Discover Sabah’s culinary soul in a traditional cooking class guided by local chefs. Set in the tranquil Kiulu countryside, guests prepare classic dishes, hear cultural stories and enjoy their handmade meals by the river—an unforgettable taste of rural life and heritage.
This cooking class offers an immersive dive into traditional Sabahan cuisine. Hotel pickup is at 7:30 AM by a local guide,, followed by travel to the tranquil Kiulu countryside Guests will engage in hands-on cooking using indigenous ingredients. Learn ancestral techniques, uncover the stories behind each dish, and connect with Sabah’s culinary heritage.
Deep in the heart of Sabah lies a culinary tradition as rich as its rainforests. This immersive half-day cooking class offers an opportunity to step away from the usual tourist path and discover the world of the Kadazan-Dusun and other indigenous communities of Borneo through the lens of their food.
The experience begins with a warm welcome and a refreshing glass of chilled lemongrass tea. Then, settle into a rustic open-air kitchen nestled near the river and forest. Guided by friendly local chefs, guests explore time-honored recipes and ingredients passed down through generations.
Together, guests prepare authentic dishes like hinava (a citrusy raw fish salad), pinsakan (smoked preserved fish), tuhau salad (made from wild ginger), aboriginal grilled vegetables and of course, nasi (rice), the heart of every Bornean meal.
This isn’t just a cooking class. It's an opportunity to understand the rhythm of rural life and hear the stories behind the food. Guests learn unique traditional cooking techniques and experience the culinary soul of Borneo.
Afterward, gather around to enjoy the dishes prepared together. It’s a time to share, reflect, and connect.
By the end of the session, guests leave not only with a full belly and a recipe booklet but also with a deeper appreciation for Sabah’s cultural and culinary heritage. Arrival back in Kota Kinabalu is expected around 3:30 PM. (L)
Notes:
- Minimum 4 persons
- This is a shared tour
- Private Session (PVT) available upon request (must be booked in advance)
- Riverbank cooking option for scenic setting is available upon request (surcharge applies)
- Additional protein dishes (e.g., chicken) are available with a surcharge
- Dietary restrictions or allergies must be advised in advance
- Traditional cooking tools and open-fire methods are used where possible
- Recipe variations may change based on ingredient availability or seasonality
Here is a selection of products that may also fit the needs of your client.
Become a partnerHere is a selection of products that may also fit the needs of your client.
Become a partnerOur sales team is on hand to ensure that the process of working with us is as smooth as possible. If you should have any questions, feel free to reach out to them.