2025 Kudat Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

#kotakinabalutrip Okay, real talk—I almost didn’t want to write this because **Bak Bak Beach** is *that* perfect hidden gem. But fine, I’ll spill… because everyone deserves to experience this slice of paradise near Kota Belud! ### **First Impressions: "Wait… Where Is Everyone?"** - **The sand:** Soft, golden, and *barefoot-approved* (no sharp shells here!) - **The water:** Crystal-clear turquoise—like someone turned up the saturation IRL - **The vibe:** So peaceful, all you hear are waves and the occasional eagle screech ### **The "Wow" Moment: Sunset Magic** While other beaches get packed at golden hour, Bak Bak serves **private sunset views** daily. The sky turns cotton-candy pink, the water glows, and you’ll pinch yourself because *how is this real?* ### **Hidden Gem: The Rocky Cove** Walk 10 minutes north to find: - A **natural tidal pool** (perfect for lazy snorkeling) - **Smooth wave-sculpted rocks** (Instagram backdrop sorted) - **Hermit crab raves** (they throw great parties at low tide) ### **Unexpected Encounter: The Friendly Fishermen** Local fishermen offered us **fresh coconuts** (hacked open with a *parang*—peak Borneo experience!) and pointed us to the best **stingless jellyfish** swimming spots. Yes, you read that right—*jellyfish you can swim with!* ### **Must-Try: Beachside BBQ** Grab fresh **ikan bakar** (grilled fish) from the stalls—the smoky, spicy sambal will change your life. Eat it with your hands while sand tickles your toes. ### **Chill-Only Itinerary** 🕘 **9AM** – Arrive (park right by the sand!) 🕙 **10AM** – Swim + float like a happy jellyfish 🕛 **12PM** – Nap in a hammock (BYO or rent one) 🕒 **3PM** – Explore the tidal pool & rock formations 🕠 **5:30PM** – Sunset photoshoot (no photobombers!) 🕖 **7PM** – Seafood feast at nearby warung ### **Local Tips:** - Weekdays = your private beach - Bring **reef shoes** for the rocks - Leave only footprints (let’s keep this paradise clean!) **Verdict:** 12/10 would trade my 9-5 for a beach hut here. **Who else loves hidden beaches? Spill your secrets below! 👇** *(P.S. If this goes viral and ruins the quiet vibe, I’ll send the hermit crabs after you.)* 🦀💙

#kotakinabalutrip Standing at the northernmost point of Borneo, with the **South China Sea** crashing on one side and the **Sulu Sea** swirling on the other, I felt like I’d reached the edge of the world. The wind whipped my hair into a frenzy as I took in the endless blue horizon—no islands, no ships, just raw, untamed ocean. The *magic moment*? **Sunset**. The sky exploded in fiery oranges and pinks, painting the iconic boulders along the shore. (Cue a dozen influencers trying to nail the perfect jump shot—I may have joined in. 😅) **Hidden gem:** The **hidden tide pools** near the eastern rocks (ask locals for directions). Perfect for a quiet dip away from the crowds! **Must-eat:** **Fresh coconut** hacked open on the spot by a vendor—sweet, icy, and the ultimate thirst-quencher after climbing those scenic boulders. 🥥 **Quick Itinerary:** ⏰ **4 PM:** Arrive, explore the viewpoint ⏰ **5:30 PM:** Sunset photos (prepare for windblown glamour) ⏰ **6:30 PM:** Beachside seafood dinner at nearby stalls **Pro Tips:** - Wear **sturdy sandals** (those rocks are slippery!) - Bring a **windbreaker** (it’s always breezy) - Visit weekdays to avoid the crowds Raw, rugged, and ridiculously photogenic—this is Borneo’s edge-of-the-world moment. ✨ P.S. That "end of the world" feeling? 100% real. GPS coordinates for bragging rights: **7°2′N 116°43′E**

The Tip of Borneo is located in kudat District and one of the most popular attractions in sabah. Would recommend all to visit if interested. Its take us almost more than 3hours from the airport to arrive. Please be careful when travelling the access road through. The beautiful crimson sunset and the sound of the wave. The view are amazing. I just widh they were cleaning a lot of litter. #sabah #travel

Gong is the most important idiophone in tradisional music of sabah State. Gong is usually made of brass or bronze it produces muffled sound of a deep tone when it's thick and broad ring was hit by a stick. You can see various type of Gong here and you can purchase souvenir. There are a few giant Gong for us to take a photo. Do drop by to support them by buying those. Either you can hang them as deco in your house or give it away as a gift. Entrance fee RM10 a bit pricey. #sabah #travel

