Tahas Tininting Eco-Tourism

Deep in the remote village of Pensiangan lies the close-knit community of Kampung Salinatan. United by a shared vision, the villagers have established Tahas Tininting is the first community-based tourism initiative in the remote Pensiangan, Nabawan located near the Kalimantan region of Indonesia.

Tahas Tininting is an eco-tourism venture developed by the local community to gradually build unique facilities and curate authentic cultural and nature-based activities for visitors.

“Tahas” refers to the local name for the Belian tree or Borneo ironwood, known for its hardness, resistance and durability. “Tininting,” in the Murut language, means “in one line.” Together, Tahas Tininting symbolises Belian trees growing closely together in a straight line.

The Belian tree grows abundantly in this area, and its strong, durable wood has become the foundation for the construction of the Tahas Tininting longhouse and other facilities. This use of local natural resources reflects the community’s commitment to sustainability and cultural authenticity.

Flowing along the Kampung Salinatan is the Saliu River that connects to twelve nearby villages that make up the component of the Kg Salinatan committee. There are Kg. Salinatan, Kg Baliaku, Kg Katambalang, Kg Takilis, Kg Kasumunsung, Kg Tumangkasi, Kg Sambungoh, Kg. Siwanal, Kg Kasaliu, Kg Sapaku, Kg Tulir, Kg Bollah Lama dan Kg Bollah Baru.

The main highlight at Tahas Tininting is the 40ft x 100ft Murut longhouse made from belian woods sourced from the surrounding area. The spacious longhouse has four guestrooms, babantul, a gallery, a stage for festivity, sasangiang and lansaran to play the traditional murut game.

Among the product offerings in Tahas Tininting, are longhouse experience, Tahas Tininting trekking trail, Tatauvan Nansalang campsite, kayaking, Tiung Palian, traditional boat race, murut traditional chalet (langkau), Lubuk Lumiri and the historic British trail that once connected Keningau, Sapulut, Agis, and Pensiangan

For trekking and wildlife enthusiasts, the guided night walk offers an exciting opportunity to spot wildlife such as mousedeer, sambar deer, civets, snakes, porcupines, forest rats, and a variety of insects. The entire area is a protected zone where hunting is strictly prohibited, helping to preserve local wildlife and support biodiversity conservation. In support of this mission, the local community has also begun planting fruit-bearing trees around Tahas Tininting to enhance the natural habitat.

The communities of Tahas Tininting are deeply rooted in the Murut Tahol culture and traditions, offering visitors a truly immersive cultural experience. A visit here invites you to stay, eat, and drink like a local in a warm, communal setting. While traditional dance performances are typically held during festive occasions, visitors can also request to include them in their travel package. It’s a wonderful opportunity to witness the villagers come together in vibrant traditional attire, singing and dancing in celebration of their heritage.

For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Tahas Tininting eco-tourism is well worth the journey. To reach this hidden gem, visitors must travel overland from Kota Kinabalu to Nabawan, followed by a thrilling three-hour off-road drive to Kampung Salinatan. From there, a scenic 15-minute boat ride brings you to the heart of Tahas Tininting. The journey itself is part of the adventure, an unforgettable experience that leaves a lasting impression on every traveller.

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