Kiulu Whitewater Rafting, Sabah

This time around, I planned an outdoor type holiday. The trip to Kudat to see the tip of Borneo was cancelled as it did not fit in with our itinerary when we discussed it with Akmal, who acted as our tourist guide. Besides, we did not have the luxury of time. Four days and three nights could not fit in everything. So was the planned excursion on the North Borneo Railway - a nostalgic travelling by steam engine from KK to Papar was scrapped off too due to time constraint.

We went to visit Borneo Cultural Village which was smaller than Sarawak Cultural Village. We checked out each houses of the ethnic people of Sabah. We took lots of photographs, interviewed the staff there and tasted some of the food offered. We also proceeded to Lok Kawi Wildlife Park. I loved this park. One of the keepers stressed the word park as it was a different concept from a zoo. The wild animals were well taken care of, enclosures which were almost similar to their habitat and breeding was also successful as we were informed by the informative keeper. They had third generation tigers, baby porcupines, deers, proboscis monkeys and seladangs. Beautiful creatures. We also made it to the Sabah Museum and wondered around reading about its history not only on local culture but also of wild animals. I have always enjoyed museums, zoos or parks and galleries.

For making it a November to remember, Akmal and I planned a whitewater rafting activity. Kiulu river was about an hour's journey from KK. I was afraid of the river as it brought back memories of almost being drowned while river trekking at Peretak, Kuala Kubu Bahru in Selangor. This time I was determined to go through it. Since we had not done it before except for Akmal, it was much looked forward too. Being novices, Akmal booked Level One activity. Being in the water means no camera. Even though my partner had his GoPro, he had no time to sort out the photos and videos taken. Thus, this is what we had before we started the activity. This was taken around the centre.

The guide had to carry the raft onto his back to return it to its storage area

One of the views from the centre

Flying fox was also offered

Evidence that I did it!!! ... ;-p))

I did not expect myself to go through it being afraid of water and did not know how to swim. The guys were quite sceptical but encouraged me and gave their wholehearted support. Halfway through the river, where the water was shallow and calm, the guide told us to jump into the river, lie back and float with the tide until a certain point where they climbed up back into the raft. Me? I sat with the guide in the raft. I did not think I was ready to put myself into the water .... ;-0)) 

It rained heavily before we started the activity, drizzled and stopped during the whitewater rafting and rained cats and dogs when we finally reached our destination. It was a fun activity as a family. After cleaning up ourselves and changed into dry clothes, we were given lunch (inclusive in the package) which we ate ravenously as the activity had made us hungry. It was delicious - a simple lunch of fried chicken, black pepper lamb, vegetable and fruit. Would I go for another trip of whitewater rafting? A definite yes ... next time around - second level of course. Provided I still remain in the raft .... ;-0))

This is one of the rapids that we went through - photo taken from Kiulu whitewater website

Our trip was organised by Riverbug. The place was clean and our needs were taken cared of. The guide was friendly and answered all our queries. Safety was of high regard and it was team work to make sure we all paddled our oars ....