The district of Keningau has an area of 3,533 square kilometres and is situated on a valley bordered within the Crocker Range and Mount Trus Madi. Keningau is famous for its handwoven goods and was once the main producer of cinnamon. The district’s name was derived from the locally-abundant Javanese cinnamon tree (Cinnamomum burmannii) which is locally known as “Koningau.” In 2010, the population of the district of Keningau reached a total of 173,103. The community consists of 90% of Dusun and Murut, as well an estimated 8% Hakka Chinese population and various minority indigenous groups.

In the early 20th century, Keningau was one of the most important administrative centres for the British North Borneo Keningau acted as a government centre for the Japanese during the Second World War. Nuntunan, a village near Apin-Apin was numbered “44” in the British administration, which stated the 44-kilometre distance from Tenom.

Keningau is famous for its “Tamu” or markets that are held in Bingkor on Thursday and at the town’s centre during Sundays. It functions as a point for traders displaying and selling their goods, from fresh produce to a wide selection of handicrafts. It also features a vast range of handwoven baskets and trays, known as local products of the Kadazandusun people. For nature lovers and adventure seekers, Keningau district is the place to be.