Columnar Basalt Balung Cocos (Sungai Balung) — Attraction in Sabah

As per the friendly person manning this place, this used to be a volcano 20,000 years ago. The basalt rock formation almost looks man made though it isn't. Nice deep pool to dive in, but the current seems to be strong. Water on the river was clean and cold. Have toilets and changing rooms. They charge a minimal RM3 per pax to enter this site, which is very worthwhile. The best part is this is just a 15 min drive away from the Tawau Airport, on the way...

If you are following Google maps or Waze, it will only lead you to the main road outside the actual location. You will reach to a dead end at the village, then you should see a trail into a palm oil estate on your left hand side. Drive into the trail and turn right when you reach to a junction. Go straight from there and you will see a house on the left. Park your car there and pay RM2 to the owner. You then need to walk down about 200m to...

Basalt columns are natural pillars made of hardened lava caused by the contraction of volcanic rock as it cools. While basalt columns are commonly associated with destinations like Northern Ireland, Scotland, and the USA. Tawau boasts the distinction of being home to Malaysia's sole known basalt columns, a rare glimpse into Malaysia's natural heritage. With its budget-friendly entrance fee of $3.00 ringgit and...