Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Scuba Junkie, which runs a very popular dive centre in Semporna has an affiliated river-
rafting outfit here called, appropriately,
River Junkie
( 019-6012145;
www.river-
junkie.com
;
Wisma Sabah, Jln Fuad Stephen)
, which comes highly recommended by
travellers. Day trips organised out of KK cost around RM200 to RM400 per person, de-
pending on what package you choose. The cheapest options involve leisurely boat tours
and proboscis monkey spotting; more expensive tours include white-water rafting expedi-
tions and side trips to sites like the Mari Mari Cultural Village (Riverbug also offers a
combo paintball day!). All trips include transfers by van, and normally require 24 hours'
advance notice. Tourists who seek more serene waters can ride the rapids of Sungai Kiulu
(bookable through the aforementioned operators), which is located near Mt Kinabalu and
calm enough to be popular with families.
Sleeping
There's really no need to spend the night in Beaufort, but if you must, then try the
MelDe
Hotel
( 087-222266; 9-20 Lo Chung Park, Jln Lo Chung; s/d/ste from RM70/80/90;
)
The rooms are a bit crusty in the corners, but it's passable for a night's sleep while in
transit. Go for a room on one of the upper floors - they have windows. The Chinese res-
taurant under the inn is very popular with locals. MelDe is located in Old Town. If you're
stopping in town for a bite, make sure you try a pomelo (football-sized citrus fruit) and
local
mee Beaufort
(Beaufort noodles) - both are locally famous.
Getting There & Away
BUS
Express buses operate from near the old train station at the south end of Jln Masjid (the
ticket booth is opposite the station). There are departures at 9am, 1pm, 2.15pm and 5pm
for KK (RM10, 1½ hours). There are departures at 9.10am, 10.30am, 1.45pm and 6.20pm
for Sipitang (RM5, 1½ hours). The KK to Lawas express bus passes through Beaufort at
around 3pm; the trip from Beaufort to Lawas costs RM15 and takes 1¾ hours.
MINIVANS
Minivans operate from a stop across from the mosque, at the north end of Jln Masjid.
There are frequent departures for KK (RM10, two hours), and less-frequent departures for
Sipitang (RM12, 1½ hours), Lawas (RM15, 1¾ hours) and Kuala Penyu (RM8, until
around 2.30pm, one hour). To Menumbok (for Labuan) there are plenty of minivans until
early afternoon (RM10, one hour).
