By Geena Roslyna
I’ve been on a few ATV (also known as “all-terrain vehicle”) rides before but this one truly stood out.
The great weather, coupled with the scenic view of Kiau Valley in Kg. Kiau, Kota Belud made our experience with ATV Kiau Adventure an unforgettable one.
If you’re one of those adventure junkies looking to explore the less-traveled part of Sabah, then this is for you!
Kicking Off Our ATV Kiau Adventure
As we arrived at our destination, my eyes immediately rested on the vibrant, blue-coloured sign that said “ATV Kiau Adventure” with the ATV’s parked neatly on the side. Seeing this, I felt my heart race as I couldn’t wait to bring one of them for a ride. Then, as if on cue, the friendly owners – Kolinson, Cesar, and Glen emerged from the main hall, walking towards us to welcome our arrival.
To prepare for our ATV adventure, we made our way to the main hall for registration followed by a briefing by Kolinson and Glen, who patiently addressed all my questions about ATV Kiau Adventure and the packages they offered. Stay tuned as I reveal the packages at the end of this story!
Given our tight schedule, we opted for the shortest route, Package A, headed towards Mintangor, situated approximately 1.5 km from the base. But don’t let the distance fool you! Despite being the shortest option, I encountered some challenges along the way, which I’ll gladly share with you as we go.
First and foremost, ensuring our safety was paramount. It was crucial to fasten our helmets, elbow pads, and knee pads before embarking on our adventure. Finally, Glen and Cesar provided us with essential instructions on operating the ATV, covering everything from starting the engine to shifting gears and using the brakes.
After the safety briefing and driving a couple of rounds at the base, we were off to our adventure by 1:30 PM.
Mintangor, Here We Come!
Although Package A to Mintangor is just 1.5 kilometers away, it was full of surprises. For starters, you’ll have to navigate through sloped terrains, but nothing too intense. However, you might want to note that the trails are mostly gravelled and are surrounded by medium to large bushes with leaves that will softly brush against you as you drive past.
Nevertheless, these aspects of our journey add to the charm. Throughout the ride, I stopped several times to take some shots and videos which will be up on our social media soon!
I admit, the sloped terrain occasionally tested my endurance and ATV skills, especially when we were headed uphill, but little did I know that a very special sight was waiting for us!
Tadaah! Isn’t the view amazing? We travelled for about twenty minutes to reach Mintangor, and every minute leading up to this picture-perfect moment was worth it.
Although, since we went in the afternoon, the view of the hills were partially covered with clouds. Word of advice, it would be best to ride the ATV earlier in the day, where the clouds are lesser, for a clearer view.
After taking more pictures and admiring the breathtaking views of Kiau Valley, our guide led us on to explore another checkpoint at Kiau Taburi, which is not too far from Mintangor.
This unexpected but delightful stop turned out to be the real highlight! Here, we took a photo with the big “I ❤ ️Kiau Taburi” sign with Mt. Kinabalu peeking shyly through the clouds. Though the clouds got in the way, the cool breeze and serene atmosphere more than made up for it.
We took a breather and rested for a little before returning to the base.
Here’s an interesting experience I had that might be useful for your future ATV rides: On our way back, things took an interesting turn. My right thumb started cramping from holding down the accelerator. Not wanting to lag too far behind (yes, I was the last one in the line—haha!) I began alternating between my right thumb and my left hand, which I maneuvered over to the throttle to give my right thumb a break. To combat this thumb fatigue, the ATV guides advised to take occasional breaks in order to reduce muscle strain during long periods of driving.
Tips for a Safe and Comfortable ATV Experience
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable ATV adventure, especially if you’re a beginner, consider these tips:
- Test Drive and Adjust: Start by test driving at the base. Talk to your guides about adjusting the throttle for your comfort.
- Stretch Regularly: Stretch your fingers, particularly your thumb, to prevent cramping during the ride.
- Adjust Your Posture: Ensure your seating position is comfortable—neither too forward nor too backward—to avoid straining your spine.
- Stay Alert: Enjoy the scenery, but keep your eyes on the trail ahead to avoid accidents.
ATV Kiau Adventure with Overnight Stay Package
Would we recommend ATV Kiau Adventure? Absolutely! Being one with nature while enjoying the cool breeze and the peaceful ride was genuinely soothing and rejuvenating.
For camping enthusiasts, there’s also a camping spot available, along with several homestays for those who prefer to stay overnight.
One of the homestays we visited was a charming two-storey house, complete with three bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a dining area downstairs. For accommodation inquiries, reach out via WhatsApp to connect with the booking representatives.
ATV Kiau Adventure Packages
The following packages are offered by ATV Kiau Adventure:
Package A (Mintangor)
This package takes you to Mintangor, which is 1.5 km from the base.
- RM100 for 1 person per ATV
- Surcharge of 50% of the fare for adult passengers and RM20 for passengers under 18 years old (double seater)
- Includes a tour guide, insurance coverage, and refreshments.
Package B (Kiau Taburi)
This package takes you to Kiau Taburi, about 4.0 km from the base.
- RM120 for 1 person per ATV
- Surcharge of 50% of the fare for adult passengers and RM20 for passengers under 18 years old (double seater)
- Includes a tour guide, insurance coverage, and refreshments.
Package C (Kadamaian)
This package takes you to Kadamaian, approximately 8.0 km from the base.
- RM160 for 1 person per ATV
- Surcharge of 50% of the fare for adult passengers and RM20 for passengers under 18 years old (double seater)
- Includes a tour guide, insurance coverage, and refreshments.
Package D (Kiau Nuluh)
- Kiau Nuluh Trip (10km from the base)
- RM 175 for 1 person per ATV
- Surcharge of 50% of the fare for adult passengers and RM20 for passengers under 18 years old (double seater)
- Includes a tour guide, insurance coverage, and refreshments.
Package CPlus/Combo (Mintinduk Gorge)
- Package CPlus: RM180
- Combo Package: RM210 (includes accommodation)
- Package without ATV: RM30
ATV Kiau Adventure Trail Map
About ATV Kiau Adventure
ATV Kiau Adventure aims to be the top choice for ATV enthusiasts, offering unmatched experiences in Kiau Valley that promote a deep connection with nature, a spirit of adventure, and a positive impact on guests and the environment. It goes without saying that the priority is to ensure safety, sustainability, and creating unforgettable memories for all participants. Owned by WS Kondiu Enterprise and licensed by the Kota Belud District Office, they began operations in December 2023, specialising in ATV tours and activities in Kiau Valley.
Opening hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm (Tuesday – Sunday)
Booking Details:
WhatsApp: +60 12 689 5847
Email: atvkiauadventure@gmail.com
Social Media:
For latest posts and information, visit ATV Kiau Adventure’s Facebook page and follow them for future updates!
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