Tip Of Borneo

3 Sept 18

 

The minivan departed Padang Medeka with full load of 10 passengers at 9.50am. I was offered the front seat which I gladly accepted. The mini van looks worn and old but nobody complain as this is the only private transport to Kudat for the day. Otherwise the alternative would be the more costly taxi.

The route was through the cities of Tuaran, Kota Belud, Kota Marudu and final stop in Kudat.
North of Tuaran are rice cultivation and further north of Kota Belud are huge swath of oil palm plantations cultivated over undulating hills. Thereafter many coconuts plantations dominates the landscapes.

 

Arrived at Kudat bus station after 3 hours drive. Kudat looks like an old sleepy town. I look around and found a Chinese coffee shop and ordered sliced fish soup. It was very tasty and I told  it's grouper. So I ordered another portion of sliced fish kway teow for my dinner.

After lunch, I found a private transport to take me to Simpang Mengayau also known to tourist as the Tip of Borneo. The trip was 30km away and the driver was a Chinese Khek born locally. He told me his car, a Toyota Crown is 30 years old. The car age and conditions is obvious with so many parts under tape and many broken accessories.

We drove through mainly coconut and palm oil plantations. Not many houses is visible. As I approached Tip of Borneo, there are some small accommodations and chalets.

 

 

I booked a night at Tommy's Place. Its just off the beach and is about 300m from the Tip. This place is very remote and not too many eateries around.

 

 

I took a stroll along the beautiful beach named Kalampunian Beach really unheard off. The waves was strong, pushing waves after waves of water up the white sandy beach. The sound of the sea are therapeutic. Alas, the beach was pitifully deserted. Such a wonderful place that lacks visitors due to poor infrastructures.

 

 

 

 

 

Walking towards the Tip on good walkways was very refreshing with the sound of ocean waves and the wind gushing all over you.

 

It was indeed satisfying to look at the Tip, on the left is South China Sea and on the right is Sulu Sea. Once Sabah belongs to the Sulu Sultanate.

There were many visitors at the Tip now. Most are like me waiting to watch the sunset. Unfortunately to my disappointment, the heavy clouds had obscured the sky.

I walked backed to my room, ate the food and fruits I bought earlier. The internet was out of range in my room and there is no tv. Once again, a peaceful and early night.