Silam Coast Conservation Area (SCCA)

INTRODUCTION

SCCA lies within the Coral Triangle and the Sulu Sea. Its coastal forest fringes Darvel Bay which is one of the world's most fertile marine areas in terms of biodiversity and is part of a Priority Conservation Area of the Sulu - Sulawesi Marine Eco-region. Several initiatives are being undertaken by the Group to establish this area as a marine and coastal forest research centre.

The area is approximately 2,770 hectares and comprises of Tumunong Hallu and Bangkuruan Mangrove Forest Reserves as well as the two nearby Tabun and Saranga islands.

To date, at least 100 species of plants have been recorded including the Vatica pauciflora, a possible new record for Sabah and about 63 mangrove and mangrove associated species where some are rare in Malaysia.

Among the preliminary wildlife species identified were resident and migratory birds. Approximately 60 species of birds have been observed in the area as well as 25 species of mammal such as the Long-tailed macaque, barking deer, sambar deer, Great slaty woodpecker, White-bellied sea eagle, Rainbow bee-eater, otters and Pacific swallow including the endangered Proboscis monkey.

The area is also blessed with beautiful beaches while certain parts are covered with mangrove trees. With the montane ultramafic forest ecosystem of Mt. Silam behind it and the surrounding crystal clear seawater and magnificent coral reefs at the front, besides its proximity to Lahad Datu town, about 15km away, SCCA is suitable for marine-based environmental education and recreational activities.

The Group collaborates with Shell Malaysia on the development of SCCA.

Silam Coast Conservation Area is one of only few sandy beaches in LD with a significant diversity of mangrove forest and coastal and marine life forms. High live coral reefs & diverse in the species (e.g. the large no. of turbid water coral genera regarded as uncommon in most sea parts of the world, but found in abundance in the area)

ACTIVITIES:

Ranging from coastal forest to mangrove forest and rocky shores, SCCA can be naturally experienced in many exciting ways.  Long-term plans including construction of a studies centre cum multipurpose centre to facilitate research, environmental education, public awareness, nature interpretation and community development programmes.

The activities currently available in SCCA are as follows:

l Bird watching

Boasting with the presence of more than 60 species of birds especially the rare sighting of rainbow bee-eater in SCCA, bird watching is a must to all visitors especially for avid birders. Binoculars are available for rent in SCCA for those who are interested.

l Hiking & trekking

Hiking and trekking are the most in demand activity in SCCA. Visitors can select from the easy 1 KM trail to suit their preferences.

l Camping

Camping is an option for those who would like to stay overnight and experience the calming sound of waves in SCCA. However, for security purpose, it is advisable to informed the management in advance if you plan to camp in SCCA in order for the management to notify and secure the assistance of ESSCOM personnel.

l Kayaking & snorkelling

Surrounded with beautiful beaches, visitors who love playing in the water can swim and snorkel as well as paddling kayak in SCCA. If you are lucky, you can swim along with the elusive turtles.

l Photography

The picturesque view of the beaches and coastal forest in SCCA will undoubtedly excite all photography enthusiasts. Tumunong Hallu’s Peak platform is the best spot to capture the beautiful panoramic view of SCCA. SCCA also is one of the best location for viewing night sky and excellent for celestial photography in the region.

FACILITIES

Currently, facilities available in SCCA are:

· Shell Silam Coast Reception & Information Building

· Observation Hut located at the highest peak of SCCA

· Observation Platform (located at hill near Pandanus Beach)

· Picnic Hut in SCCA Beach Centre

· Resting Hut/Gazebo

· Jungle Trail

· Campsite

· Researcher’s House

· Washrooms

The electricity supply at SCCA is only available from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm daily.

SCCA Trails Map

Trails currently available at SCCA:

1.            Tumunong Hallu Peak (1 KM)

2.            1K Trail (3 KM)

3.            Borneo Nature Trail (4 KM)

4.            Five Peak Trail (5 KM)

(Distance of trails from Silam Coast Studies Centre [SCSC]).

HOW TO GET THERE

Visiting Hours

The Silam Coast Conservation Area also has an office opposite to Lahad Datu Airport.

Opening hours:

Mon-Thu: 8:00 am - 1:00 pm                            2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Friday: 8:00 am - 11:30 am                2: 00 pm - 5:00 pm

Sat, Sun & Public Holidays: Closed

SCCA provides the following transportation:

1. Charter vehicle (4WD - 4 seater)

RM300 per vehicle – return trip (departure time is flexible)

Visitors can also select for the following transportation arrangements:

1. By flight: Daily flights (MASwings) from Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu (55 minutes, and additional 40 minutes by road to SCCA (26 KM from Lahad Datu town). The first 23 KM of which are along the main Lahad Datu town to Tawau highway and the 3 KM remainder is on unpaved road

2. By road: from Kota Kinabalu (10 hours), from Sandakan (5 hours) and from Tawau (4 hours).

Prior reservation should be made in advance.

For more information inquiry:

Yayasan Sabah

Conservation Area Management Division

(Danum Valley/Silam/Taliwas) & Forest Rehabilitation

Level 9, Tun Mustapha Tower

Likas Bay, P.O. Box 11201

88813 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

Telephone No: +6 088 326 320

Fax: +6 008 326 315

Email: dinisiah.cemd@gmail.com

Silam Coast Conservation Area

Block 3, MDLD 3286

Ground Floor, Fajar Centre

P. O. Box 60282

91112 Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia

Telephone No. 089 880441/089-880825

Fax No.: 089-880824

Email Add: yscafrd@gmail.com

Additional Information

1.         For reservation made and confirmed 30 days or more prior to arrival, prospective visitors shall be required to make a deposit payment of 50% of the total charges  made within seven (7) working days in order to secure the reservation.  For reservation made and confirmed 30 days or more prior to arrival, prospective visitors shall be required to make a deposit payment of 50% of the total charges  made within seven (7) working days in order to secure the reservation.

2.         Visitors intending to undertake jungle trekking are advised to bring proper attires, shoes, leech socks, raincoat, water bottle, food container & utensils, torchlight and personal toiletries. (Please refer to Conditions of Entry into Conservation Area and list of Do’s and Don’ts).