Basalt columns of Kg Balung Cocos

Basalt Columns is something very rare in Malaysia
and it can only be found at a few spot around Tawau.
Here is one at the Balung River near Kg Balung Cocos.
The river water is a bit muddy due to plantations upstream
along the river till the Tawau Hills Park
where the jungles are still protected.



The Basalt columns were said to have been formed
by rapid cooling of lava flowing
from a nearby volcano(now dormant)which could be Mount Lucia
at Bukit Tawau park.



A screenshot of the terrain of the area from Google Maps.



































Mr Fauzi busy taking photos.







Excess to the columns and waterfall
is through a plot of land own by Mr Ahmad Ariff Benza
a decendent of an initial group of 20 Cocos Islander who where brought here by the British
to work in the coconut industry after the 2nd World War
A small Rm2 fee is collected and he will brief visitors
on the area and it's hazards to ensure a safe visit.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocos_Malays









A wooden house belonging to Ahmad's brother seems deserted.



A short 200m dirt track to the area.