Sabah's 'dramatic' Tip Of Borneo closed for upgrades

One of Sabah’s main tourist attractions, the Tip Of Borneo, has been closed for upgrading and renovation works. — Tourism Malaysia

The Tip Of Borneo or Tanjung Simpang Mengayau in Kudat, Sabah has been closed until further notice for some renovation work.

The dramatic headland is often touted as one of Sabah’s main tourism gems.

Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said an upgrade was necessary to enhance and improve the facilities.

“Once completed, visitors will expect upgraded facilities such as resting huts, walkways, toilets, viewing platform, souvenir shop and a reception and information centre,” he said in a statement.

Visitors are drawn to Tanjung Simpang Mengayau not just because it is the tip of the island of Borneo, but also for the breathtaking views in the area.

In 2018, the Tip Of Borneo was gazetted as a public area and put under the care of Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry.

While the Tip Of Borneo may be closed, visitors will still have a few other attractions to discover in Kudat, namely its beautiful beaches.

Tourists also favour Kudat for its fresh seafood as well as cultural attractions such as the Sumangkap Gong Village, Tinangol Handicraft Village, Walai Tobilung and the Bavanggazo longhouse.

In other developments in Sabah, rural tourism in Kadamaian has been picking up following a two-year hiatus caused by Covid-19.

The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) said the community there has been actively promoting their destinations and community-based tourism initiatives.

“After a two-year hiatus, they are back stronger than ever, resuming their tourism operations with better facilities in place for the comfort of visitors,” STB said in a statement.

The board noted that Kadamaian has observed a steady increase in visitors following the allowance of interstate travel since October last year.The repeal of the Covid-19 swab test rule for visitors coming into Sabah has also been credited for the tourism recovery in Kadamaian.

The place is one of Sabah’s fastest developing rural tourism attractions, with the goal of being a world-class rural tourism destination by 2025.

“Kadamaian has the potential to develop into a world-class tourist destination. It has a wealth of natural charms, making it a great place for tourists from all over the world to come and see,” said STB chief executive officer Noredah Othman.

Noredah recently embarked on an official visit to the area to check out attractions and engage with the community.

“We admire the spirit of the Kadamaian people in their efforts to empower themselves through rural tourism activities,” she said.

Noredah also vowed to further help the local community in their rural tourism initiatives.

“At STB, we will continue to engage with the community to ensure they have the skills and abilities needed to reach world-class status as well as to assist them in obtaining necessary funds to enable them to improve their facilities,” she said.