Getting There - About 189 kilometers and 3 hours 12 minutes of driving from Jesselton (now Kota Kinabalu) city. You can also go with a tour agent. Attractions - The Simpang Means 'lingering junction'. Here is where the South China Sea lingers and meets the sulu seas flowing from the east. The sunsets and full moons are just beautiful. The natural rock wall has an interesting pattern which makes the beach unique. Hotels - No hotel nearby this area. Only a Long house stay. Here you can experience the Rungus traditional home. Food & Restaurants - There is a cafe. Shopping - For sure there's no shopping mall here but there is a small souvenir shop. #tipofborneo #kudat #geology #grouptravel

On the coast is a beautiful place to be. The Tip of Borneo is located in Kudat, where the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea meet. Approximately 3 hours drive from Kota Kinabalu town to reach this destination. The scenery at Tanjung Simpang Mengayau is delightful with the long white sandy beach and mesmerizing blue waters, so put this as a destination to visit when in Kudat. Whenever we visit to Kudat surely will bring my kid to enjoy the beauty of the beach at Tanjung Simpang Mengayau. No doubt here is the best place to catch a glimpse of sunrise and sunset. With its strong wind and sound of waves crashing on the naturally formed rocks, one can find peace and tranquility here. #bucketlistreboot

#staycation

Kim Men Seafood Supplier & Day Trip@RM180/pax Package included: - Boat transfer (Round trip) - Live & fresh seafood lunch + drinking water - Goggles & life jacket - Fish farm tour (guide services provided) - Fish feeding - Fishing - Swimming with assorted fishes - Snorkeling (guide services provided) Who says Kudat is boring? Come and enjoy the freshest seafood you can find in Kudat. Just a 8 minutes boat ride from Kudat town (Depart from jetty beside Kafe Abang J) you'll be amaze by all types of fish in nature while experiencing the local fish farm industry. Had been there in November, 2019 with my family. I would said this is the best experience I have had in Kudat. Please find the contact details in the last picture if you can't wait to join this amazing adventure 😊😊

this is tip of borneo! i caught a beautiful sea view and the weather is also good. i really enjoy the view and moment here. just sitting and admiring the sea, i can believe to see this kind of view, it also release my stress, hope can go back there and More reason to visit!#passionpassport #staycation #gooutside #awesomepic #couplestrip

🏡 Sompuruvan Homestay🏡 Simpang Mengayau Kudat ◆RM260 per night. 🚩Facilities provided: » Studio Room has aircond + 1 queen bed + 1 single bed » 1 bathroom + toilet » Sofa + coffee table » The kitchen is complete with cooking utensils » BBQ » Rice cooker " Water heater " Camp site 🏠🏠 Our homestay is located on the coast of Simpang Mengayau Kudat Beach... want to bathe in the sea just in front of the house Sompuruvan Homestay is a very suitable accommodation for the whole family who want to spend time in a relaxed and calm manner while enjoying the sea breeze and relaxing with a beautiful view of the beach while listening to the sound of the natural splashing of water waves or sitting by the beach while enjoying the sunset in the evening. #sompuruvanhomestay #homestaysimpangmengayau #beachhomestay #crossroads #kudat

so beautiful place and beautiful moment with love

Getting There - Drive or take a tour package. No public transportation Attractions - Secret Beach, Tanjung Simpang Mengayau Hotels - Plenty of campsites, homestay and motels Food & Restaurants - small cafes Shopping - none I lived in KL for so many years, it was nothing magical when you look up to the night sky despite of the concrete jungles all around me. Being at the tip of borneo or fondly called simpang mengayau in kudat was a magical experience. there was nothing much to visit around just white sandy beaches and picturesque sunsets. but that was all i needed. the trip took about 3 hours from the city by car. the time we visited, it was sunny and hot. thankfully it wasnt raining. the beach was pristine..and untouched, the ocean was turqoise. sabah never fails you when it comes to sunset. it was breezy, calm, serene and beautiful. Have you ever lie down on a bed of clean grass starring at the starry staryy sky and try to spot a shooting star? it is definitely the place! so breathtaking!#awesomepic #awesomepic #couplestrip #unforgettable Experiences #

at kudat sabah also i can have a tealive....ok after this we are going to the beach...lets go everyone #beaches

