Columnar Basalt Balung Cocos, Tawau
Attraction · Tawau
See unusual geometric columns of volcanic rock at Kampung Balung Cocos near Tawau. This compact geological attraction has steps leading toward the formation, with uneven ground and variable visitor arrangements to check before travelling.
到斗湖附近的 Balung Cocos 村观赏排列整齐的火山岩柱状节理。景点设有通往岩层的阶梯，但地面可能不平整，建议出发前确认现场开放及收费安排。
Location
Kampung Balung Cocos, Sungai Balung area, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
About this place
About Columnar Basalt Balung Cocos
The Columnar Basalt at Kampung Balung Cocos is an unusual geological attraction in the Tawau district. The rock's striking, closely spaced columns were formed as volcanic basalt cooled and contracted, creating repeated polygonal fractures. Unlike Sabah's better-known beaches and rainforest parks, this stop offers a close look at the geological processes that shaped part of the region.
Sabah Tourism describes the site as less than an hour from Tawau by road and notes that visitors can use a staircase to approach the rock formation. Toilets are listed among the basic facilities. The surrounding ground can be uneven, particularly near the river, so closed-toe shoes with grip are preferable. Take photographs from safe, permitted areas and avoid removing or damaging rocks.
Planning your visit
The tourism board's May 2025 visitor page lists reference admission fees of RM6 for adults and RM3 for children aged 12 and below. These are not confirmed as current 2026 prices. Opening hours and the latest access arrangements could not be reliably established, so travellers should confirm locally before making a special journey. Follow navigation specifically to the Balung Cocos basalt formation rather than another attraction elsewhere along Balung River.
关于 Balung Cocos 柱状玄武岩
位于斗湖县 Kampung Balung Cocos 的柱状玄武岩，是沙巴较少见的地质景点。火山玄武岩在冷却与收缩的过程中产生裂缝，形成一根根紧密排列、带有多边形轮廓的岩柱。与沙巴常见的海滩和雨林景点不同，这里适合对地质、自然景观及摄影有兴趣的访客。
沙巴旅游局介绍，景点从斗湖市区出发，车程一般少于一小时；现场设有通往岩层附近的阶梯，并列有厕所等基本设施。河边和岩层周围地面可能不平，建议穿防滑包鞋，在安全及允许的区域观赏拍摄，不要搬走或破坏岩石。
参观须知
沙巴旅游局于 2025 年 5 月更新的资料列出参考门票：成人 RM6，12 岁及以下儿童 RM3；这些并非已确认的 2026 年现行价格。目前未能可靠核实固定开放时间及最新入场安排，建议专程前往前先在当地确认。导航时请认准 Balung Cocos 的柱状玄武岩景点，避免误导至 Balung River 附近其他地点。
Sources / 资料来源: Sabah Tourism Board destination page (last reviewed 27 May 2025)