Mount Silam

Mount Silam rises to 884 metres directly behind the coast near Lahad Datu, and its interest to botanists is that it carries mossy cloud forest from about eight hundred metres - far lower than the usual altitude for that vegetation - because the peak is isolated, close to the sea and constantly wrapped in cloud, a compression of zones known as the Massenerhebung effect. The soil is ultramafic, which produces stunted, twisted growth and a distinctive plant list including pitcher plants. A road climbs most of the way to the Tower of Heaven, a spiral observation tower at around six hundred metres, with a further trail to the summit itself. The view from the tower runs over Darvel Bay and its islands. Cloud closes it in often, which is the same reason the forest is there.

What you actually see

• Cloud forest at low altitude - mossy vegetation from around 800 metres.
• The Tower of Heaven - a spiral observation tower partway up.
• Ultramafic vegetation - stunted twisted growth and pitcher plants.
• Darvel Bay below - the coast and its islands from the tower.

When to go

March to September; early morning before the cloud. Half a day.

Honest expectations

Cloud blocks the view a good deal of the time. The summit trail beyond the tower is steep and muddy. Facilities are minimal and you need your own transport from Lahad Datu.

Nearby

Lahad Datu is the base for Danum Valley; Darvel Bay is below.