Must-see! Total end of Borneo, wild coast, you can wave to say hello to Philippiness :) There is no local transport from Kudat to Tip of Borneo. You have to hire a taxi or you can accommodate in Tampat do Aman and than walk to tip of Borneo. View here was stunning and place was simply amazing. The beach was long and white and could be probably one of Sabah's best hidden secrets. The bad side is however there is nothing much to do other than enjoy the view, the breeeze and the sea. It is better to travel to and fro from the place when there is daylight as it can be very dangerous to travel during nighttime. Highly recommended to go with experienced tour guide or bring along GPS to help with directions if you aren't familiar with roads over there. #besttrip #urbanexplorer

Borneo is the third largest island in the world, under the jurisdiction of Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. It is currently the only island in the world that belongs to more than two countries. The northern part of Borneo is the whole of East Malaysia, and the administrative district is Sabah and Sarawak. The northernmost corner of Borneo Island is located in the ancient town of Sabah in Sabah. The locals call it Tanjin Xinbang Meng Ayao. The Chinese call it Lighting House or End of the World. There is also the vast seawater junction between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea in eastern Sabah. The local government has built an iconic building here, a sculpture that shows the latitude and longitude and the entire Borneo map. Ascending the three giant rocks facing the sea, overlooking the vast South China Sea, I saw the water and the sky, and I felt that the sea was wide and the sky was clear, and it was unbearable to give birth to a heroic feeling.

Amazing view from the tip of borneo kudat!

Amazing sunrise from Kudat Golf and Marina Resort!

🌊 TOP 5 Recommended Summer Escape Bays 🌊 Stay cool without climbing high! These bays come with their own sea breeze air conditioning system⬇️ 1. Langkawi | Treasure Archipelago Wrapped in Rainforest * Summer Escape Tricks: ✓ Island hopping by boat (freshwater lake diving at Pregnant Woman Island to cool off💦) ✓ Cable car ride to Sky Bridge, double hit of mountain wind + sea breeze ✓ Mangrove boat tour through caves, feels 5°C cooler instantly * Hidden Activities: → Relax on the white sand beach of Wet Rice Island, natural shade from coconut trees → Paddle a transparent boat in the private bay of Four Seasons Hotel, see fish underwater with the naked eye → Evening at Cenang Beach wave bar (drinks from RM20) 2. Terengganu Redang Island | 25°C Summer in the Jelly Sea * Summer Escape Facts: ✓ Sea water temperature stays 26-28°C year-round (8°C cooler than land!) ✓ Island covered with pristine rainforest, hiking routes that won’t cause sunburn * Highlights: → Charter a boat for snorkeling, swim with sea turtles in the coral garden → Stay at Laguna Resort, jump into the sea to cool off right from your door (3 days 2 nights package RM800/person) → Night rainforest tour to find glowing mushrooms (guide required) 3. Perak Pangkor Island | Fishermen’s Secluded Bay * Cooling Secrets: ✓ Holland Bay’s 3 km stretch of white sand beach, sea breeze nonstop 24 hours ✓ Night fishing on a fishing boat with sea breeze, BBQ fresh cuttlefish on the spot * Local Experience: → Ride a motorbike around the island chasing sunsets, salted egg yolk drops into the emerald sea → Stay in a rainforest treehouse (Nipah Guesthouse), fall asleep listening to the waves in a hammock → Eat freshly pried oysters (Gua Lanun Beach, RM10/6 pieces) 4. Sabah Kudat | Wild Coolness at the Edge of the World * Hardcore Summer Escape: ✓ Tip of Borneo cape’s fierce wind, hats won’t stay on! ✓ Watch the Milky Way at dawn + feel the cold wind, wear a light jacket * Wild Fun: → Stay at a coconut grove seaside homestay (Tampat Do Aman, RM200/night) → Dig for sea urchins at low tide, eat raw with wasabi → Charter a boat to explore the Blue Tears bay (peak season July-August) 5. Johor Desaru | Hidden Rainforest Bay * Cooling High-Tech: ✓ Desaru Coast Waterpark (indoor + night open) ✓ Rainforest creek trekking, soak in icy waterfall pools * Family Must-See: → Stay at Hardin Hotel, water slide leads directly to room balcony → Eat freshly grilled devil ray (Kelong Seafood Night Market) → Firefly river night tour, cool breeze wrapped in green glowing flight --- 🧜‍♀️ Essential Summer Beach Gear | Item | Purpose | |---------------------|------------------------------| | Jellyfish suit / sun-protective swimwear | Physical sun protection + jellyfish defense, 4 hours water play without sunburn | | Quick-dry cape | Warm up instantly after getting out of water, prevent catching cold from sea breeze | | Coral-friendly sunscreen | Protect the ocean! Look for Reef Safe label | | Waterproof phone pouch | Snorkeling fish photography + sand protection on the beach | | Mint nasal inhaler | Prevent seasickness + refresh and cool down | --- 💡 Local Insider Tips 1. Transportation shortcuts: → Redang Island: Fly from Kuala Lumpur to Terengganu (1h), speedboat 45 minutes from the pier → Pangkor Island: Drive 3.5h from Kuala Lumpur to Lumut Pier, ferry 40 minutes 2. Accommodation bargains: → Stay at Redang Beach Resort on Redang Island during non-holidays, RM150/night including three meals → Stay in Kuah Town, Langkawi, 40% cheaper than Cenang Beach 3. Avoid scams: → Choose established agents like Yellow Café for island hopping tours (RM35/person) → Seafood market bargaining tip: start at 60% of the market price --- 📅 3 Days 2 Nights Bay Summer Escape Itinerary Day 1: Arrive on island → Rent a motorbike for coastal ride → Soak in sunset sea water → Eat grilled fish at night market Day 2: Island hopping snorkeling → Rainforest creek trekking → Seaside massage (RM60/hour) Day 3: Tide pooling → Buy souvenirs (salted fish/shrimp paste) → Return fully recharged --- The ultimate answer to tropical summer escape is diving into the 25°C jelly sea! While others wear jackets on the plateau, you’re diving into the emerald sea chasing fish; while they warm their hands at night markets, you bite into an icy coconut watching the Milky Way tilt into the sea—this is the right way to enjoy summer in Malaysia✨

