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.

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Orou Sapulot

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Sapulot

4D3N Sapulot Adventure (Orou Sapulot)

4 days
3 nights
Departs Kota Kinabalu
Basic
Price fromRM 2,390
2 - 3 pax, per person
Duration4 days
3 nights on the road
DepartsKota Kinabalu
Groupmin 2 pax
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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 Camp
  • Cave exploration through an underground stream
  • Climb to the top of Batu Punggul pinnacle
  • Swimming & camping at the Vangkaakon waterfall
  • Traditional Murut farming methods at Romol village

    • Trip facts

    Sapulot
    Caves, Cultural, Homestay, Jungle walks
    4 days of travel
    Physical difficulty 3 / 5
    Departs from Kota Kinabalu
    Minimum 2 pax per departure
    Rates: Pricing valid until 31st Dec 2026
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    Day by day

    Day 1

    Longboat to Pungiton 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 longboat transfer on the river to Pungiton 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 & waterfall camp

    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 the waterfall. Afternoon is spent exploring the waterfall area and swimming. Your accommodation for tonight will be in a tent at Vangkaakon camp, overlooking the Vangkaakon waterfall. (B, L, D)

    Day 3

    Waterfall relax & Murut village feast

    Spend first half of the day relaxing at the waterfall before transferring to the Romol village where you will sleep at MunorAulai Guesthouse. The day is spent exploring the village and learning about traditional Murut farming methods and customs. Spend your evening feasting on Murut food, wine and enjoying tradition local dancing and musical instruments. (B, L, D)

    Day 4

    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
  • 1 night at Pungiton camp, 1 night camping at Vangkaakon waterfall and 1 night a MunorAulai guesthouse
  • return transfer from hotels in Kota Kinabalu to Sapulot
  • activities as mentioned in itinerary
  • Community Guide
  • coffee & tea, drinking water
  • community fee

    • Not included

  • Personal expenses

    • Prices

    4D3N Sapulot adventure - 2-3 paxRM 2390per person
    4D3N Sapulot adventure - 4 pax or moreRM 2190per person
    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, around 2 hours, where you meet your guide. From there it is a 4x4 journey to Labang Village and then a longboat transfer up the river to Pungiton Camp in interior Sabah. The trip begins and ends in Kota Kinabalu, and return transfers from Kota Kinabalu hotels are included.
    Where will I be staying over the three nights?
    Your first night is at Pungiton Camp in interior Sabah, your second is in a tent at Vangkaakon camp overlooking the Vangkaakon waterfall, and your third is at MunorAulai Guesthouse in Romol Village. Accommodation is included throughout, and the camps reflect their remote jungle setting.
    How hard is the climb up Batu Punggul?
    Batu Punggul is a 250 metre limestone pinnacle rising out of the jungle, and it is described as an impressive and challenging climb. For the adventurous, you scramble and climb to the top for a magnificent view of the jungle canopy below, followed by a picnic lunch by the riverbank.
    Will there be a chance to swim?
    Yes. There is a refreshing swim by the river at Pungiton Camp on the first day, and an afternoon and following morning spent exploring and swimming at the Vangkaakon waterfall, where you camp overnight. Do pack swimming attire.
    What is the cultural side of the trip like?
    You stay in Romol Village and spend the day learning about traditional Murut farming methods and customs, then spend the evening feasting on Murut food and wine with traditional local dancing and musical instruments. The Murut are famously hospitable and enjoy sharing tales of life in the interior of Sabah over rice wine, and you are welcome to try the instruments and join in if you wish.
    What should I pack, and is there an ATM?
    There is no ATM, so bring the cash you will need. Also pack sunscreen, insect repellent, a raincoat, toiletries, a hat, trekking shoes, leech socks, a headlamp, swimming attire and sandals or flip flops.
    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.

    Photos from this trip

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    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

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