The Kiulu River valley, Sabah

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Kiulu River Rafting (Grade I - II)

1 days
0 nights
Departs Kota Kinabalu
Day-trip
Price fromRM 200
adult, per person, min 2 people per trip
Duration1 day
DepartsKota Kinabalu
Groupmin 2 pax

About this trip

The Kiulu River is a great river for people of all skill levels to enjoy and a scenic day out for beginners and adventurous people of all ages. This trip covers up to 15km of river depending on water levels. During your trip down the river don't forget to keep your eyes open for wildlife on the banks of the river! You can also have a go at body rafting as well as helping the rest of your boat crew navigate the grade 1 to 2 rapids. The fun filled journey down the river will take about 1 ½ – 2 hours before reaching the ending point where a delicious lunch will be prepared by the riverbank.

Highlights

  • Grade I-II rapids along the Kiulu River
  • Safety briefing & body rafting with river guides
  • Scenic views of Mount Kinabalu on a clear day
  • Lunch & shower facilities at the adventure centre
  • Trip facts

    1 days of travel
    Physical difficulty 2 / 5
    Departs from Kota Kinabalu
    Minimum 2 pax per departure
    Rates: Prices valid until 31 Dec 2026

    Day by day

    Day 1

    Kiulu river rafting (day trip)

    8.30am- Pick-up from your hotel in Kota Kinabalu City and proceed to the Kiulu River, in Tamparuli area. The journey will take around 1 ½ -2 hours and offers scenic views of Mount Kinabalu on a clear day. 10am- Arrive at starting point for a safety briefing given by our professional river rafting guides, try on your lifejackets and helmets, grab your paddle and get ready to go! 10.30am- Rafting begins! The trip down river normally takes around 1 1/2 - 2 hours to arrive at the ending point, enjoy the grade I to II rapids, have a go and body rafting and don't forget to keep an eye out for wildlife on the banks of the river. 12noon- Arrive at the lunch spot, freshen-up and get ready for lunch, shower facilities are available on site. 1pm- Depart the adventure centre en-route back to your hotel in Kota Kinabalu, estimated time of arrival back into Kota Kinabalu is 3pm.

    Where you'll stay

    Accommodation details for this trip are on request.

    What's included

  • Hotel pick up and drop off
  • White water rafting equipment
  • English speaking guide
  • Lunch & drinking water
  • Shower/Changing facilities.
  • Not included

  • Photographer service (extra charge applies)
  • Prices

    AdultRM 200per person
    Child (4 - 11 yrs old)RM 170per person
    ChildrenChildren 4 - 11 years old: RM30 discount (RM170 per person). Minimum age is 4 years old.
    Rate validityPrices valid until 31 Dec 2026

    Frequently asked questions

    Can you pick up from hotels outside Kota Kinabalu city
    Yes, however a surcharge of RM30 per person applies for outskirts hotels including Nexus resort, Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Beringgis beach resort and Lankah Syabas. Just let us know where you are staying and we can advise.
    How challenging is the rafting?
    The Kiulu River is grade I to II and is suitable for ages 4 and above. It is not challenging but offers a great fun scenic day out from the city.
    What is included?
    The price includes hotel pick up and drop off (hotels within the city), all white water rafting equipment, an English speaking guide, lunch and drinking water, and shower and changing facilities. A photographer service is available at extra charge. Prices are valid until 31 Dec 2026.
    What should I bring?
    A change of clothes as you will get wet plus sunscreen and a towel. Bring some cash for snacks and drinks, and a drybag if you would like to take anything in the raft with you.
    Can I book if I am travelling on my own?
    The trip runs with a minimum of two people, but solo travellers may join existing bookings, so please get in touch and we will let you know what is available.
    Where does the rafting take place?
    On the Kiulu River in the Tamparuli area, around one and a half to two hours from Kota Kinabalu. The drive there offers scenic views of Mount Kinabalu on a clear day.
    Do you also offer Padas White Water rafting?
    Rafting on the Grade III-IV Padas river requires departing the city at 4.30am, and a transfer by train to the rafting starting point. The train frequently breaks down leading to last minute cancellations. To avoid disappointment, we are not currently offering the Padas rafting trip.

    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

    ★ 4.7 / 5 from 288 traveller reviews on TripAdvisor