Journey to Tips of Borneo and Kalampunian Beach, Kudat

This headland is Borneo northern-most tip, it is located in the Kudat Peninsula, about three and a half hours (or 215 kilometres) drive from Kota Kinabalu City and the meeting

point of two big oceans, South China Sea and Sulu Sea (Simpang Mengayau means 'lingering junction' as it is here that the South China Sea lingers and meets the Sulu Seas flowing from the east). This tip also popularly known as Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, which means the junction to the battle at the tip (in Rungus language) because this tip was used to be a watch-point for pirate invasion hundreds of years ago. The view surrounding this tip is stunning especially during sunset. At the right is Pulau Kalampunian lighthouse is a reminder of treacherous coastline and past shipwrecks. On the left is the beautiful beach of Pantai Kalampunian. The majority of Chinese at Kudat is Hakka descendant, the local Chinese calls the Tip of Borneo as Den Foh Liew (灯火楼 in Hakka dialect), referring to the lighthouse on Pulau Kalampunian Island.

How to Go:

To go to Tip of Borneo, there are many alternatives; taxi, hire a car and self-drive or using local travel agent (preferred). Most of four-wheel and saloon car with permit are stationed near the Indian Restaurant opposite Klinik Ibu dan Anak (Health Clinic) in Kampung Air near De Galleria Hotel and Maybank Islamic. For a return trip with saloon car with maximum 4 persons to Simpang Menggayau may cost around RM240++.

Journeys to Tips of Borneo:

Drive north towards Kudat. It is about 30 minutes from the signboard to Bavanggazo to the junction to the Tip of Borneo. From the junction it is another 15 km and 20 minutes by car. The road from the junction is only partly paved and about 10 minutes drive will be on unpaved road. You will pass by many coconut trees and not many people, but just follow the signboards and you won’t get lost. From Kudat town, it is 15 minutes to the junction to Simpang Mengayau. Getting here is not possible without your own transportation. Either rent a car or join a tour. Most tours include visits to Gombizau bee farm, Sumangkap gong-making factory, and the Bavanggazo or Maranjak longhouse along the way.

The sweet-corn seller along the road to Kudat

Gombizau Honey Village - community based industry selling original home-made honey.

Honey selling counter at Gombizau Village, you may take some initiatives to explore the honey farm which take you about another 15 minutes walking.

Kampung Sumangkap - the Gong village of Malaysia.

Among the biggest Gong in Malaysia is here.

The home-made gong based on one-village-one-product concept.

The Gong selling shop at Kampung Sumangkap

Meranjak Long House is made out of traditional materials such as split bamboos for walls and nipah palm leaves for roofing. Here, visitors too will be able to take a close look at how beaded accessories are made and how intricate Rungus tapestries are woven—all done by women dressed in beautifully ornamental traditional Rungus costumes.

The ticketing booth - RM5 for non Malaysian and RM3 for Malaysian.

Junction to Tips of Borneo: Simpang Mengayau

The View Around Tip of Borneo:

The Flagpole and the Globe at the location.

The writer at the staircase leading to Borneo northern-most tips and the meeting point of two oceans: South China Sea and Sulu Sea.

View of Kalampunian Beach from Tomanggong Kurantud, the highest point of the Tip (named after a brave Rungus warrior who led his people fought off pirate attack in 1880s)

Pulau Kalampunian light house at the East of the Tip.

View of Kalampunian Beach from Tomanggong Kurantud, the highest point of the Tip.

The Sulu Sea at far distance, notice the Police small fast-boat is seen on patrol.

The fast food restaurant at the Tip; nearby is full with guest house, chalet for overnight visitors.

Kalampunian Beach:

On the way to the Tip of Borneo, your eyes will be drawn to the wonderful Kalampunian Beach (Pantai Kalampunian) located next to the Tip. The white sandy beach of Kalampunian Beach stretches over 4 Kilometers to the Tip. Bring your swimwear, sunblock lotion and towel when you plan to visit the Tip of Borneo, as it is so tempting to jump into the warm and crystal clear sea water.