Ethnic Cooking Class & Upside Down House & 3D Wonders Museum

Exploring Sabah’s Unique Cultural and Quirky Attractions: A Review of the Ethnic Cooking Class, Upside Down House, and 3D Wonders Museum

If you’re looking to add a dash of the bizarre and a splash of cultural flavor to your Kota Kinabalu trip, this tour offers just that. Combining a visit to an unconventional upside-down house, an interactive 3D Wonders Museum, and a hands-on ethnic cooking class, it promises a fun-filled 4.5-hour journey. While some might find the attractions a bit fleeting, the experience is perfect for those craving quirky photo ops and authentic local dishes in a compact, guided format.

One aspect we particularly appreciate is the opportunity to learn how to cook traditional Sabah dishes like Hinava Sada and Manuk Tinapah. This adds a meaningful culinary touch to the trip. However, potential visitors should keep in mind that the upside-down house has received mixed feedback—some find it underwhelming and a bit pricey. This tour suits travelers eager for a light-hearted, culturally immersive experience, especially if they’re keen on quirky photo moments and local flavors.

Key Points

• Unique Attractions: Combines an upside-down house with a 3D interactive museum, offering both fun and visual intrigue.
• Cultural Cooking: Hands-on ethnic cooking class provides practical skills and delicious local dishes.
• Time-efficient: Designed as a half-day tour, ideal for those with limited time in Kota Kinabalu.
• Value for Money: At around $92, it offers a combination of activities, but some may find the attractions or entrance fees less compelling.
• Group Size & Convenience: Small groups (max 15) with pickup options make for a personalized experience.
• Authentic Flavor: The cooking class emphasizes traditional Sabah dishes, adding an authentic culinary dimension.

The Full Experience: What to Expect from the Tour

Starting Off at the Traditional Upside Down House

Your morning begins with a pickup, likely between 8:30 am, when your guide from Golden Kestrel Tours arrives. The first stop is the Upside Down House, a full-size Sabah kampung house built upside down—literally, everything is reversed from the verandah to the garden, creating a playful photo setting. Visitors can explore the house, which includes a kitchen, living room, bedrooms, toilet, and garden, all inverted.

However, a review from a traveler who visited just before us mentions that the entire visit took around 10 minutes and found the attraction “average” and not particularly striking. The same reviewer also noted that no videos or photos are allowed inside due to intellectual property concerns, which might be disappointing if you’re hoping for lots of snaps. They paid RM18 as a foreigner, and felt the entrance fee was a bit steep for such a brief experience.

Next Stop: The 3D Wonders Museum

Adjacent to the upside-down house is the 3D Wonders Museum, where art transforms into immersive illusions. This part of the tour is more engaging, especially if you enjoy interactive photos that make you appear to be defying gravity or involved in surreal scenarios. The museum aims to offer a fun way to see Sabah through creatively painted walls and optical illusions.

The reviews suggest this part of the tour is better suited for lighthearted fun rather than deep cultural insights. It’s a quick but entertaining stop, perfect for capturing memorable photos. Expect a more playful atmosphere compared to traditional museums, with many visitors posing in inventive ways thanks to the clever artwork.

The Ethnic Cooking Class at Mango Garden Restaurant

The highlight for food lovers is the hands-on ethnic cooking class. Here, you’ll learn to prepare Hinava Sada (fish salad), Manuk Tinapah (BBQ chicken with local herbs and spices), and Kok Daeng Masak Timbul (braised fish head with herbs). The class takes place at Mango Garden Restaurant, and you’ll be cooking side by side with your guide, who will share tips on seasoning and technique.

Participants are presented with a certificate of participation at the end, adding a nice touch of accomplishment. This part of the tour is suitable for those aged 15 and above, and children under 14 are welcome to join for lunch. The experience is designed to be interactive and educational, offering a tangible skill that you can recreate at home.

While the description promises a fun culinary experience, some reviews imply the tour is quite brief—meaning you’ll likely be learning and cooking quickly, but still leaving with a good sense of Sabah’s flavors. The lunch that follows is a bonus, allowing you to enjoy what you’ve prepared.

