Interior Division, nestled in the central and southern inland regions of Sabah, is a place where time slows down, and tradition thrives. Known for its lush rainforests, Murut villages, hill paddy farming, and cultural festivals, this division offers an authentic view of Borneo’s soul.
Formation & Historical Background
Historically inhabited by Murut, Lundayeh, Bisaya, and other indigenous groups
Developed during British North Borneo era as a frontier zone
Played significant roles during World War II and early missionary work
Today, it is known for rural development, agriculture, and cultural preservation
Basic Information
Category
Details
Division Name
Interior Division
State
Sabah
Division Center
Keningau (largest town)
Area
Approx. 18,000+ sq. km
Population (2025 est.)
Approx. 550,000
Major Ethnic Groups
Murut, Kadazan-Dusun, Lundayeh, Bisaya, Malay, Chinese
Districts in Interior Division (7 total)
District Name
Administrative Town
Known For
Keningau
Keningau
Administrative & economic hub of the interior
Tenom
Tenom
Agriculture, coffee valley, Murut culture center
Tambunan
Tambunan
Paddy farming, bamboo culture, hilly terrain
Beaufort
Beaufort
Wetlands, river cruises, Bisaya heritage
Sipitang
Sipitang
Border trade with Sarawak, cultural festivals
Nabawan
Nabawan
Remote, forested, home to Lundayeh and Murut peoples
Kuala Penyu
Kuala Penyu
Coastal entry to Pulau Tiga, rural seaside lifestyle
Local Governance & Representation
Position/Role
Name (2025 est.)
Remarks
Division Commissioner
Encik Hassan bin Adlin
Oversees regional planning and coordination
District Officers
Vary per district
Administer land, agriculture, and tourism
State Assembly Reps
Represent each DUN seat in 7 districts
Focus on rural development, education, roads
Key Features & Attractions
Nature & Adventure:
Crocker Range Park – Trekking, biodiversity research
Padas River (Tenom) – White-water rafting hotspot
Pulau Tiga (Kuala Penyu) – “Survivor Island” tourism
Cultural Highlights:
Pesta Kalimaran (Tenom) – Annual Murut cultural festival
Traditional Bamboo Music & Dance in Tambunan
Longhouses (Rumah Panjang) in remote villages
Economy & Livelihood
Agriculture:
Hill rice, rubber, cocoa, coffee (Tenom Coffee known nationwide)
Forestry:
Timber and sustainable jungle products
Local Trade & Crafts:
Bamboo weaving, hand-carved wooden items
Eco & Cultural Tourism:
Homestays, jungle trekking, cultural festivals
Transport & Connectivity
Pan Borneo Highway – Connecting Beaufort, Sipitang, Keningau
Rural roads to interior towns, some still unpaved in remote areas
Train service from Tanjung Aru to Tenom (through Padas Gorge)
Inter-district bus & van networks, limited airstrips for emergency flights
Education & Healthcare
Rural schools and fully residential boarding schools (SBP)
Agriculture and technical institutes in Keningau & Tenom
Hospitals: Keningau Hospital, Beaufort Hospital, Tenom District Hospital
Klinik Kesihatan in most towns and mobile clinics in remote zones
Culture & Local Cuisine
Strong indigenous identity among Murut, Lundayeh, Kadazan-Dusun
Common foods:
Lamban (wrapped rice), Tenom Coffee, Bamboo Chicken, Pinasakan, hill herbs
Traditional lifestyles:
Hunting, river fishing, swidden farming, beadwork, blowpipe demonstrations
Summary
Interior Division of Sabah is a hidden cultural and natural treasure, offering an escape into the deep traditions, misty highlands, and soulful hospitality of Borneo. Here, festivals echo through valleys, and nature lives undisturbed—perfect for travelers and researchers alike.
