River Junkie – fuel the addiction
River Junkie – fuel the addiction

River Junkie Tours Sdn. Bhd. — licensed Kota Kinabalu tour operator (KPL/LN5696), MATTA member, running wildlife safaris, Mount Kinabalu climbs and cave trips across Sabah and Sarawak since 2008.

Our Contact

Jungle and limestone karst scenery on the Sapulot adventure, Sabah

Home › Tours ›

Sapulot

3D2N Sapulot Adventure (Orou Sapulot)

3 days
2 nights
Departs Kota Kinabalu
Basic
Price fromRM 1,950
2 - 3 pax, per person
Duration3 days
2 nights on the road
DepartsKota Kinabalu
Groupmin 2 pax
Enquire about this trip

About this trip

Going into head hunter land has changed a lot over the years, with the main danger now being overwhelmed by the amazing hospitality of the Murut people. The Murut were the last of the ethnic groups of Sabah to renounce head-hunting and are now very happy to tell you tales of life living in the interior of Sabah while drinking rice wine from ceramic jars and enjoying the fantastic local food, much of which is foraged from the jungle. You will have the opportunity to scale the very impressive and challenging 250m limestone pinnacle known as Batu Punggul, explore mysterious caves, and sleep on stretcher hammocks in jungle camps. Traditional Murut longboats, hidden water falls, caving, traditional food, music, dance and rice wine, this trip into the green heart of Borneo has a lot to offer. Not many venture here, but if you do, it is likely that you won't see another tourist on your visit.

Highlights

  • Longboat transfer to Pungiton Eco-Camp
  • Cave exploration through an underground stream
  • Climb to the top of Batu Punggul pinnacle
  • Evening of Murut food, wine, dance & music

    • Trip facts

    Sapulot
    Caves, Cultural, Homestay, Jungle walks
    3 days of travel
    Physical difficulty 3 / 5
    Departs from Kota Kinabalu
    Minimum 2 pax per departure
    Rates: Pricing valid until 31st Dec 2026
    WhatsApp us
    Send an enquiry

    Day by day

    Day 1

    Longboat to Pungiton Eco-Camp

    Morning pick up from your hotel or airport in Kota Kinabalu and transfer to Keningau town (around 2 hours) to meet you guide and continue your journey to Labang Village by 4x4. From here. take a traditional longboat transfer on the river to Pungiton Eco-Camp, interior Sabah. Refreshments will be served upon arrival, settle in and then embark on trip to discover the unexplored Pungiton Caves. Walk through a cave with an underground stream and wonder at the formation of stalactite and stalagmite. Return to the camp for a refreshing swim by the river. Enjoy dinner and watch the night sky from the eating area before falling asleep to the sounds of the jungle. (L, D)

    Day 2

    Batu Punggul climb & Murut feast

    Early wake up for breakfast. Check out of the camp and transfer to Tataluan for your excursion to Batu Punggul, the 250meter limestone pinnacle, rising out of the jungle. For the adventurous, scramble and climb up to the top for a magnificent view of the jungle canopy below. Upon your descent, enjoy picnic lunch by the riverbank before your transfer to a MunorAulai Guesthouse at Romol Village. Take a tour of village and learn more about their farming methods and traditional way of life. The evening is spent feasting on Murut food, wine and enjoying a cultural performance. Try your hand at traditional Murut instruments and join in with the local dancing & singing if you wish! (B, L, D)

    Day 3

    Departure via Keningau to Kota Kinabalu

    Departure to Keningau by 4x4 after breakfast concluding your time in Murut country. Meet our driver in Keningau and transfer back to Kota Kinabalu by the early afternoon. (B)

    Where you'll stay

    Orou Sapulot

    Orou Sapulot

    Sapulot, Sabah
    A community tourism project run by Murut villagers in the Sapulot area of Nabawan district, deep in Sabah interior near the Kalimantan border. Visitors travel by road to Keningau, then by 4WD to Labang Village and on by longboat to riverside camps and a village guesthouse. Days combine caving, waterfalls, the climb up the Batu Punggul limestone pinnacle, and Murut hospitality, music and food.
  • Pungiton campStretcher hammock With mosquito net.
  • Vangkaakon Eco-Camp (4D3N tour only)Tent on a raised platform - jungle camping
  • MunorAulai guesthouseSimple guesthouse room in Romol Eco Village
    • FacilitiesFacilities in all locations are simple, there are no jungle resorts here!
    Good to knowElectricity is available in common areas only at the jungle camps, so do not expect power at your bed. There is no ATM in the area, so bring cash. Fitness needs to be moderate to high, as the trip involves scrambling and climbing. Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, a raincoat, toiletries, a hat, trekking shoes with grip, leech socks, a torch, swimwear and sandals.
    A closer look

