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This dramatic headland is situated in the northern-most tip of
BORNEO. It is located in the Kudat Peninsula, about three and a half hours (or
215 kilometers) drive from Kota Kinabalu City.
Borneo Island is the third largest island in the world (after
Greenland and New Guinea).
Simpang Mengayau means 'lingering junction' as it is here that the South China
Sea lingers and meets the Sulu Seas flowing from the east
Enjoy the stunning
view. The sunsets and full moons are just beautiful.
It's a lovely easy stroll to the flagpole, the Globe and the rocky outcrop that
forms the "Tip of Borneo".
Facilities at the Tip of Borneo :
There is a cafe, souvenir shop and washrooms.
Admission is free. The dramatic headland of Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, the
northwestern tip of all of Borneo, offers a stunning view over the
South China Sea and the lighthouse on Pulaui Kalampunian towards
the islands of Banggi and Balambangan. To the left is the glorious
sweep of Kalampunian beach, while shallower tidal beaches run
eastwards almost to Kudat town.
Known to the colonial British as "The Parting of the Pirate
Ways", Simpang Mengayau means lingering or loitering
crossroads. A small road leads up to the headland, which is
dominated by a huge flagpole.
Swirling patterns have been etched into the soft stone of the
headland by aeons of wind and pounding waves. Nature has carved
steps into the rocks, making it possible to clamber down to the flat
rocky shelves surrounded by sea. On a calm day, this is an excellent
spot to snorkel, with patches of brightly colored corals and a
number of small reef fish. Enthusiastic fishermen can sometimes be
seen trying their luck in this area.
The magnificent Kalampunian beach is ideal for picnickers and
swimmers, who would be wise to bring an umbrella for protection
from the afternoon sun.
clean air, unhurried lifestyle, near pristine
environment,
This scenic headland is located more than 200 kilometers away from kota Kinabalu,
about 3.5 hours drive. There are various options (depending on one's budget) on
how to get to the Tip of Borneo. One can take the bus to the town of Kudat and
from there take a taxi (pick-up trucks for hire) and drive for another 30 minutes
to Simpang Mengayau. Another option is to hire a taxi at Kota Kinabalu or rent a
self-drive car. The last option is to book on a travel group tour package that
includes lunch and stop-over at the Rungus longhouse and the bee farm.
After cost and convenience analysis, I opted for the self-drive car I rented and
shared with 2 students from Singapore that I've met at the backpackers lodge.
The three of us shared the payment of 180 ringgit for the car rental and 80
ringgit for gas. And fortunately, the guy and the girl I was with knew how to
drive so we all took turns at the steering wheel. The road going to Kudat was in
poor condition. It wasn't so bad either but I was dismayed because I expected
Malaysia to have much better roads compared to rest of the Southeast Asian
nations.
We reached Simpang Mengayau after driving for 2.45 hours. I wasn't disappointed
at all to have this place included in my itinerary. As you enter Simpang
Mengayau, you will be greeted by the wide beaches of Pantai Kalampunian on the
left side of the road . The white sand beaches are pristine, unspoilt, and the
crystal blue water is perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
We went up towards the pointed headland and before going down to the rocky
outcrop that forms the tip, I climbed up to the hillside on the left to get a
good view of Pantai Kalampunian. The view of the beach from the hill was
breathtaking! From there I walked down towards the flagpole and bronze globe
marker. I nearly jumped off my feet when a monitor lizard crossed my path. The
dark gray lizard was as huge as a cat. (or even larger) At first I thought it was
a komodo dragon but then I recalled that komodos are only found in Indonesia.
Stupid guess! The monitor lizards' habitat is near coastal forests and river
banks. I tried to chase the lizard to take a photo but it was gone quickly.
The view of the headland that extends to the horizon where the Sulu and China
Seas meet is scenic and stunning. The ocean before me was strangely silent and
calm. I was expecting high and roaring waves at the meeting point of these two
seas. There was serenity and peace all around. It was a perfect moment.... and a
perfect day!
We started our trip back to Kota Kinabalu at past noon. We were already hungry
but I opted not to buy lunch at the restaurants along the way. There is a
lingering electric power shortage in this part of the State of Sabah. (most parts
of the state experience daily power blackouts ) Food cannot be stored fresh in
such condition and I didn't want to risk the normal state of my digestive
system.
That was just the first day of my tour and I wouldn't want to spend the rest of
my tour visiting the tandas (toilet). My companions and I survived on chewing gum
and mineral water. After 15 minutes of driving, we turned right from the
main road to enter the Gombizau Honeybee Farm at Matunggong, part of Kudat town.
After registering and paying entrance fees at the gate, we walked up to the
forested area on a hill where the farm was located. We were advised to stay as
calm as possible if we encounter any bee stings. There were more than a hundred
bee cages at the farm planted with rows of rubber trees. The 'bee ladies' who
entertained us explained how the farm is managed and made us taste raw honey
straight from the honeycomb that they sliced in cubes. We placed the honeycomb
cubes in our mouths, sucked the nectar, and spat out the honeycomb that has the
consistency of a rough tasteless chewing gum. That was my first taste of fresh
honey. And I was glad lunch was served at last. Sweet, sweet lunch. But I was
still hungry.
It was almost past three pm when we finished our Gombizau tour. We still had 3
hours on the road and we had to rush back to the city to attack the first
McDonalds in sight to devour fries, burger, and soda and be in time at the
hostel to join the other guests (mostly Singaporeans) watch the Olympic semifinal
match of Malaysia's badminton top seed Chong Wei Lee versus Korea. Of course we
cheered for our fellow Southeast Asian nation. Malaysia won to advance to the
gold medal quest. Our loud cheering for Malaysia rocked the whole of Gaya Street
and our shouts could be heard as far as Mt. Kinabalu. It was a fun-filled moment
to end the day! |
