Visit the Tip of Borneo in Kudat, Sabah for crystal clear beaches that rival the Maldives, fabulous snorkelling and lovely cottages right on the beach. It’s not only special because of it’s gorgeous beaches, it’s amazing because here you can watch the sun rise and set over two different bodies of water.
The Kudat Peninsula is Borneo’s northern-most point on the you can watch the sun set over the South China Sea and in the morning wake up and watch it rise again over the Sulu Sea. It’s beautiful, tranquil, untouched and not-yet on the tourist map. In the evening it is simply stunning.
The Tip of Borneo is a four hour drive north of Kota Kinabalu – you can read about the best things to do with kids in Kota Kinabalu here. On the way you can visit the nearby Gong Town at Kampung Sumangkap and meet a traditional machete maker.
Amazing Tip of Borneo sunset
There is a lookout, commemorated with a huge bronze globe inscribed with the words, The Tip of Borneo, marking the spot where is Magellan, on his famous circumnavigation of the globe, was said to have stopped repair his ships for 42 days.
We stayed at Merrimas Villa – beautiful little bamboo chalets on the Sulu Sea and a two minute walk to the gorgeous South China Sea. The rooms are large and comfortable with TV, fridge, tea and coffee making and bathroom with hot water shower. Ours had this beautiful view of the Sulu Sea. You can book directly with them here or search other hotels in Kudat.
Such a gorg view of the Sulu Sea from our room at the Merrimas Villa
Cleaning and fresh towels are provided daily – just hang the little sweeping sign on your door!
Our little cottage at Merrimas Villa
The restaurant serves the most delicious seafood dishes for between $3 to $6 Aussie dollars – and it has a great western menu too so you can have noodles for brekky one day and french toast and an omelette the next. Oh and beer, it serves Tiger beer and there is a little bar a walk away down the road if you feel like moving around. But you won’t! You’ll just want to lay in the hammocks or on the beach and just try to absorb the calm and and the beauty.
South China Sea bliss
The beach – oh my gosh – I have never seen such beautiful clear water and white white sand, and no one else around. We had the beach all to ourselves except for a fisherman on the second day who took his boat out past the reef in the morning.
Gorgy Emmie on the gorgy beach on the South China Sea.
There was lovely snorkelling just a few metres out on patches of coral, with lots of coloured fish – and apparently there’s diving just off the point…if you want to do something strenuous!
It is so peaceful and beautiful and calm. I think you should go there…NOW!!
Check out our post on Top Things to do with kids in Borneo