G-Mart Beaufort

G-Mart opened its doors in Beaufort on April 2009. The reason I have not written about it until now is because I wasn’t there for the Grand Opening. I went to Beaufort in June and July of this year, when the company asked me to oversee the installation of our database system.

G-Mart Beaufort is located on the 1st floor, above the Beaufort market. It carries all the brands and merchandise you would expect to find in a modern supermarket. Fresh department for fruits, meat, vegetables and frozen food. Grocery sections carries canned food, beverages, dried food stuff and confectioneries. You can also buy your toiletries and sundries there.

Being a General Merchandise Store, G-Mart Beaufort also carries clothes, shoes and accessories for men, women, children and babies. Stationery, household and cotton goods, toys and electrical goods are also available.

: G-Mart Beaufort

Where Is Beaufort
Beaufort is 92km, south from Kota Kinabalu City. On a normal day, it would take between 1 1/2 to 2 hours. While the road is in good condition, and the terrain is flat, it is the traffic that slows you down. Especially when you arrive at the rural towns.

As you head out from Kota Kinabalu, the towns that you pass by are Petagas, Putatan, Lok Kawi, Kinarut, Kimanis and Papar. As you near Beaufort, you will see the turn-offs for Kuala Penyu and Menumbuk. All of these are rural towns in Sabah, with the largest one being Papar.

The towns after Beaufort are Sipitang and Sindumin. I was in Sipitang during this period also, doing the same installation project for G-Mart Sipitang.

: A Street In Beaufort

How To Get There
If you self-drive, you head south out of Kota Kinabalu city. The drive is straight forward, and as long as you keep an eye out for the road signage, you won’t get lost.

By Taxi is a favorite option as this is a fast and easy way to get anywhere. The fare should be about RM120 per taxi or RM30 per person. Taxis will take you to where you want to drop off, making this most convenient. But they normally leave in the morning, and unless you charter the taxi, you will have to share the ride with 3 other passengers.

By minivans and coaches. This is by far the most popular mode of travel, since it is the less expensive. The buses leave Kota Kinabalu at a schedule, and I understand they are available throughout the day. The return journey also departs at a schedule. I don’t know if the prices have gone up, I would expect to pay about RM10 one way.

What Is In Beaufort
Klias River Cruise is located in the Beaufort district. As is the Padas River where you go white water rafting in. But you normal would book through a travel and tour agancy to visit these places.

: A Chinese Temple In Beaufort

There are fish spas and other small lodges which I did not have time to check out. There are signboards aplenty though, should you wish to explore Beaufort. The town itself is small and peaceful, like most small rural towns in Sabah. There are 2 Chinese Temples that I am aware of.

Most hotels in Beaufort are actually motels. Do check out the room before you take it.