Beaufort is a quiet riverside town in Sabah's interior, about 90 minutes south of KK. 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 dark, rich fried noodles. Reason enough to visit.
Things to Do
- Padas River white water rafting — Grade 3-4 rapids, approximately 9km over 2 hours. Serious fun for adrenaline seekers (age 12+). From RM250+/person including minivan transfers from KK. Best February-September.
- Klias Wetlands firefly cruise — Evening boat cruise through mangroves. Thousands of fireflies light up the trees after dark. Best on moonless nights, 7-10pm. Also spot proboscis monkeys at dusk. ~2 hours from KK.
- Sabah State Railway — Heritage railway line connecting KK to Beaufort to Tenom. Air-conditioned, affordable, and scenic. One of the few remaining railway lines in Borneo.
- Weston Wetlands — Alternative firefly and proboscis monkey cruise. Slightly closer to KK than Klias. 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.
Combine the highlights
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. Flat noodles fried in dark soy sauce, dry or soup version. Multiple stalls in the town centre. RM5-8 per plate.
- 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 — ~90km, approximately 1.5 hours via Papar. Good road throughout.
- Sabah State Railway — Train from KK to Beaufort. Scenic and affordable. Check current schedule at the station.
- 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+.
- Mosquitoes: Bring repellent for the wetland cruises. Mangrove areas have mosquitoes at dusk.
- Combine with Tenom: Continue from Beaufort to Tenom (~1 hour) for coffee farms and the Agricultural Park.