KUDAT

Located in the north of Sabah, the district serves as an administrative centre for the towns in Kudat districts namely Kudat, Kota Marudu, Pitas, and some offshore islands. Kudat is inhabited mainly by the Rungus ethnic people—a sub-group of the indigenous Kadazan native.

Many may not know this but Kudat also owns a mini airport or better known as a STOLport that caters the communities from the Kudat district to travel to Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan.

TAJAU LAUT

Adventurous travellers are in for a number of surprises when they visit the village of Tajau Laut. Visitors staying at their guesthouse will wake up to a hearty breakfast during sunrise, and will enjoy their meal beside white sandy beaches with a scenic view of Balambangan and Banggi Islands from a distance.

Tajau Laut is an attraction to visitors with different tastes: from typical beachgoers to certified divers, amateur fishermen, nature trippers, kayakers, or avid trekkers. Textile enthusiasts can join in the ‘Batik Botanik’ lessons, where batik is made using natural dyes extracted from jackfruit skins, mango leaves, Ketapang leaves, and mangrove bank.

Getting There
2 KM from the famous Simpang Mengayau, Tip of Borneo. There is a hidden paradise call Tajau Laut Village about 15 minutes drive from North Borneo of Kudat, 3 hours drive from the city of Kota Kinabalu.

BANGGI

Part of the northwest corner of the island is the Banggi forest reserve, home to the Bunga Waterfalls and Mount Senambung. The reserve can be reached through a scenic route that weaves through the picturesque Ubian, Banggi, Balabac, and Molboc villages of Padang, Maliyu, Damaran, Kalangkaman, Nusa-Nusa, and Kapitangan.

For a spectacular view of Banggi and Balambangan islands, Enthusiastic visitors can then proceed to the summit. On a picture clear day, visitors can enjoy the scenic view of the Philippine islands of Balabac and mangsee from afar. Those who are less adventurous can enjoy their day and rest on the sandy beaches of the west coast. To the southwest of Banggi, the crystal clear aquamarine waters of the Maliangin islands beckon, with a tantalising glimpse of pristine coral reefs.

Getting There
Part of the northwest corner of the island is the Banggi forest reserve, home to the Bunga Waterfalls and Mount Senambung. The reserve can be reached through a scenic route that weaves through the picturesque Ubian, Banggi, Balabac, and Molboc villages of Padang, Maliyu, Damaran, Kalangkaman, Nusa-Nusa, and Kapitangan. For a spectacular view of Banggi and Balambangan islands, Enthusiastic visitors can then proceed to the summit. On a picture clear day, visitors can enjoy the scenic view of the Philippine islands of Balabac and mangsee from afar. Those who are less adventurous can enjoy their day and rest on the sandy beaches of the west coast. To the southwest of Banggi, the crystal clear aquamarine waters of the Maliangin islands beckon, with a tantalising glimpse of pristine coral reefs.

BAVANG JAMAL

Bavang Jamal is located near Simpang Mengayau or the “Tip of Borneo”. The village is the perfect gateway for beach lovers and backpackers who love sunsets, white sandy beaches, and taking a dip in crystal clear waters.

A stay at rustic Rungus longhouse run by the Agansai family offers visitors a typical village experience. You can also take the mangrove walk along the Jamal River (or Bavang Jamal) to camp under the stars at Kelambu Beach or simply bask in the glow of the legendary sunset at Kudat.

Getting There
Bavang Jamal is like a secret hideaway. Just a 45-minutes drive along a kampong road from Kudat town, Bavang Jamal has access to a kilometer – long stretch of picturesque beach free from the ravages of civilization.

Monungkus, Kg. Inukiran

Inukiran is the epitome of an authentic Rungus village with a flourishing traditional cottage craft industry. The village is home to the ‘Monungkus’ Collective, or the “heirs of heritage” in the Rungus language, which produces traditional hand-loomed textiles, hand-woven baskets, and exquisite beadwork as well as keeping the spirit of the performing arts alive.

Hermond Magupin, its founder, is at the forefront of reviving cotton and indigo cultivation and processing, a tradition at risk of extinction. Visitors can also observe the orange profusion of the seasonal flowering of Marang-Parang trees and rubber tappers at work, as well as a trek in the hills of the Matunggong forest reserve, which offers breathtaking views of the Kudat Peninsula. If you wish to experience communal living, you can book a slot at a traditional Rungus longhouse on a hill, set in the midst of a rubber plantation.

Getting There
Approximately 2 Hours 30 minutes drive from Kota Kinabalu. 45.5 KM from Kudat town.