Kiulu River Rafting from Kota Kinabalu: Grade 1-2 Rapids

Deep pools between the rapids let you swim and body-raft as much as paddle.

White water rafting on the Kiulu River, a 90-minute paddle north of Kota Kinabalu through grade 1-2 rapids with a live English-speaking guide, hotel pickup, and a BBQ lunch afterward. The river distance varies by water level: up to 15km when high, 7km when low. Children from age 2 can join if they have moderate fitness. The experience suits first-timers and moderately adventurous swimmers alike.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kiulu River White Water Rafting Adventure

• Travel north to Kiulu River
• Pass scenic countryside and Tamparuli
• Receive safety briefing
• Enjoy white water rafting
• Swim or body raft in deep pools
• Finish with BBQ lunch
• Return to Kota Kinabalu

The experience

You start the morning with hotel pickup from Kota Kinabalu and travel north through rural countryside, passing the town of Tamparuli on the way to Kiulu River. A short safety briefing happens before you get on the water, and then you're paddling. The rapids here run grade 1 to 2: steady current and small drops, nothing that demands expert technique. What makes this river different from a pure adrenaline run is the deep pools that break up the rapids: you can stop paddling, slip into the water, and swim or body-raft through them if you want.

How far you go depends on the water level. When it's high, the route stretches up to 15km. When it's low, you cover about 7km. Either way, the paddle takes around 90 minutes. Your guide stays with the group the whole time and speaks English, so you get real-time safety tips and can ask about the river as you go. The equipment (raft, paddle, life jacket) is provided, and you'll have access to shower and toilet facilities at the end.

After you're done on the water, a BBQ lunch waits before the drive back to the city. The whole outing runs about six hours from pickup to drop-off. If you want a certificate of completion, you can request one.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Kota Kinabalu.
• transport by air-conditioned minivan.
• all rafting equipment including life jacket and paddle.
• a live English-speaking guide.
• a safety briefing before you start.
• shower and toilet facilities.
• and a BBQ lunch after the paddle.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in English08:00

Guide in English09:00

Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 09:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (2 to 11 years)

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Magunatip Holidays Sdn Bhd

Is this one for you?Book from your Kota Kinabalu hotel if you want to avoid arranging transport to the river yourself. The pickup is included and timed to get you on the water in the morning. Choose this if you're a moderate swimmer or first-time rafter: the grade 1-2 rapids and deep pools between them mean you can paddle at your own pace and take breaks to swim without feeling rushed.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years).

How far do I actually paddle on the Kiulu River?

The distance depends on water level. When water is high you can raft up to 15km. When it's low the route is about 7km. Either way, the paddle itself takes around 90 minutes.

What happens if I've never rafted before?

Novices are welcome on this river. The grade 1-2 rapids are manageable for first-timers, and your live guide gives a safety briefing before you start and stays with the group throughout.

Is the guide included, and what language do they speak?

Yes, a live guide in English is included with your booking and leads the entire experience on the water.

What's included in the price besides the rafting itself?

Hotel pickup and drop-off from Kota Kinabalu; transport by air-conditioned minivan; all rafting equipment; a safety briefing; shower and toilet facilities; and a BBQ lunch after you finish on the water.