#familytravel

My trip to Sabah was filled with amazing memories—from relaxing beach days and island adventures to exploring the northern charm of Kudat and standing at the Tip of Borneo. Every moment felt special—whether it was watching sunsets, enjoying local food, or simply soaking in the calm. Grateful for the peaceful escape and the unforgettable experiences. Truly a beautiful getaway. 🌊📍❤️ #Sabah2025 #TipOfBorneo

The seaview scenery at Marina Golf Club Resort, is the main attraction why I chose to stay at the hotel.The breezing of the air and the smell of the ocean made my mind peaceful.An amazing place and affordable rate to stay in during the weekend or school holidays

Fantastic experience to spend time with families at Marina Golf Club Kudat .The accomodation was very good and clean with friendly staff at the receptionist.The pool was amazing.My children love swimming in the pool.Great place to relaxing and chill with your loves one.Thumbs up

🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions - Tip of Borneo - Kelambu Beach 🏠 Accommodation - Kudat Golf & Marina Resort

#favouriteitinerary It’s 9 Hut on a Hill, Kudat Sabah, Malaysia! All huts are facing seaview, well-designed and comfortable stay for 3 pax. 3-4 hrs drive from Kota Kinabalu, but there’s Kudat airport also, can go there by airplane. 3 nights feels not enough. It packaged together with Yoga sessions for guests. So, every morning we attend Yoga and catch beautiful sunrise while doing Yoga. It’s so relaxing. Restaurant is just down the hill, while the pool, it’s an infinity ocean pool. Smart! Behind the hut, there’s longhouse for some people that decided to do long stay. Overall, facilities and services are amazing. Highly recommended.

#favouriteitinerary The beach is right infront of the cafe bar, however during our visit there, the waves were quite high. For surfing probably great, for swimming I doubt it since it open water. But the cafe bar, it’s so cool. The drink and foods are like in 5 stars hotel restaurant. Tasty, plus the calm ambiance. If you visit Kudat, should go here for 1 of the day. It’s worth it. Later we found out the couple that manage the bar use to work in 5 stars hotel restaurant and they both quit to open this small bar. That makes sense, the tasty foods and drinks presentation also beautiful. We had spaghetti, club sandwiches and pizza

Our new year at Tommy Place Kudat. Nice accommodation and view.

This beach used to be very beautiful with clear sand and water, more than 50 years ago! Still a nice place to hang out with family and friends, not far from Kudat town. It has designated bbq areas, clean and manned public toilets available. Food stalls and a restaurant, with plenty of parking spaces. Do check the weather forecast before going to avoid disappointment! Can be very busy during the weekend