Datuk Christina Liew (fourth left) with ministry officials and tourism stakeholders during the reopening ceremony at Tanjung Simpang Mengayau in Kudat.
KOTA KINABALU: The iconic Tip of Borneo has officially reopened to the public following a revitalisation project that includes a newly completed visitor information centre and plans for Sabah’s first marine gallery.
The site at Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, located at the northernmost tip of Sabah, had been closed since January 2022 for essential upgrades under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP).
The work was completed on Sept 30.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew, who officiated at the reopening ceremony on Monday (May 19), said the enhancements aim to boost the visitor experience while preserving the natural charm of the area.
“In 2018, the 11-hectare Tip of Borneo was gazetted for public purposes and placed under the care of my ministry.
"Since then, we have committed ourselves to protecting, enhancing and promoting this remarkable landmark,” she said.
The new information centre features a souvenir shop, with a cafe scheduled to open soon.
Liew said the ministry plans to hand over management of the site to Sri Pelancongan Sabah (SPS) to ensure more systematic and sustainable tourism operations.
"Additionally, there are plans to introduce activities aimed at making the Tip of Borneo a more vibrant destination," she said.
Liew urged visitors to help preserve the site's cleanliness and natural beauty.
“Let us work together to keep this iconic destination pristine for future generations. Dispose of waste responsibly, respect the environment, and help us maintain the serenity and natural charm that make this place so special,” she said.
Liew also announced the construction of a new marine gallery building next to the centre.
Work began in November and is expected to be completed by May 2027.
The project, also under 12MP, will be supervised by Sabah Parks.
Liew said the gallery would be the first and largest of its kind in Sabah, showcasing the state's rich marine biodiversity through interactive and educational displays as part of an edu-tourism concept.
“This promises to be another key attraction for Sabah’s growing tourism sector. We warmly invite visitors to rediscover the beauty, culture and natural serenity of the newly enhanced Tip of Borneo,” she added.
The reopening also paves the way for the return of the Music Fest at the Tip of Borneo, scheduled for December.
Also present at the reopening were ministry permanent secretary Datuk Josie Lai, deputy permanent secretary II Alesia Sion, Liew’s political secretary Vivien Lee Mee Peng, Sabah Parks chairman Peter Lintar and director Dr Maklarin Lakim, SPS chief executive officer Thonny Chee, Sabapak Eco CEO Remystar Taylor, and Sabah Tourism Board (STB) product manager Effendi Mahany.
