KUDAT: Facility at the Tip of Borneo Tanjung Simpang Mengayau here is closed for upgrading works.

“We proposed to upgrade the Tip of Borneo area to enhance and improve the facilities there.

“We have already obtained funding approval under the State Project Development RMK12,” said Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin.

The Tip of Borneo used to stage international events such as the Sunset Music Fest and the Music & Surf Festival.

Kudat is well-known for its beautiful white sandy beaches and crystal clear turquoise water.

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

“Once completed, visitors will expect upgraded facilities such as resting huts, walkways, toilets, viewing platform, souvenir shop and a reception & information centre,” Jafry added.

Last year in March, the Tun Mustapha Museum, Kudat’s very own museum was completed under the 11th Malaysia Plan (RMK11) while RM1.0 mil has been allocated to develop Balambangan Cave, another attraction just an hour boat ride from Kudat Marina jetty.  

In 2018, the 11-hectare Tip of Borneo was gazetted for public purpose and put under the care of Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah. 

Homestay Kampung Tajau Laut to get a tourism centre

The Ministry has also approved RM109,240 to build a tourism information centre at Kampung Tajau Laut.
 
Jafry said the centre is one of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to highlight the beaches, islands, historical places and traditional culture of the Rungus community in Kudat.
 
The minister who visited the traditional Rungus longhouse and Sumangkap gong making factory in Matunggong, also added that he wanted tourist facilities and infrastructures in the district needs to be upgraded to give comfort to visitors.
 
“KePKAS is ever ready to provide assistance to develop a potential tourism industry as well as help improve the economy of the local community,” said Jafry.

To date, he said more than RM1.6 million has been allocated to upgrade the tourism areas in Kudat including to build Esplanade Sidek costing RM1 million and scheduled to be ready in June this year.