Tip of Borneo and Kudat Rungus Long House Experience

Artisans in their own rights and in their own league – a number of ethnic minorities continue to embrace the legacy work done by their ancestors in their daily routines. Particularly mastering the art of handicraft, the inner heart of Borneo has various examples of how long houses are built and still used for showcasing the magnificence of treasured traditions. It is just outside Kota Kinabalu where this can be seen from up close, along local settlements and natural wonders. It is all perfectly packed in full day out and about in Sabah from early in the morning until late afternoon. An early morning pick-up from your hotel in downtown Kota Kinabalu ushers in the start of an amazing day in Sabah. Guided by an English speaking guide, you will shortly leave the city borders and head out towards Kudat, better known as the town closest to the tip of Borneo. A three-hour journey without a dull moment – from rice paddy fields to various plantations will pass the venue as you head in northern direction. It is a plethora of authenticity in its finest form and part of this will be included in this tour. One of the first stops will be at Gombizau Village, locally acclaimed and known its bee keeping industry on a local scale. An explanation on how these generations-long traditions are kept alive includes showing the whole process from beginning until the honey end. Gongs take part in numerous rituals and ceremonies in Malaysia and with the Sumangkap village as the main cradle for making these instruments, also this stop cannot be left aside. We end the trip towards Kudat at Bavanggazo Village to enter a perfect example of a Longhouse. Constructed completely out of locally-sourced material, it is the home of the Rungus community, who have made their earnings via the sales of handicraft. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. After lunch, it is a short ride to Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, our end goal for the day. Officially translated as the Tip of Borneo, it is the northwestern-most point of this part of Malaysia and where the South China Sea and Sulu Sea meet. One may expect fabulous views from this vantage points…and this is almost a given. Just dream away with nothing but the ocean in front of you to mark the end of your exploration. It is time to head back along the same road as you drove in the morning. We’d expect to be back at your Kota Kinabalu hotel at around 17:00 hrs.