Tambunan

Tambunan is a small city in Sabah, located about 70km southeast of Kota Kinabalu, behind the Crocker range. It lies at 750m of altitude in the Tambunan valley and is a convenient place from which to explore the northern part of the Crocker range and possibly the Trus Madi mountain. Ranau is also not too far away (60km, 1 hour by car), although the trip takes longer due to the poor condition of the road.
While the city itself doesn't have much to offer, it lies near the Rafflesia information centre (15km, 15 minutes by car along the road to Kota Kinabalu). This is a patch of forest where it is possible with some luck to see rafflesia flowers. The centre is open daily from 8am to 3pm and a guide is needed to enter the forest area.
South of Tambunan, on a hill, there is the Sinurambi viewpoint, from which there are good views of the Tambunan valley.
The Mahua waterfall lies 20km north of Tambunan (28 minutes by car). The access to the waterfall is controlled (ticket needed; latest entrance 4pm). A short path leads from the visitor centre to the waterfall, where swimming in the pool is possible.
How to get to Tambunan
The simplest way to get to Tambunan is to drive by car from Kota Kinabalu.
Accommodation
In Tambunan there are a few hotels, bookable via the international booking portals.