Having heard so much about the completion of the tarred Kalabakan-Sapulut "highway", we drove through this "new road" when returning from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu last weekend.
It's 543 km all the way from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu, passing through the Kalabakan, Maliau Basin area, Sapulut, Nabawan, Sook and Keningau.
It's a leisurely drive for the first 90 km. There were only light vehicles on the road from Tawau to Kalabakan.
Arriving at the junction of Kalabakan after an hour+ drive and continued on to Sapulut.
A timber (logs) holding area just after Kalabakan.
Next, came a logging truck fully loaded. I thought that the Sabah Government has banned all logging and mining activities in these areas.
We had to tail this empty logging truck for at least 30 minutes before we could overtake. There were too many blind corners.
More logging trucks heading for Kalabakan as we were near the Maliau Basin Conservation area.
Many parts of the road were badly damaged. No doubt, the heavy logging trucks were the culprits. It seemed that the authorities do not care.
The damages were excessive and hazardous to traffic. No repair was done. Instead, warning signs were put up.
Perhaps this Kalabakan-Sauplut was built and tarred for the convenience of logging companies.
The only road repair work we have seen.
We met at least 30+ logging trucks heading for Kalabakan
It took us almost 4 hours+ to complete the 145km to Sapulut. We then made brief stop at Nabawan.
Coffee break before leaving for Keningau
Approaching Keningau after almost 6 hours drive covering 345km.
From Keningau, we crossed over the Crocker range to Kimanis (53 km).
Downhill all the way to Kimanis.
No logging trucks but just a few cars and buses heading for Keningau.
The last 45 km from Kimanis.
Another brief stop at Papar for coffee and local satay before heading home.
We started from Tawau at about 09:00 after a heavy breakfast and arrived Kota kinabalu close to 16:30. ( a total of 7.5 hours) using a Toyota Camry Hybrid. We could have done it within 6 hours if not for the "logging road" from Kalabakan to Sauplut. It is recommended to use a SUV for those who want to drive the same route.
Saba bananas are usually used. They are cut into slices and dipped in a batter before deep frying in oil. 
The perfect snack for afternoon coffee or tea at RM1.00 a piece. Delicious stuff! 
