Photo by @Sabah Travel
Long Pasia is a quiet highland village in Sipitang where visitors can explore one of Sabah’s most untouched natural areas. Located approximately 250 kilometers from Kota Kinabalu (a full-day journey of 8-9 hours including a 2.5-hour drive to Sipitang town, then 5-6 hours by four-wheel drive along logging roads), the journey takes you through hills and rural landscapes before you reach a place that feels worlds away from urban life. When you arrive, the air is cool, the forest is close, and the village gives a simple and peaceful first impression. It is the kind of place where you immediately feel connected to nature.
Forest Trails and Mount Sinipung
Walking through the forest is one of the highlights of visiting Long Pasia, and some routes lead toward Mount Sinipung, known for its breathtaking summit views, offering a calm walk through the highland forest before opening into wide, clear scenery at the top. The trail is not too steep, making it suitable for most visitors who enjoy slow, steady hikes. As you make your way up, you will pass shaded paths lined with wild ginger, orchids, and thick moss that grows along the rocks and tree trunks. At the summit, you get a broad view of rolling hills, forest canopies, and the villages below.
Waterfalls of Long Pasia
Long Pasia has several waterfalls that visitors can explore along forest trails. Ferian Waterfall is calm with a wide, clear pool, perfect for resting, dipping your feet in, or enjoying a quiet picnic. Maga Waterfall offers a stronger flow over layered rocks, creating a refreshing and lively atmosphere for photos or a quick break. Between these main waterfalls, smaller cascades appear along the rivers, giving visitors more peaceful spots to stop and enjoy the sound of flowing water. Walking between them turns the journey into a relaxing nature experience surrounded by forest and greenery.
Cultural and Heritage Sites
Deep inside the forest, you can visit cultural landmarks that carry stories from the Lundayeh community. One of the most famous is Batu Narit, a set of ancient stone carvings linked to local legends. You may also come across old burial sites and unique rock formations tied to traditional beliefs. Visiting these places with a local guide gives you a deeper appreciation of how nature, stories, and history intertwine in one walk.
Village Life and Homestays
Spending time in the village is part of the experience. Homestays like Long Pasia Agro Eco allow visitors to see how the Lundayeh community lives day to day. You can join simple activities, enjoy home-cooked meals, and talk with local families. The evenings are quiet, and many visitors sit outside to enjoy the cool air, night sky, and tranquil atmosphere.
In the end, a visit to Long Pasia offers natural beauty without crowds and a chance to experience one of Sabah’s most peaceful highland communities. With waterfalls, forest trails, cultural stories, and warm hospitality, the village is a place where nature and tradition come together.
Long Pasia is not for the casual traveler—the challenging road conditions and remote location make this a destination best suited for adventurous spirits and dedicated nature enthusiasts. But for those willing to endure the journey, Long Pasia rewards you with an experience few others will have: mist-covered mornings breaking over untouched highlands, the sounds of pristine forests undisturbed by modern life, and a genuine connection to one of Borneo’s most authentic indigenous communities. This is raw, unfiltered Sabah—a place where nature still reigns and tradition runs deep.