The Practicalities: How the Tour Runs

The tour’s pickup service adds convenience, especially if you’re staying centrally in Kota Kinabalu. It is structured as a small-group activity, capped at 15 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate. The entire tour lasts about 4.5 hours, making it a perfect morning or early afternoon activity, especially if you have other plans later in the day.

Regarding cost, at $92.31 per person, the tour offers a combination of sights and skills. The value hinges on your interest in quirky attractions and culinary experiences—some travelers might find the attractions slightly overpriced considering their brief duration, but the cooking class provides tangible skills and delicious food, which can justify the expense for foodies.

It’s also worth noting that confirmation is immediate upon booking, and the tour is non-refundable, emphasizing the importance of being certain about your plans.

Authenticity and Insider Tips

From reviewing traveler comments, it’s clear that expectations should be managed. While the upside-down house is fun for quick photos, don’t expect a full in-depth cultural experience; many simply see it as a quirky stop. The museum, though visually interesting, is more about fun illusions than historical insight.

The cooking class is where the true value lies. You’ll get to learn about Sabah’s culinary traditions directly from locals, making it a meaningful way to connect with the culture. The dishes are authentic, and the hands-on approach helps embed the flavors in your memory.

A practical tip: since no videos or photos are allowed inside the upside-down house, focus on capturing your best shots outside or at the museum. Also, arriving with some flexibility in your schedule can help if you want to linger or take extra photos.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of quirky attractions and culinary adventures. It’s ideal if you’re short on time but still want a taste of both fun and authentic Sabah flavors. Families with children over 15 will enjoy the hands-on cooking, while those interested in quirky photo opportunities will find the upside-down house and 3D museum amusing.

However, if you’re expecting deep cultural insights or highly elaborate attractions, this tour may not be the best fit. The brief visits and focus on entertainment mean it’s more about lighthearted fun and learning a few recipes than an immersive cultural tour.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a compact, entertaining snapshot of Sabah’s playful side combined with the opportunity to learn practical cooking skills in a relaxed setting. While the attractions can be quick visits, the real highlight is the cooking class, giving you a tangible takeaway—both in terms of skills and delicious local dishes.

The upside-down house is perfect for novelty photos, but some might find it underwhelming or overpriced for what it is. The 3D museum adds a lively, interactive element that appeals to all ages. For travelers eager for a mix of fun visuals and hands-on cultural experience, this tour strikes a good balance, especially if you’re seeking a morning or early afternoon activity that’s different from the usual sightseeing.

If you value authentic local cuisine and enjoy quirky, Instagram-worthy spots, this tour can be a worthwhile addition to your Kota Kinabalu itinerary. Just keep your expectations in check regarding the attractions’ depth, and you’ll likely walk away with a smile and a full stomach.

FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup is offered, making it convenient for those staying in central Kota Kinabalu.

How long does the entire tour last?
Approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, perfect for a half-day activity.

What dishes will I learn to cook?
You’ll learn how to prepare Hinava Sada (fish salad), Manuk Tinapah (BBQ chicken in local herbs & spices), and Kok Daeng Masak Timbul (braised fish head with herbs).

Are children allowed to join the cooking class?
Yes, children under 14 years old can join for lunch, but the activity itself is suitable for participants aged 15 and above.

Is the upside-down house worth visiting?
Opinions vary—some find it fun for quick photos, while others see it as average and overpriced for the experience.

Can I take photos inside the attractions?
No, inside the upside-down house, photos and videos are not permitted due to IP restrictions.

Is this tour suitable for sightseers interested in deep cultural insights?
Not quite—it’s more about fun, quirky visuals, and a hands-on culinary experience rather than in-depth cultural education.

What is the price for this tour?
It’s approximately $92.31 per person, which includes all activities, lunch, and participation certificates.

This detailed review aims to help you decide whether this tour fits your interests and travel style. Whether you’re after entertaining photo moments, authentic local flavors, or a quick cultural fix, it offers a playful glimpse into Sabah’s vibrant character.