Crocker Range, the longest mountain chain in Sabah, stretches from Sorinsim, in the state’s northern district of Penampang, south to Maligan, in the Tenom district. Rising to an average height of about 5,000 ft, it effectively separates Sabah‘s west coast from the interior villages. Crocker Range Park, covering about 139,919 hectares and extending from Penampang district to Tenom, was gazette in 1984. The Park Headquarters are situated in Keningau district, on the Kimanis–Keningau highway, with sub-stations in Penampang, Tambunan, Papar and Tenom. The Salt Trail was originally created by the natives of Sabah’s interior who, for 100 years, walked along it to carry their jungle products across the Crocker Range to the coastal Penampang villages, where they engaged in barter trade for salt. Several salt routes were established, but the one most frequently used, linking Tikolod in Tambunan to Inobong in Penampang, is that now known as the Crocker Range.
SALT ROUTE
In 2003/4, Sabah Parks officially created the Salt Route constructing two Crocker Range Park substations, one in Tikolod and another in Inobong, to facilitate Sabah tour operators wishing to extend their range of adventure tourism products. As the track traverses thick primary forest and incorporates many river crossings, it is compulsory for those wishing to trek along this historic route to engage the services of a park guide, obtain the necessary permits and insurance, and pay conservation fees. The Salt Trail can be walked in either direction, between Tikolod sub-station in Tambunan and Inobong
sub-station in Penampang, a distance of about 45 kilometers. The ideal time frame for this trek, which allows trekkers to enjoy the scenery, culture and natural beauty along the way, is a total package of 5 days and 4 nights, with overnight stays at Terian, Buayan, Kionab and Melungung. The area between Melungung to Kionob is thick primary forest, while the sector from Kionob to Buayan passes across numerous large rivers, including the Papar and Kionob. From Buayan to Terian, and onward to Inobong, the range is steep and densely forested. For adventurers who wish to embark upon something completely different, the Crocker Range Salt Trail is an unforgettable experience. For more information, visit www. tykadventures.com.
Article Source: NewSabahTimes
