Sabah Negeri Di Bawah Bayu is an eco-tourism haven for many. At the time of writing, I had only ventured Sandakan and Kinabatangan area with recent trip to Kota Kinabalu and Kiulu. Sabah and Sarawak remain distinct from its Peninsula brothers. The earth is greener in Sabah and Sarawak as compared to the Peninsula. I had the opportunity for a 3D2N Stay in Sabah few weeks ago.
Malindo Air Flying to Kota Kinabalu Sabah
My recent trip to Kota Kinabalu (BKI) was in conjunction with Malindo Air’s Inaugural Flight to Kota Kinabalu. After witnessing the cultural rich welcoming ceremony, we were brought to our hotel which was Gaya Centre Hotel. The hotel is within walking distance from the Gaya Street, the Jetty to Manukan, Gaya and other islands and Jesselton Point. It was very convenient stay in the town centre of Kota Kinabalu.
After a quick check in, we were brought to eat dinner at Floating Seafood Market Restaurant Kota Kinabalu. Before dinner was served, we were entered with traditional Malaysian dances, for example, Sumazau Penampang, Daling Daling & Igal Igal, Tarian Kipas and lastly, the Fire Dance.
Day 2 – Kiulu White Water Rafting
It was a very exciting day as we were scheduled for adrenaline rush activity of white water rafting in Kiulu. The other groups covered Gaya Island and Kundasang. Before we reached Kiulu, we did a short visit to Rumah Terbalik (The Upside Down House of Borneo). Since we ran out of time, our visit was only restricted to the ticket counter.
The road to Kiulu was smooth until we proceeded to a narrow road scaling uphil to Kiulu. We had been informed by our guide, Mr. George Sulaiman, that the road was the only road connecting the Kiulu people and the town. Should there be any landslide, they will get stuck until the road is fixed. The steep snakey road is dangerous if caution is taken by the driver.
As the mini bus on full load headed uphill, the mountain breeze purified the air into freshness. Even our body felt the chilled environment. Before reaching the Borneo Water Hunters White Water Rafting Specialist Centre, there were many other white water rafting agents along the street.
Sparked by the charm of Kiulu River which was wide in length, we immediately changed our clothes and get ready for a briefing by the marshall. One group of travel agents set off first. I brought my Akona water proof bag, so I stocked my Go Pro camera while the boys put inside the cigarette stock to last the ride. Smokers being smokers, cigarettes serve as their virtual lives.
Since there were 10 of us, we took the big boat. And off we rafted the white water of Kiulu River. Kiulu White Water Rafting is only 7 kilometres long on normal tide. It is meant for Level 1 and Level 2 rafter. So if you do not have any experience doing white water rafting before, no worries! It’s safe for beginners to try out. Atleast the ripple and the rapid are not as wild and violent as that of Padas River, another white water rafting in Sabah.
I was seated at the centre of the boat acting like a boss as the others who were at the edge of the boat had to paddle as and when the Marshall (the leader) called out a command such as “all forward”, “all rest” or “all back”. The only reason why I was placed at the centre was that I do not know how to swim. The Marshall was stationed at the back of the boat to better steer the boat.
Although it was a nicely flowing and rapid waters, at numerous occasions we got stuck at rocks. For this, we had to shift weight in the raft to the opposite side. Then use the paddle in the water to push against the current and off the rock.
One of the highlights of the journey was playing trick to any of the riders so that he would fall down the water and get wet. There was one occasion when we had to stand up on the raft while jerking the paddle at the opposite sides of the boat so rough in order to make the weaker side fell down the water. Ironically, we got the Marshall down. Much to our amusement.
As a strike of revenge, the Marshall asked us to seat at the edge of the boat as if we were on a banana boat with one leg out. We had to hold the shirt of the person seating in front of us to establish chain connection. Then he pulled the last person on the boat, and off the chain followed suit. We were all wet yet happy.
As and when we could, we stopped by for swimming session.
We also had a chance of doing body rafting. We had to be in seating position with toe touching the rock underneath, we rafted freely following the rapid. That was when your soul met the nature at its best. Lovely.
For more information on Kiulu White Water Rafting, please visit HERE.
Jambatan Tamparuli Sabah
Then we went to Tamparuli Bridge for which I took some pictures. The tamparuli bridge is the over head bridge used by pedestrian while there is another bridge for cars, buses and lorries to pass. We had been informed by the tour guide that when the water rises, the vehicles got stuck and they had to wait until the water recedes before going home. What a life kan? That’s the beauty of Sabah.
Special thanks to Malindo Air, Sabah Tourism, Gaya Centre Hotel and new friends I’ve met along the way. Thank you, thank you.