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Teck Guan Cocoa Village
A Legacy of Chocolate Amidst Sabah’s Changing Landscape

Nestled amidst the lush landscapes of Tawau, Sabah, lies the Teck Guan Cocoa Village—a testament to Malaysia's rich cocoa heritage. Located approximately 40 minutes from Tawau town, this village offers visitors an immersive experience into the world of cocoa cultivation and production.

A Journey Through Cocoa's Origins

Established in 2002, Teck Guan Cocoa Village is situated on Quoin Hill, an area renowned for its fertile volcanic soil, ideal for cocoa cultivation. The village provides a unique opportunity to explore sprawling cocoa plantations, where visitors can observe cocoa trees up close, witness the various stages of cocoa pod development, and even taste the fresh pulp of the cocoa fruit. Guided tours offer insights into the meticulous processes of cocoa cultivation, from seedling grafting techniques that accelerate fruiting to fermentation methods essential for developing the rich flavors of chocolate.

Teck Guan Cocoa Village was once a thriving cocoa-producing estate, with its peak production in the 1980s when Sabah was one of the largest cocoa producers in Malaysia. However, since the 2000s, cocoa production has been steadily declining due to economic and agricultural challenges. As a result, the plantation management have gradually replaced much of the cocoa plantation with oil palm trees, shifting towards a more profitable agricultural model. Only a small portion of cocoa trees remains, preserved primarily as a tourist attraction rather than for large-scale production.

Cocoa Culture Spring
Nature's Splendor

Beyond the plantations, the village boasts the Cocoa Culture Spring—a serene rainforest area featuring six waterfalls, including the majestic 75-foot Majesty Waterfall. Visitors can embark on nature walks through well-maintained trails, experiencing the tranquility of the forest and the unique geological formations, such as the 27,000-year-old columnar basalt formations resulting from ancient lava flows.

Culinary Delights with a Cocoa Twist

The Tawau Cocoa Café, located within the village, offers a delectable array of cocoa-inspired dishes. From cocoa noodles paired with chicken katsu to rich cocoa drinks and desserts like cocoa waffles and chocolate ice cream, the café ensures a memorable dining experience that showcases the versatility of cocoa in culinary creations.

Family-Friendly Activities and Shopping

The village caters to families, featuring open lawns, playgrounds, and even a treehouse, making it an ideal spot for children to explore and play. For those interested in souvenirs, the on-site shop offers a range of locally produced cocoa products, including cocoa powder, spreads, cookies, and handmade chocolates—perfect mementos of the visit.

Cocoa Museum
Connecting with Cocoa's Legacy

For those keen on delving deeper into the history and processing of cocoa, the Teck Guan Cocoa Museum (45minutes 1 hour drive) located at Tanjung Batu Laut in Tawau,  offers comprehensive exhibits detailing the journey of cocoa from bean to bar. Opened in 2004, the museum provides insights into the evolution of cocoa cultivation in Malaysia and showcases the intricate processes involved in transforming cocoa beans into delectable chocolate products. A visit to the museum after exploring the Cocoa Village is highly recommended, as it offers a deeper understanding of Sabah's cocoa industry and its historical significance.

Teck Guan Cocoa Village stands as a vibrant tribute to Sabah's cocoa industry, offering visitors a blend of educational experiences, natural beauty, and culinary delights—all centered around the cherished cocoa bean. However, as cocoa plantations continue to diminish in favor of oil palm cultivation, Teck Guan Cocoa Village now serves more as a historical and touristic site rather than a thriving cocoa-producing estate.

How chocolate is made

Cocoa Culture Spring