Tip of Borneo and Kudat Rungus Long House Experience

Kota Kinabalu , Malaysia

Tip of Borneo and Kudat Rungus Long House Experience

Active

10h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The Tip of Borneo. Home of renowned views across two seas meeting together, longhouses and artisans keeping handicraft traditions alive. It’s a day where nature and culture effortlessly meet and intertwine perfectly, away from Kota Kinabalu’s city life.
• Admire traditional handicraft and agricultural techniques
• Wander respectfully through typical Sabah villages
• Lean how traditional long houses are built
• Dream away at the Tip of Borneo – where two seas meet
• Lunch is included inside a traditional longhouse

Available options

Private Tour on weekdays

Private Tour : Private Tour and transfer on Weekdays <br/>Pickup included

Private Tour on weekend

Private Tour : Private Tour and transfer on weekend <br/>Pickup included

What's included

All entrance fees for visits as mentioned in the description

All applicable taxes and service charges

Lunch at a traditional longhouse (food only)

Full day private tours and transfers with an English Speaking Guide

Detailed itinerary

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.

What's not included

Tours, inclusions of any kind and other services that are not outlined in the tour description

Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours, unless otherwise stated

Surcharge 15 USD/Pax/Way for Private transfers outside from the general pick-up/drop-off locations

Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)

KudatRungusLonghouse is currently closed UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE for renovation

And will reopen upon completion. However, the handicraft shop and lunch service remain open as usual

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Return transfers for this excursion apply only / are inclusive for customers staying in and inside central Kota Kinabalu. Transfers outside these areas, including any accommodation, such as Rasa Ria / Nexus / Beringgis, cruise ports and Kota Kinabalu’s International Airport are excluded. Supplements apply for customers who want to join this excursion outside one of these regions.

We will do all possible to comply with any dietary requirements during this excursion; it may not always be possible to confirm your wishes in advance based on the choice of local restaurant.

Due to the nature of this tour, we regret to inform you that this excursion is not suitable for wheelchair users.

We always will make efforts to confirm the exact pick-up time upon reservation. For any operational issues in which are not able to confirm the exact pick-up time in advance, we reserve the right to inform you the day before the departure of the tour.

Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us on this tour – even when it is cloudy, the sunrays still have an immense power.

It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct hotel information, should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package. Any changes in accommodation outside 48 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 48 hours may be on request.

Due to the absence of ATM machines and credit cards payment portals, particularly on islands and inside nature reserves, we highly recommend to bring sufficient cash with you

Guests are advised that some walking is required during this excursion; we always ensure that we take the most comfortable ways from the entrance of the sight to the sight itself

"IMPORTANT: Please be informed that the Kudat Rungus Longhouse is currently closed UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE for renovation and will reopen upon completion. However, the handicraft shop and lunch service remain open as usual."

Important notes

Our office hours are from 08:30 hrs. until 18:00 hrs. from Monday to Friday

Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 - 60 minutes prior to this time, exact pickup time will be advised on reconfirmation.

· Travelers will be required to have mobile data connectivity and registered with contract tracing application (PDPA compliance) in destination.

About Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, is a vibrant city nestled between the South China Sea and the lush mountains of Borneo. Known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, it's a gateway to some of the world's most breathtaking landscapes, including Mount Kinabalu and the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

Top Attractions

Mount Kinabalu

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the highest peak in Southeast Asia, offering challenging climbs and breathtaking views.

Nature 2-4 days for summit climb Climbing permit: RM300-500, Guided tours: RM1,500-3,000

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

A group of five islands known for their pristine beaches, coral reefs, and marine life.

Nature Half-day to full day Boat tours: RM100-200, Snorkeling gear rental: RM20-30

Kota Kinabalu City Mosque

A stunning mosque with a unique architectural design, featuring a pink-domed roof and surrounded by a man-made lagoon.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free

Sabah State Museum

A comprehensive museum showcasing the history, culture, and natural heritage of Sabah.

Museum 2-3 hours RM5-10

Filipino Market

A bustling market offering a variety of souvenirs, handmade crafts, and local delicacies.

Market 1-2 hours Free entry, bargaining expected

Must-Try Local Dishes

Hinava

A traditional Sabahan dish made with raw fish marinated in lime juice, ginger, and chili.

Main Dish Gluten-free, dairy-free

Tuhau

A sweet and savory glutinous rice cake wrapped in banana leaves, often filled with palm sugar and peanuts.

Snack Vegetarian, gluten-free

Kuih Mor

A steamed glutinous rice cake with a sweet and tangy flavor, often served with coconut milk.

Dessert Vegetarian, gluten-free

Laksa Sabah

A spicy noodle soup with a rich, aromatic broth, typically made with seafood, chicken, or beef.

Main Dish Contains seafood, gluten-free

Popular Activities

Mountain climbing Caving Whitewater rafting Beachcombing Spa treatments Hot springs Visiting museums Attending festivals

Best Time to Visit

March to October

This is the dry season, offering sunny weather and lower humidity, ideal for outdoor activities and beach trips.

24°C to 32°C 75°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Malay
Widely spoken: English, Chinese dialects, Indigenous languages
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

240VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Kota Kinabalu is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, petty crime and scams can occur, so it's essential to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps
• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious when using ATMs

Getting there

By air

Kota Kinabalu International Airport • 7 km from city center

By bus

Kota Kinabalu Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and widely available, but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

City Center Tanah Runcing Likass

Day trips

Island Hopping in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

3-15 km from Kota Kinabalu • Half-day to full day

Explore the beautiful islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, known for their pristine beaches, coral reefs, and marine life.

Kinabalu Park

90 km from Kota Kinabalu • Full day

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the home of Mount Kinabalu, offering stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and challenging trekking routes.

Poring Hot Springs

100 km from Kota Kinabalu • Full day

A relaxing retreat featuring natural hot springs, lush rainforests, and a variety of outdoor activities.

Festivals

Kota Kinabalu International Fest (KKIF) • July Sabah Fest • May to June Hari Raya Aidilfitri • Varies (Islamic calendar)

Pro tips

Visit the Gaya Street Sunday Market for a taste of local culture and cuisine
Take a boat tour to the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park for a day of snorkeling and island hopping
Climb Mount Kinabalu for a challenging and rewarding adventure
Explore the Sabah State Museum to learn about the history and culture of Sabah
Try local dishes like Hinava, Tuhau, and Kuih Mor for an authentic taste of Sabahan cuisine