Going to Kiulu river rafting was never in our plan. We signed up for Padas river rafting two weeks ahead. However, heavy downpours and flood in Tenom had since get worse. The night before the trip, our tour agent called up and informed on change of plan - to Kiulu River instead! Although disappointed, we accepted it as my better half had never tried white water rafting.

At 8:30am, our transport picked us up at our hotel. The journey took about 1 hour 15 minutes heading towards Tuaran, to the north of Kota Kinabalu. From the main road in Tamparuli town, it was another 21km to the inner trunk roads, uphill. Eventually, we arrived at riverside, we were told this is the ending point of the rafting. There, we changed our clothes and then after moved to the starting point, few miles ahead. 

At the starting point, the crews first inflated our raft. When it was fully inflated, we put on our life jacket and helmet. We then carried our raft to the riverbank, got really excited!

Before we got onto our raft, the chief rafter gave us some safety briefing - correct way to hold our raft paddles, what to do if we were thrown off from the raft (or if the raft capsize, praying hard it will never though), how to pull up team member to the raft so on and so forth.

We were seated at bow (I guess starboard and fort), while our chief rafter took care of back at stern, the key place to manoeuvre the raft. We were told our journey should take approximately 2 hours, depending on the river condition.

That morning, river current was rather swift, we met our first rapid in the next few minutes! We bumped up and down going with the whirling water current – like a roller coaster ride! After a few rounds, I overcame my nervousness and began to enjoy the rides!

According to the international white water grading system, Kiulu river is certified as Grade I-II, while Padas river is at Grade III-IV, or could even go up to grade V during heavy downpours. Wet season in Sabah is usually between November to March, so we were just at the end of the wet season. 

Although the rides were not as thrilling as Padas river that I’ve tried before, I enjoyed the cooling morning breeze and clear water in Kiulu. You see, water in Padas river has always been muddy and many described as ‘teh-tarik-alike’, of the total opposite. 

Along the river, we could see many wooden bridges connecting the villages. We also spotted few villagers and their children had fun in the river. Towards the end of the journey, we went down to the river and tried body rafting while still holding on to our raft. Water was really cold.

Unlike Padas river, Kiulu is suitable for family outing with young children. Almost anyone without rafting experience can try it! If you plan to go, below are some price guide and rafting specialist for your references:

*The current rafting tour cost inclusive of transport, lunch and rafting gears:
• Kiulu River Rafting: RM170/person
• Padas River Rafting: RM215/person

*The specialist:
1. Riverbug (www.traversetours.com)
2. Borneo Ultimate Sports Adventure Tours, or BUSAT (www.borneoultimate.com.my) 
3. Croker Rapids (www.borneocrockerrange.com)
4. MM Adventure (http://mmadventure.com)
 
*Disclaimer: The information on the tour cost and the specialist are for sharing purpose. The author does not receive any commission of your transaction neither will be responsible for your trip.

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Comments (11)

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written by audrey jackie bangkuai , April 09, 2009

wwwwwwaaaaaaaaaaaa ... best owwwwwww ... kampung sy pun d sna ...

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written by Colin , September 07, 2009

hello! I chanced upon yr blog while researching for my trip to Kota K.

Could i ask which tour company did you use for your Kiulu river trip? I understand you have the list there but your trip seems private and that would be great for my friends and i.

Also, was there a bbq lunch awaiting you after the journey?

Thanks a great deal and really enjoy reading your adventures!

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written by Grace , September 09, 2009

Dear Colin,

Glad to hear you enjoy the read.

We signed up with Croker Rapid. Yes, you are right, the session was rather private. We had all the attention from the guide!

We didn't have BBQ lunch as there were only few of us. Anyway, we enjoyed the ride and I hope you & your friends will too.

If you are looking for real adventure, try Sg Padas (Padas River). Share with us once you've been there, happy rafting

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written by Colin , September 28, 2009

hello Grace!

Thank you for the response! I will give Crocker Rapids a shout out. Will update you when we come back from the trip in Mid november! We're reallly excited!

Thanks once again!

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written by amanda , January 09, 2010

i'm so worry to go water raftig this month huhhuhu

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written by kenneth , February 13, 2010

sioknya.....

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written by fluketour , October 07, 2010

One should really experience the thrills n excitement of the White water rafting.A truly exotic jeopardy. You will feel the volume and anxiety running down your nerves. A must to do adventure.
http://www.thetop10guide.net/w...tes.html

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written by wawa , November 04, 2010

kiulu owez the best 4 me....my lovely hometown...

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written by abbyjell , November 07, 2010

Me too, Kiulu is olwez the best for me.....I Lov Kiulu....

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written by www.tamparulisabah.com , November 23, 2010

Nice Picture and Story. Do come again...

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written by Jane , December 16, 2010

Wow!! that would be amazing experience. I have never experienced river rafting adventure, but heard many things about it. After reading this site I am very much desperate to go for this adventure.
http://www.thetop10guide.net/w...tes.html

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