Experience the beautiful Kiulu countryside just an hour and a half outside of Kota Kinabalu during a lovely rustic farmstay by the Kiulu River. Built in a collaborative project between a travel company, the local villages, and Arkitrek – a local architectural design firm – the Kiulu Valley Farmstay is an alternative livelihood project that aims to be the catalyst for community development and empowerment in the area.
In just two months, volunteers designed and built The Fig Tree, a two-bedroom, self-contained lodge, complete with kitchen, bathroom and dining area. The design of the lodge reflects the local communal culture of longhouses and is built using locally sourced and treated wood, bamboo, and biocrete walls. The Fig Tree is a natural and rustic lodge that combines innovative designs with volunteerism and community participation, as patterned woven bamboo panels were made by local community members.
Note that there is a minimum age of 18 years and a Driver’s License is requirement for anyone wanting to do the optional extra quad biking activity. If you are traveling with children under the age of 18 (age requirement for quad-biking), please ask our travel consultant to arrange a 2-seater Quad-Bike allowing for Pillion/Passenger option (passenger can be below 18 and does not require a valid license).
2 bedrooms self-contained lodge, shared toilet and bathroom.
Local fares, communal style, vegetarians and special diets catered for.
Electricity 24/7, fan, hot shower.
English-speaking guide throughout.
We will pick you up from your Kota Kinabalu hotel at 9:00 AM and drive approximately 45 minutes through the countryside with a short stop at the local market and a few scenic lookout points along the way to Kiulu Valley, the valley of the mist. Upon arrival at Kg. Mantob, you will be greeted with a warm welcome and briefed on the farmstay programs. Enjoy scrumptious lunch. Then proceed for jungle trekking at Gaman Kapur Trail with a chance to participate in rubber tapping. Thereafter, escape the hot weather with a dip at the sensationally cooling Kiulu River. After dinner, enjoy a night walk and chat with the locals about the village history and folktales before retiring to bed at The Fig Tree.
Lunch / Dinner
Wake up and enjoy the cool misty morning around Kiulu Valley. Head back to KK after your breakfast.
If you’re keen for more adventure and cultural experiences, there are many optional activities (at surcharge) for you to try such as quad biking and cultural activities. So be sure to ask your host!
Breakfast
Return transfers from Kota Kinabalu hotels, guide, 1 night accommodation with shared area and common bathroom, meals as specified, and drinking water.
Optional additional activities – quad biking, buffalo riding and tubing. Tips and gratuities.
Personal toiletries, insect repellent, hat, walking shoes and sandals, long sleeve shirts and pants (recommended for quad-biking activity), sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottle, and camera.
Adventurous travelers wanting a taste of simple, local life in a beautiful area. If you are traveling with children 2-seater Quad-Bikes are available allowing for Pillion/Passenger option (passenger can be below 18 and does not require a valid license).
Only for adventurous travelers who are fit, and willing to rough it out in order to experience a night in the montane forest area. Bear in mind that the shelter facilities are very basic here and you must expect rain or shine weather, including a lot of downhill terrain on Day 2 when going down to the waterfall.
Please send us an email to info@stickyricetravel.com for enquiries or click “Book Now” to use our contact us form.
