Kota Kinabalu: Kiulu River Rafting and Mari Mari Village

Kota Kinabalu, the vibrant capital of Sabah, Malaysia, offers a thrilling adventure that combines the adrenaline-pumping experience of white water rafting on the Kiulu River with a captivating exploration of the Mari Mari Cultural Village. This full-day excursion promises a unique blend of natural excitement and culture, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for the rich traditions of Borneo’s indigenous tribes. Buckle up for an unforgettable journey that blends the great outdoors with a glimpse into the heart of Sabah’s heritage.

Key Points

• Experience an adrenaline-fueled white water rafting adventure on the Kiulu River, Borneo’s longest river.
• Explore the Mari Mari Cultural Village to learn about the indigenous traditions of Borneo.
• Enjoy a full-day tour led by an English-speaking guide, with free cancellation available.
• The activity is not suitable for children under 6, pregnant women, and individuals with certain medical conditions.
• The package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, necessary equipment, and a riverside lunch.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

This tour offers visitors an exhilarating opportunity to experience white water rafting on the longest river in Borneo, the Kiulu River.

It also includes a visit to the Mari Mari Cultural Village, where travelers can learn about the indigenous traditions of the region.

The full-day experience lasts 8 hours and is led by an English-speaking guide. Guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The full-day experience lasts 8 hours and is led by an English-speaking guide. Guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The price starts from Kč 3,512 per person, making it an affordable and exciting adventure in Kota Kinabalu.

Itinerary Details

The tour includes pickup from four convenient locations – Kota Kinabalu, Putatan, Kepayan, and Kota Kinabalu International Airport.

The 8-hour experience begins with a thrilling 75-minute white water rafting adventure on the Kiulu River, the longest in Borneo.

Following the rafting, guests embark on a 3-hour guided tour of the Mari Mari Cultural Village, where they’ll learn about the indigenous traditions and way of life.

At the end of the day, guests are dropped off at the same four locations as the pickup.

Safety and Guidance

Safety briefings by professional raft guides occur before the rafting activity. They ensure a secure experience on the river. The activity is not suitable for children under 6, pregnant women, people with back problems, and non-swimmers. A table with more details is provided below:

| Suitability | Suitable | Not Suitable |

|————-|———-|————–|

| Age | 6+ | Under 6 |

| Condition | Healthy | Pregnant, Back Problems |

| Swimming | Swimmers | Non-Swimmers |

Skilled guides lead the rafting excursion, providing a thrilling yet safe adventure for participants. Guests can trust in the expertise and diligence of the staff to deliver an unforgettable whitewater experience.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The activity package includes hotel pickup and drop-off within the Kota Kinabalu area, a professional raft guide, a safety briefing, necessary equipment, a riverside lunch, and a guided tour of the Mari Mari Cultural Village with high tea.

However, personal expenses such as towels, extra drinking water, tips, extra meals, canned drinks, and alcohol aren’t covered.

Plus, there’s an additional surcharge of RM25 per person for pickup outside the Kota Kinabalu city area.

Participants should pack appropriate clothing, secure or leave valuables, and be prepared to get wet during the rafting experience.

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Preparation and Recommendations

What to bring for this excursion includes a hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, a camera, sunscreen, water, comfortable clothes, beachwear, and insect repellent.

Wear clothes that can get wet, as you’ll likely get drenched during rafting. Secure or leave valuables at your accommodation.

Expect to get wet, so prepare accordingly. Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are strictly prohibited.

Get ready to get wet – smoking, alcohol, and drugs are strictly prohibited during this excursion.

Follow the safety guidelines provided by the experienced guides to ensure a secure and enjoyable adventure on the Kiulu River and at the Mari Mari Cultural Village.

Exploring the Kiulu River

Flowing through the heart of Borneo, the Kiulu River beckons adventurers with its thrilling rapids and breathtaking scenery.

This 75-minute white water rafting experience promises an adrenaline-fueled journey down the longest river in Borneo. Led by skilled guides, you will navigate through Class II-III rapids, expertly maneuvering over cascading waves and churning currents.

Beyond the excitement, the river offers a serene escape, with lush tropical forests lining the banks. Rafters will be awed by the impressive natural beauty surrounding them as they forge ahead, creating unforgettable memories of their Kiulu River adventure.

Discovering Mari Mari Cultural Village

After the thrilling journey down the Kiulu River, the tour takes visitors to the Mari Mari Cultural Village.

This unique destination offers a glimpse into the traditional lifestyles of Borneo’s indigenous tribes.

The guided tour includes:

1. Exploring traditional houses and learning about the unique architecture and living conditions of the past.

2. Witnessing cultural demonstrations, such as fire-starting, blowpipe hunting, and rice wine making.

3. Engaging with locals to understand their customs, beliefs, and daily activities.

4. Savoring a high tea experience featuring authentic Bornean delicacies.

This immersive cultural experience provides a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage of Sabah.

Concluding Thoughts

Though the Kiulu River rafting and Mari Mari Cultural Village tour promises an exhilarating and immersive experience, travelers should consider a few key points before booking.

While the excursion offers a unique cultural glimpse and outdoor adventure, it may not suit everyone. Prospective guests should carefully review the safety guidelines, as the rafting activity is unsuitable for certain groups.

Plus, the additional surcharge for pickups outside Kota Kinabalu may impact budget-conscious travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

No, you can’t bring your own food and drinks. The tour package includes lunch by the riverbank and high tea at the cultural village. Outside food and drinks are not permitted.

How Physically Demanding Is the White Water Rafting?

The white water rafting is moderately physically demanding. It requires some upper body strength and agility to maneuver the raft through the rapids. However, with the assistance of the skilled guides, it’s an enjoyable activity for most able-bodied participants.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?

There’s no minimum group size requirement – you can book this activity as a solo traveler or with a group. However, the pricing is per person, so you’ll pay the full cost even if you’re the only one booked.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to My Preferences?

Unfortunately, the tour itinerary can’t be customized. It’s a pre-set experience that includes white water rafting on Kiulu River and a guided tour of Mari Mari Cultural Village. However, you can request optional add-ons or modifications for an additional fee.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy?

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. If you cancel within 24 hours, you won’t receive a refund. However, you can reschedule the tour for a later date at no additional cost.

The Sum Up

This adventure in Kota Kinabalu offers the perfect balance of thrilling white water rafting and immersive cultural exploration. Riders will conquer the Kiulu River’s Class II-III rapids with professional guidance, then dive into the traditions of Borneo’s indigenous tribes at the Mari Mari Cultural Village. It’s an exhilarating day of discovering Sabah’s natural wonders and rich heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: