MY · Sabah · 6.13°N 116.27°E

tamparuli

The bridge from the famous song, and a bowl of Tamparuli mee after.

Best time
Any time of year. The river rises fast after heavy rain, so the bridge and rafting are best on drier days.
How long
Half a day
Getting there
Fly from KL to Kota Kinabalu (about 2.5 hours), then drive about 45 minutes. Tamparuli is on the main road from KK to Kundasang.
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MY · Sabahtamparuli6.13°N 116.27°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,The bridge from the famous song, and a bowl of Tamparuli mee after.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingTamparuliMY, Sabah
KLtamparuli
≈ 1,650 km from KL, as the crow flies
Old Shophouse in Tamparuli, Sabah

Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas · CC BY-SA 3.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Tamparuli is a small town about 40 minutes north-east of Kota Kinabalu, best known for its hanging bridge and the much-loved Sabahan song about it. It's an easy stop on the way to Kundasang and Kinabalu, or for rafting at Kiulu.

Makan

  1. Tamparuli meeThe town's own noodle dish, served at the coffee shops in town.Map ↗
  2. Tuaran meeNeighbouring Tuaran's springy fried egg noodles, about 15 minutes away.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Tamparuli suspension bridgeWalk across the long hanging bridge over the river, the one the song is about.Map ↗
  2. The tamuThe weekly market brings in produce, snacks and crafts from the surrounding villages.Map ↗
  3. Kiulu raftingGentle, beginner-friendly white water on the Kiulu river nearby, good for families.Map ↗
  4. On to KundasangTamparuli is where the road starts climbing to the highlands; Kinabalu Park is about 1.5 hours further on.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Kiulu rafting is usually booked as a half-day package from KK, with transfers included.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.