It’s always a treat to witness one of Sabah’s local sporting events, because they are never run-of-the-mill. The Kiulu 4M Challenge is a great example as it’s like a local Iron Man endurance race; or in case of the 4M, the Bamboo Man endurance race.

The 4 M’s are derived from Kadasandusun words, which mean running, bamboo rafting, paddling on a bamboo pole and walking on bamboo stilts.

Although bamboo is less prominent in society than it used to be, in the 4M challenge there is still glory to be had for displaying your bamboo related skills. It’s these skills that make the Kiulu 4M Challenge unique.

As much fun as it is to partake in the 4M Challenge, it is an equally outstanding spectator sport with an opportunity for some casual participation, or even just a great excuse for a picnic by the beautiful Kiulu river.

Various teams in several categories spend the day next to and on the river competing in the 4 tasks of the race. The first event is a short stretch of running, or manangkus, which is perhaps the easiest leg of the race.

The next M (mamangkar) requires each participant or team to fashion a raft from bamboo using rope. Bamboo is surprisingly buoyant and 3 or 4 sizable trunks of bamboo can easily keep a person afloat. The trick is to steer this oblong raft along the Kiulu river rapids as quickly as possible without being ejected from the raft.

After rafting on the bamboo, manampatau, or paddling on a bamboo pole follows. This leg of the race requires you to hang on to a piece of bamboo and swim down stream, hopefully ahead of the other competitors.

Once you reach the designated area of the river, a short run follows to the last and technically most difficult part of the race, mamarampanau, or the dreaded walking on bamboo stilts. The course length is only about 100m, but previous 4M Challenges have been won or lost on exactly this stretch.

The task seems simple enough – two bamboo stilts with wedges on which to stand, which you then use to walk the distance of the course. If you fall off, you simply get on again and continue your walk. Balance, experience, patience and, perhaps, small feet all play their part in successfully completing this part of the race.

Win or lose, the Kiulu 4M Challenge is a tough but fun event of which each participant can feel proud to be part of.

For adventurous tourists it’s an ideal opportunity to experience an active and competitive side of Sabah, be it as a participant or spectator. Check out the main event page for more detail.