KIULU BAMBOO VILLAGE TOUR

Nestled between great, rolling hills and a serene river, the Kiulu Valley pulls you in with its rustic charm. With one of the most beautiful countryside views in Malaysia, it’s easy to see why people have been flocking over to this tiny little sub-district in the heart of Sabah.

If your idea of a good time is spending it reconnecting with nature, away from the constant badgering of calls, messages, social media, then consider the Kiulu Bamboo Village Tour to see these beautifully-crafted bamboo huts situated in the dream-like Kiulu countryside:

Kiharo Bamboo Hut
Located up a gentle slope along a hilltop waterfall and stream, the first thing you’ll notice upon reaching Kiharo is the vibrant vegetation. Colourful plants and flowers are laid out carefully along the paths, welcoming you as you make your way into the beautiful, bamboo-crafted hut. The man-made gardens and decorations add a great touch to the surrounding jungle and river – nature’s own handiwork mixed with a little bit of local ingenuity, creating stunning, Insta-worthy views.

Your first taste of that hospitality will probably be in the form of mouth-watering homemade delicacies such as bambangan, sambal garing, and tuhau (wild ginger). You’ll even get a guided tour of the surrounding garden, collecting both cultivated and wild vegetables and learning about their various uses as local remedies and cuisine delights. Nothing like gaining some practical knowledge during a tour.

In addition to the fairy-tale like river garden, you have the option of trekking uphill, into the dense jungle that’s been taken care of by the rural folk for many generations. Further upstream is a small wooden pavilion to rest your weary bones, next to a serene river alcove with little fish that scurry around during feeding time. Like the fish food disappearing into their bellies, your worries will quickly melt away as you take in the gorgeous scenery that awaits you.

Riverside Bamboo Hut
The rocky road leading to this secluded, off-the-trek location makes for a bumpy ride, but it’s well worth it. Situated right next to a great river teeming with fish, and surrounded by forested hills as far as the eye can see, the Riverside Bamboo Hut seems to be a lovely spot for a secret stay-cation nature getaway.

The river, with its crystal-clear waters and surrounding natural rock formations is a delight to behold, and an even greater delight to swim in – nothing beats a dip in cooling waters after spending some time under Borneo’s warm sun! One thing you can be sure, there’s no shortage of ambiance here… a short walk along the river will have you witnessing (and hearing) various creatures and the sounds of nature. Several traditional activities to keep you entertained here throughout the tour includes paddy processing, blowpipe and slingshot shooting, stilt-walking, fire-making, and handicraft making.

Throughout the tour, take the chance to interact with the locals. The people of Kiulu exude warmth and friendliness, and have kept true to their ancient traditions, preserving much of their unique culture through many generations. They have much to share – so whether you’re a foreign traveller seeking cultural enlightenment or a fellow Sabahan wishing to get in touch with their roots, you’ll no doubt benefit from the experience!

This tour being a collaboration between Borneo Eco Tours and the local communities in Kiulu, certainly features some of the best nature experience including the beautifully-crafted bamboo huts that rest along scenic rivers and waterfalls. It’s the perfect way to fall in love with Kiulu Valley and its friendly locals, while also supporting their way of life at the same time. Can’t possibly imagine what can be better than getting in touch with mother nature.