Rumah Terbalik
Rumah Terbalik
3
About
Rumah Terbalik, the first upside down house of Malaysia is located in Kampung Telibong, Mile 21, Jalan Telibong, Tamparuli, Sabah, Malaysia. Nestled within the compound of Rumah Terbalik is also a souvenir shop (i.e. Tamu) well stocked with handicrafts and souvenirs and the 3D Wonders Museum. Using recycled wood and materials specifically to create a more local atmosphere, Rumah Tebalik has an area of 1,500 square feet and equiped with a living room, a dining area, a equipped kitchen, veranda, two bedrooms and a toilet. This fully furnished house is constructed with a slight tilt, and with everything fitted upside down inside the house, it certainly challenges the viewers' perspective when within. The kampong house signifies our past and heritage. Upside down is another perspective of seeing something. It's meant to be a fun way of looking at ourselves and life. As it is located along the main highway leading to Mt Kinabalu, Poring Hot Spring or even Kiulu River, it can help to enhance the already existing tour packages offered by travel agencies as being a short stopover point. A visit to the upside-down house guarantees to one of your most memorable experiences and it is a must-see attraction on your Sabah itinerary.As of February 2012, Rumah Terbalik has been listed within the Malaysia Book of Records as being the first upside down house of Malaysia! The 3D Wonders Museum is where visitors can explore the uniquely themed galleries, the first of its kind in Borneo, showcasing the importance of conservation while promoting the beautiful landscapes and the myriad of local cultures present in East Malaysia. Through the use of special art techniques, two-dimensional paintings will appear to pop out of the surface and come to life, immersing you in a vivid experience like no other. Create your own wacky stories and zip-line through the entire experience as you embark on an adventure in the 3D Wonders Museum right now! This latest attraction is just beside the renowned Rumah Terbalik, Malaysia one and only Upside Down House!
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.


3.0
3.0 of 5 bubbles201 reviews
Excellent
26
Very good
35
Average
76
Poor
34
Terrible
30

Hasreena
Kajang211 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2012 • Business
I went to visit this house on 24th September which was on Monday in the afternoon after we have finished with our work. Since it was a weekday, so not many people came to visit the house. The entrance fee is RM10 for adults, and RM5 for children. Of course it is just a house that is turned upside down, but just remember this is the first in Malaysia and one of the 5 upside down houses in the world! We had to wait for the staff to come at the entrance to bring us for the house tour. I cannot imagine what happens on weekends where they will definitely have more visitors. When the staff/tour guide came to the entrance, we were brought to the 'gong' and were asked to hit it 3 times. After hitting the 'gong', we continued our journey to the front door of the house. We had to knock the door 3 times and give 'salam'. The door was opened and we were given a tour of the house. The tour guide gave the explanation of the interior of the house. Just one problem - I was having problem hearing her giving explanation as her voice was too soft and not so clear. I really hope that the tour guides are given more training to make the explanation more effective. The house consists of the living room, dining room, kitchen, toilet, and 2 bedrooms. The interior of the house is very typical of a traditional house. In the living room, you can see few coins on the 'floor' with few bank notes as well, with the settee and coffee table, a TV and there is a sleeping cat too! The heaviest object available in the house is the old sewing machine. In the dining room, you can see food on the table including the KFC bucket. In the kitchen, you can see a fridge complete with some veges and fruit inside the fridge. In the kid's bedroom, you can see a set of board games and other toys like cards. When you enter the master bedroom, there is a mirror on the 'ground' so that you can have a good picture of the room when it is not upside down. You can see the wet towel on the bed, and all other stuff. How I wish we could take pictures in the house. After leaving the house, I felt a bit dizzy as a result of concentrating too much on each detail in the house. Don't forget to take the picture of the upside down car outside where everything including the Angry Birds and Smurfs soft toys are upside down. The place has provided wood planks where you can stand and take photos there as you are not allowed to setp on the grass. Do stop by at the gift shop on the way out. I bought a friedge magnet and a postcard. If we did have time, I would try out the cafe as well. My suggestion is try to avoid coming here at night as I think you can't much photos here, so might as well visit the place during the day. I saw some construction works in the progress, so I guess there will be more upside down stuff available. We were thinking of maybe they were constructing a chicken coop :) I just wish that there will be people/mannequin in the house doing house chores :)) Overall, I will say it is a unique experience.
Written October 8, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LanSulaimann
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia17 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2012 • Friends
Only a guided tour is provided, and photo snapping is a no-no inside the house. Only a small group of visitors are allowed inside the house at one time as the house is only 140 square meter big. Before entering the house, the guide tells us a short tale of how the naughty kids of the family that lived in the house had caused the house turned upside down. I sincerely felt that it was unnecessary since the tale is purely fabricated and irrelevant. This is not a historical site whatsoever that needs a story. Once inside, you will immediately noticed that everything, including the furniture, washing machines, TV set and old sewing machine are hanging upside down on the ceiling, or supposedly, on the upside down floor. There were a few items of course that cannot be installed upside down because of the technical limitations e.g. the CCTVs and the airconds.

