Beaufort is a quiet riverside town south-west of KK, 97km away on the express-bus route (LPKP Sabah, checked 7 October 2026). The district covers 1,735 sq km (Beaufort District Council, checked 7 October 2026) and had 75,716 people at the 2020 census (DOSM Kawasanku, checked 7 October 2026). It doesn't make most tourist itineraries, but it's home to three experiences that are genuinely worth the trip: Grade 3-4 white water rafting on the Padas River, firefly cruises on the Klias wetlands, and the Sabah State Railway.
It's also the birthplace of Beaufort Mee — Sabah's wet-fried yellow noodles in a garlicky gravy. Reason enough to visit.
Things to Do
- Padas River white water rafting — Grade 3-4 rapids over about 9km (Sabah Tourism Board, checked 7 October 2026). You reach the start by train. One operator, Riverbug, lists 1.5 to 2 hours on the water, a minimum age of 12, and RM275 per person with pickup from KK or RM235 from the Beaufort or Tenom station (Riverbug, checked 7 October 2026). Rapids can run harder in the rainy season.
- Klias Wetlands firefly cruise — Evening boat cruise through mangroves. Thousands of fireflies light up the trees after dark. Best on moonless nights. Also spot proboscis monkeys at dusk. Most trips are evening tours from KK.
- Sabah State Railway — Railway line connecting KK to Beaufort and Tenom, running since 1896 on 134km of track (Sabah State Railway Department, checked 7 October 2026). Scenic and cheap.
- Weston Wetlands — Alternative firefly and proboscis monkey cruise, with packages that include meals and transfers (Sabah Tourism Board, checked 7 October 2026). Less crowded.
- Beaufort town walk — Small colonial-era town with shophouses, a riverside market, and a pace of life that feels decades behind KK. Authentic interior Sabah.
The best Beaufort day trip from KK: Padas River rafting in the morning → lunch (Beaufort Mee) → Klias firefly cruise in the evening. Several tour operators offer this combo. Book ahead.
Where to Eat
- Beaufort Mee stalls — The original Beaufort Mee. Yellow noodles fried "wet" in a thick chicken-and-garlic gravy, usually with pork and plenty of greens (Malay Mail, checked 7 October 2026). Multiple stalls in the town centre.
- Beaufort market kopitiam — Morning coffee shops near the market. Local breakfast, cheap and filling.
- Riverside restaurants — Simple local food with river views. Fresh fish, nasi campur.
Getting There
- Drive from KK — 97km via Papar (LPKP Sabah, checked 7 October 2026). Good road throughout.
- Sabah State Railway — Train from KK to Beaufort. Scenic and affordable. Check the current timetable and fares on the Sabah State Railway Department website.
- Tour package — Most rafting and firefly packages include KK hotel pickup and return. Easiest option.
Accommodation
Most visitors do Beaufort as a day trip from KK. If you want to stay:
| Type | Style | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Town guesthouses | RM40-80/night |
| Mid-range | Beaufort Hotel / lodges | RM80-150/night |
| Klias area | Wetland homestays | RM60-120/night |
Practical Tips
- Padas rafting: Wear quick-dry clothes and secure sandals. Operators provide life jackets and helmets. You will get soaked.
- Firefly timing: Best on moonless nights. Check the lunar calendar before booking. Full moon nights = fewer visible fireflies.
- Kiulu River: If Padas is too intense, Kiulu River (near Tuaran) offers Grade 1-2 family-friendly rafting for age 5+ (Riverbug, checked 7 October 2026).
- Mosquitoes: Bring repellent for the wetland cruises. Mangrove areas have mosquitoes at dusk.
- Combine with Tenom: Continue from Beaufort to Tenom for coffee farms and the Agricultural Park.