Rumah Terbalik – Asia 1st Upside Down House in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

This was my first visit to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, famously described as “The Land Below The Wind”- a phrase used by seafarers in olden days to describe lands south of the typhoon belt. But that’s not to say Sabah is windless, of course. It’s certainly balmy at most times when I was there.

Sabah is definitely an interesting place with a wide range of attractions that one trip is never quite enough….but I just had to write a blog on this amazing attraction, the Rumah Terbalik (Upside Down House), located in Kg. Telibong, Batu 21, Jalan Telibong Tamparuli, 89208 Tuaran. This is Asia’s first upside down house and one of only five worldwide (at time of writing).

Many hikers travelling to Mt. Kinabalu may have passed by this venue without realizing the gem of a place as they may be sleeping in their vehicle due to early hours commute from their accommodation in Kota Kinabalu town. This is certainly a missed opportunity and I hope through this blog, bring about awareness and encourage them check this unique venue on the return leg. For more information on the Rumah Terbalik, do check out their website : http://www.upsidedownhouse.com.my/#!

 

The Rumah Terbalik (Upside Down House) and Kereta Terbalik (Upside Down Car)… 

Certainly a fun introduction to the venue…and great photo opportunity for “quirky” and one-of-a-kind picture. The Upside Down House is the brainchild of Mr. Alexander Yee (in sunglasses) the founder and owner, who braved the risk to be the first to introduce this fun concept to his hometown and indeed, Asia. 

The way to an Upside Down experience……remember your orientation…. 

A resounding welcome to the Upside Down House…… certainly ups the mood… 

The start of a unique upside down experience… the duration within the house lasts about 7-8 minutes with commentary from guide. No photography is allowed in the interior in view of practicality (pic taking would prolong the allotted time frame and cause congestion and bottlenecks, especially in peak period) and novelty (pictures shown liberally will degrade the uniqueness and erodes the novelty effect. Not good from a business point of view) …. but this grouse will be addressed further down the visit…stay tuned. (^__^) 

The Upside Down Toilet the “Wrong” way up…. 

The Upside Down Toilet the “Right” way up….or is it ?  Certainly a unique picture to bring a smile to all who look at it….. (^______^) 

The Upside Down Garden…..the orchids are real , by the way (^__^) 

“Develop” super human strength at Upside Down House….. suggested vantage points are marked out for unique photo angles…. all thought up by the customer-service minded owner… 

Venue map of Rumah Terbalik….the efficient layout ensures smooth flow and a pleasant experience. There’s a cafe to take good care of thirsty and hungry visitors. For those with preference for a gastronomic adventure in authentic Sabah ethnic cuisine, there’s a cosy air-con restaurant called Mango Garden Restaurant within the compound, managed and owned by the Upside Down House founder. Its comprehensive menu carries many unique Sabah ethnic food like Kadazan, Brunei, Dusun, etc… all under one roof ! This will be the subject of another blog dedicated to that great restaurant …stay tuned.  Also…do check out the souvenir shop for value for money quality items to remember the occasion.. 

The Rumah Terbalik entrance and reception counter….gateway to a unique and fun experience.

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Disclaimer: The opinion and information expressed in this blog is purely the writer’s personal perspectives and unsolicited. To better enjoy the venue, a healthy mindset oriented towards having fun and having a good time (as in anything else) is necessary. There are reviews expressed elsewhere that conveys sentiments otherwise….as in all things, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.