The Meliau Range is a chain of low mountains, with the highest peak, Gg. Meliau at 1,336m, located on the north side of the Labuk River between Telupid and Pamol in the eastern part of Ulu Tungud Forest Reserve. The area lies in the centre of an interrupted band of ultramafic soils that stretches across Sabah, from Gunung Kinabalu and Gunung Tambuyukon in the west, to Gunung Silam near Lahad Datu in the east. These ultramafic soils are characterised geochemically by high levels of metals like iron, magnesium, nickel and chromium and is one of the few ultramafic biomes in Sabah with peculiar topography, clear water rivers, and unique vegetation and biodiversity.

The 30,197ha Meliau Range has been designated for conservation purposes under the Ulu Tungud management plan. ‘Meliau’ means ‘clear waters’ in the local Dusun language, referring to the Meliau River that flows from Gg. Meliau to the eastern part of the Range. The range is just over 30km in length and averages approximately 12km in breadth. It is characterised by steep, rugged and mountainous terrain. The Meliau Range experiences humid tropical temperatures, which is typical of the region. Sixty-five percent (approximately 22,000) ha of the range area has been designated as a protected area.

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