Verdicts:
Sabah is well known for its nature attractions i.e. beautiful islands and green forests. But if you need to get away from those nature-themed attractions for a while, then Rumah Terbalik is worth a visit. Otherwise, there’s not much to see and do here other than looking at the topsy-turvy items. For locals, it’s a good place to include in your Kota Kinabalu tour itinerary, even though the location is about 40km from the capital.
Written November 9, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

lizakhan12777
Sabah, Malaysia533 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2015 • Family
Simple and nice architecture for the upside down house. But no pictures allowed inside. Took only 5-10 minutes to view the inside of the house. Nothing much interesting except everything is upside down. Old stuff like 70's TV, sawing machine, lamp, telephone are the highlights. New 3D Wonders Museum adjacent to it was amazing. You may take as mush pictures as you like. Few interesting pictures including a background of Low's Peak, the highest peak of Mount Kinabalu. Overall OK but a bit pricey.
Written March 17, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jensen_chua
Singapore, Singapore3,629 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2013 • Family
Certainly a gem of a place in Sabah ! Especially for families and those with children...it's definitely ups the fun factor in a visit to Kota Kinabalu. This Upside Down house is the 1st in Asia ! and one of 5 worldwide (as at present). When you consider this factor alone...it warrants a visit !

But it does not stop there... the owner noted and acted quickly on visitors' grouses that no photo taking is allowed in the interior (for practicality and novelty sake) and recently added : an Upside Down Toilet and Upside Garden (this apart from the Upside Down Car) at the compound and pictures taking is allowed. This definitely ramped up the FUN factor! We had a swell time posing for unique and memorable Upside Down Pictures ! something that is not available in many places...and there also various other fun angles (all with suggested shooting angles and displayed pics) and camera spots indicated on the floor. Talked about customer service !

The place is well maintained, clean and even the toilets (with outdoor concept) should make visitors happy. The cafe serves nice fares for quick bites and the souvenirs shop sells quality items that are value for money...For those looking for another highlight at Rumah Terbalik...it's the Mango Garden Restaurant just steps away. Foodies will revel find another Gem - authentic Sabah cuisine that are rarely found , all under one roof in the cosy and lovely ambienced eatery. I listed the visit time spend at this venue as within an hour...but will you have time...with delicious meals at the Mango Garden Restaurant...it's about 1.5 hours...

Will I revisit the venue again in the future ? I say Yes ! in a heartbeat...Who can say No to Fun ?
Written June 13, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your positive feed back Jensen. We are glad that you see the hard work being put into operating this place. The mere RM10 (some claimed its expensive) that we collect actually supports 42 hardworking staffs and help up keep this private enterprise. We will continue to maintain our standards and do help us to pass the words around. Take care.
Written June 28, 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

borhancikgu
Penang, Malaysia56 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2013 • Family
I had the opportunity to visit this upside down house and I was quite shocked after entering the house. The fee collected is high even for children. There is practically nothing inside except the architecture of the house. I think many people can built these type of houses if the government allows everyone to collect money as this owner does. Inside the house everything is bolted upside down and it doesn't make you feel surprise or gives you any excitement. The joke is you are not allowed to snap any pictures inside the house. There is no any valid reason given why. There is a souvenir shop selling expensive items. I feel the authorities should lower the entrance fees as the fees collected don't reflect the purpose of the money collected.. I feel it is not your money's worth to visit this upside down priced entrance.
Written October 18, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Simonhor666
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2013
Wasting time n money. No surprise or exciting. Everything is Jz hanging upside with glue or nails. Feeling being cheated...for those plc to go, plz plz plz don't waste ur money thr, not worth!
Written October 14, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Syahir
1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2019 • Family
Such a waste of f**k time . Pay for nothing, cannot take pictures , only can take picture at the designated gallery outside that is noob af. Rm12 for a person just to see the “amazing” of the upside down f**k house
Written January 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mild 7
Johor Bahru, Malaysia1 contribution
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2018 • Family
Entrance fees so expensive Rm 12 for adult. I with 14 family member..so what do u expect. Just walk around few meters..then then huh.finish. is that all for what i pay. They should charge only Rm5 i/o rm12.
Written December 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

EddieCYV
Tawau, Malaysia8 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2017
quite far from KK town, about 45 min drive, good for family visit as kids will like the place and very fresh air there
Written November 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jefftang91
Singapore, Singapore73 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2018 • Family
Combination of 3D art and this rumah terbalik (upside down house) . Not bad for 3D art. Not perfect but still presentable. The rumah terbalik itself not so special , but it did bring some meaning that if we continue ruin our world , soon or later our world will dear apart and become upside down. The ticket not too expensive too. For adult Malaysian, it cost below rm30 for both ticket.
Written March 21, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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