26.09.2014 – During my last trip to Sabah, I remembered our coach stopped by the Upside Down House Sabah for us to catch a glimpse of the house. We did not have much time to get into the house as we were on our way to Kiulu River for white water rafting. I finally get to visit the Upside Down House, which is the first Upside Down House in Malaysia and the fifth in the world.
Upside Down House Sabah
The Upside Down House Sabah was opened to the public in early February 2012. It is located at Mile 12, Jalan Telibong. It has also been included in the Malaysia Guinness Book of Records. The entrance fee is as follows:-
The overview of the Upside Down House of Borneo, Sabah
With the entrance fee ticket, we were allowed to enter the compound of the Upside Down House Sabah. We were greeted by the caretaker who allowed us to roam around while waiting for our turns to enter the house. True to its name, the box house is standing upside down with its floor facing the blue skies.
Once we got clearance to enter the Upside Down House Sabah, we were briefed on the do’s and don’ts in the house. The management practises strictly no photography policy inside the house. Visitors are restricted to walk only on the red carpet in order to ensure the safety of the visitors. Not that it is not safe for visitation, the rule is meant to avoid any mishap from happening.
First and foremost, the house is modelled after a Dusun people house in Kota Belud. To mark the start of our short tour in the house, Annahita hit the tagung. The tradition of hitting the tagung is to inform the owner of house to expect visitors.
Then the visitors were asked to knock the door of the house before the door was opened for visiting. According to our guide, the house is modelled after a house of Dusun Tindal people in Kota Belud. It was designed as if the house was inhabited by a family with a naughty son.
The heaviest furniture hanging upside down was a sewing machine. One could also spot few things which were not turned upside down such as air-conditioner and CCTV.
It took us less than 15 minutes to explore the house. Then, we were allowed to go into the outdoor garden and also detached toilet. Visitors will be able to shop for souvenirs and eat at the cafe.
Opening Hours : Daily from 7am to 7pm
Getting There : The house is located along Mile 21, Jalan Telibong Tamparuli. The journey by road takes approximately 40 minutes. Taxis can take you from the city centre but be sure to make return arrangements as taxis on standby may not be readily available at the location