign tourists. Managed by the Sabah Forestry Department, it was opened to the public 1999 after public amenities were provided for visitors.

Madai Falls which is located near Kunak town. From Tawau Town, drive towards Lahad Datu.  Pass Kunak Town junction and do not turn toward Kunak Town instead continue straight towards Lahad Datu. Pusat Sejadi Hutan Simpan Madai Baturong Kunak Forest Reserve is 10 minutes after the Kunak Junction.

Our transport to Kunak....

The trip started at 10.30am on 12 Mac 2011. The idea of the trip was suggested by my aircraft commander Kapt. Ahmad Tarmizi. We set off from our home at Taman Millenium heading to Madai Waterfall. It was a drive for 2 hours and we traveled nearly 90km. It was a journey through jungle, oil palm and kampung houses. Reached there at 12.30pm. 

This is a small and well maintained public park with restroom and shower facilities. When we got down from our vehicle, i could hear the sound of the waterfall. Immediately headed out on the trail. 

I went on the wrong way but it was indeed a good decision that i did. It took me on a 100m long tree top hanging bridge. It was kind of scary also. Half way through, there it was the 50m high waterfall on my right. Manage to click a photo of it.

We then headed down the steps to the waterfall. Although there was a warning signboard put up but we still went on with our plan.

Before we entered the water, we had our packed lunch, prepared by 'Ibu'. Tasty Tawau chicken rice. Ibu and her daughter also followed us on the trip. It started raining while we were eating but tat didint stop us. After lunch the whole gang of nearly 20 of us jumped into the water. The water was brownish in colour, however the source of the waterfall is clean and clear. The pool size is not too big - suitable for picnics with young kids but near the drop it is quite deep.

We spent almost 2 hours in the water.... splashing, swimming, jumping and chit-chatting..... At 4pm we got out of water and changed our clothes and went to the nearby cafe for a cup of coffee..... After that cup of coffee we were all starting to get exhausted and sleepy, so we decided that its time to go back since its gonna be another 2 hours journey back.... 

Cafe Sri Baturong Madai

Me & Kapt. Tarmizi

Kapt. Abduh & Sjn Azrie