Tambunan

Infobox City |official_name =Tambunan
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|thumb|300px|title=Overview of Tambunan


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|thumb|300px
map_caption = Location in Sabah
subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_type1 = State
subdivision_name = flag|Malaysia
subdivision_name1 = Sabah
established_title =
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area_magnitude = 1 E8
area_total_sq_mi = 520.08
area_total_km2 = 1347
population_as_of = 2008
population_note = Population and Housing Census 2000 Estimate
population_total = 27852
population_urban =
population_metro =
population_density_sq_mi = 54
population_density_km2 = 21
timezone = MST
utc_offset = +8
elevation_m = 750
elevation_ft = 2460.63
latd = 5
latm = 40
lats = 26.47
latNS = N
longd = 116
longm = 21
longs = 53.58
longEW = E
postal_code_type = Postcode
postal_code = 89xxx
area_code = 089
footnotes =

Tambunan is a valley district located in the Interior Division of the state of Sabah. The district covers an area of 1,347 sq. km.. [cite web|url=http://www.townplanning.sabah.gov.my/Interior_tambunan.htm|title=Town & Regional Planning in Tambunan|publisher=Town & Regional Planning Department, Sabah|accessdate=2008-10-06] Its population was estimated to be around 27,852 in 2000, based on the 2000 Population and Housing Census conducted by the Department of Statistics, Malaysia. [cite web|url=http://www.sabah.org.my/bi/know_sabah/population_2000.htm|title=Preliminary Count Report, Population and Housing Census 2000|publisher=Department of Statistics, Malaysia|accessdate=2008-10-06] . Almost the entire population are Dusun, [cite web|url=http://www.sabah.com.my/borneotrade/a9town05.htm|title=Tambunan's Population Statistics (1991 Census)|publisher=Department of Statistics, Malaysia|accessdate=2008-10-06] while the rest are Malay, Chinese and other Sabahan ethnic groups. It is located 80 kilometers east of Kota Kinabalu, 48 kilometers south of Ranau and 48 kilometers north of Keningau. At an average altitude of 750 meters, this valley, which is part of the Crocker Range, experience mild tropical climate all year long. The valley is peppered by terraced padi fields and 70 picturesque villages. The dense forests of bamboo around Tambunan are a legacy of the British colonial period, during which time an edict stated that 20 bamboo sprouts had to be planted for every bamboo cut.

Tambunan is connected to Kota Kinabalu via the Kota Kinabalu-Tambunan-Keningau Highway.

East of Tambunan is Sabah's second highest mountain, Trus Madi (2642 meters).

The Mat Salleh Memorial, located in the middle of paddy fields at Kampung Tibabar, is a concrete structure erected in memory of Datu Paduka Mat Salleh. Better known as Mat Salleh, he led a rebellion against the British North Borneo Company in the late 19th century. The rebellion against British rule was due to the locals' dissatisfaction on alleged exploitation by the Company. He was killed in a gun battle with the British police on 1 February 1900. In recognition of Mat Salleh as one of Sabah's earliest freedom fighters, the State Government of Sabah built the memorial fort at the exact site of where he was killed.

Near the Mat Salleh's fort is the Tun Datu Mustapha Memorial the famous Sabah statesman.

Tambunan is noted for the quality of its "Lihing" and "Tapai", or rice wine.

Outside of Tambunan is the Rafflesia Forest Reserve, devoted to the world's largest flower, the "Rafflesia".

The road north of Tambunan to Ranau is considered one of the worst in Sabah, with numerous patches broken gravel, fallen roads and precarious water-filled ledges. The conditions have deteriorated due to increasing numbers of sink holes and land slides and the slow rate of repair.

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