    What's included

  • All meals
  • accommodation
  • return transfer from hotels in Kota Kinabalu to Sapulot
  • activities as mentioned in itinerary
  • Guide
  • coffee & tea, drinking water
  • community fee

    • Not included

    Prices

    3D2N Sapulot adventure - 2-3 paxRM 1950per person
    3D2N Sapulot adventure - 4 pax or moreRM 1790per person
    ChildrenDiscount for children: 5 to 12 years old — 20% discount; 1 to 4 years old — 30% discount.
    Rate validityPricing valid until 31st Dec 2026

    Frequently asked questions

    How do I get to Sapulot?
    You are picked up in the morning from your hotel or the airport in Kota Kinabalu and driven to Keningau town, which takes around 2 hours, where you meet your guide. From there you continue to Labang Village by 4x4, then transfer by traditional longboat up the river to Pungiton Eco-Camp in interior Sabah. The trip starts and ends in Kota Kinabalu, and return transfers from Kota Kinabalu hotels are included.
    Where will I be staying?
    Your first night is at Pungiton Eco-Camp, deep in interior Sabah, where you can swim in the river and fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle. Your second night is at MunorAulai Guesthouse in Romol Village, where you spend the evening feasting on Murut food and wine with a cultural performance. Accommodation is included throughout.
    How hard is the climb up Batu Punggul?
    Batu Punggul is a 250 metre limestone pinnacle rising straight out of the jungle, and it is described as an impressive and challenging climb. On the day, the adventurous can scramble and climb up to the top for a magnificent view over the jungle canopy below, and afterwards there is a picnic lunch by the riverbank. If you would rather not go all the way up, you can still enjoy the excursion.
    What should I pack?
    Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, a raincoat, toiletries, cash (there is no ATM), a hat, trekking shoes, leech socks, a headlamp, swimming attire and sandals or flip flops.
    What is included in the price?
    The price covers all meals, accommodation, return transfer from hotels in Kota Kinabalu to Sapulot, all activities mentioned in the itinerary, your guide, coffee and tea, drinking water, and the community fee.
    Is this tour suitable for children?
    It is not recommended for very young children but is suitable for ages 6 and above. The Batu Punggul climb is tricky and not recommended for under 12 years old but younger children can still enjoy the excursion.
    What wildlife can I see?
    Sabah's interior is not wildlife-rich like it's East coast. You may see snakes, lizards or even elephants on the drive in but this tour focuses on Murut culture & hospitality. Explore Pungiton cave, scale Batu Punggul, swim in hidden waterfalls and learn more about traditional farming in Romol eco-village. It's suitable for those looking to get off the beaten-track and taking a unique and authentic look into Borneo' remote interior.
    Which other places are in a similar area?
    The best place to combine with Orou Sapulot is Maliau Basin. Ask us for a quote and get ready for a week long adventure!

    Photos from this trip

    More trips like this one

    Orou Sapulot
    Sapulot

    4D3N Sapulot Adventure (Orou Sapulot)

    4 days
    Departs Kota Kinabalu
    From RM 2,390
    View tour
    Sapulot river
    Maliau Basin / Sapulot

    6D5N On The Road Less Traveled

    6 days
    Departs Kota Kinabalu
    From RM 6,700
    View tour

    Ready to book, or still deciding?

    Tell us your dates and we will come back with availability, the total cost and honest advice — including when a different trip would suit you better.

    Getting between destinations: we also run private van and 4X4 transfers across Sabah and a daily Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan shuttle — ask us to add either to your trip.

    WhatsApp / phone: +60 11 1265 8581
    Email: info@river-junkie.com
    Hours: 8am–5pm, Monday to Sunday
    Office: Wisma Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

    ★ 4.7 / 5 from 288 traveller reviews on TripAdvisor