KUDAT has been making a name for itself as the place to see and be seen in Sabah.This laidback tourist destination – about three hours away from Kota Kinabalu - is perfect for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.ADVERTISEMENT
No trip to Kudat is complete without setting foot on the scenic Tip of Borneo – the northernmost part of Borneo, located in Simpang Mengayau. Here, the South China Sea meets the Sulu Sea.
A visit to Kudat is not complete without setting foot on the Tip of Borneo.
The atmosphere in Simpang Mengayau is always fresh especially during the late afternoon and early evening with a cool breeze blowing from the sea.
It is also ideal for photo taking as the surrounding areas are covered with beautiful natural rock formation.
The tip location promises a clear sky window for visitors to see the spectacular sunset and sunrise, as well as a breath-taking view of the sea. Social media buffs can have fun filming scenes for their TikToks or Instagram Reels as well.ADVERTISEMENT
The coastal district is also blessed with an abundant catch from the ocean. The seafood is extremely fresh and comes in many selection – steamed grouper, wet butter prawn, garlic mussel, and even seafood tom yam.
Aside from swimming with the fish, you can also feed them at James Fish Farm.
And if one is feeling adventurous while having a seafood fest, then James Fish Farm is worth a try.
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Located a few minutes away (via a boat ride) from Kudat town, the fish farm provides visitors a “taste” of Kudat sea with a twist.
Not only can visitors indulge in the farm’s freshly-prepared cuisine, but they can also jump into the water and swim with the fish – a “fish spa” at another level.
As for tom yam lovers, Rainbow Kitchen could perk up your tastebuds. Rainbow Herbs is a small shop in downtown Kudat that specialises in making tom yam broth from scratch.
One for the album with Rainbow Kitchen’s owner and staff.
The soup is thick, creamy and flavourful, while the fresh seafood is cooked to perfection – definitely a taste to remember.
Another attraction in Kudat is the Tun Mustapha Museum which was named after the first Head of State of Sabah. (Tun Datu Mustapha Datu Harun is a Kudat native. He was born in Kampung Limau-Limauan, Kudat, in 1918, and he was Sabah’s Governor from 1963-1965).
Fresh seafood ready to be cooked for guests at James Fish Farm.
Tun Mustapha Museum is the first museum built in Kudat where the exhibits include history, zoology, ethnography, archaeology and science technology.
Known as the heartland of the Rungus people, Kudat offers several sites for visitors to explore and experience their culture.
In Kampung Sumangkap Gong Factory, visitors will have the chance to witness the method of gong making by professional artisans in the village.
Gongs are a major instrument in Sabah native community where it is commonly featured in cultural and ethnic celebrations.
Perfectly-cooked prawn bathed in a creamy tom yam broth.
Ranging from tiny souvenirs to big-sized gongs, visitors can purchase gongs, as well as beadcrafts and other unique ornaments at the village.
To experience the daily lives of the Rungus people, visitors can spend a night or two at the Kampung Bavanggazo Rungus Longhouse.
Fresh seafood is best enjoyed with friends and family.
Built on stilts, longhouses are furnished with locally-sourced materials, and it is also breezy during night time thanks to the natural ventilation.
The next time you want to enjoy a relaxing retreat, be sure to put Kudat in your list.
An interesting mural depicting Tun Datu Mustapha and Sabah’s old flag at the market.
** The Tip of Borneo is currently closed for upgrades.
* This article is brought to you in collaboration with Sabah Tourism Board (STB).
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