Place To Go Kudat ( Day 5)

Kelambu Beach

For beach lovers who opt for a more reclusive and less mainstream beach vacation, Kelambu Beach is the ultimate place to be.

Though less known, Kelambu Beach is indeed one of the best beaches in Sabah with its clear aquamarine sea and beautiful white sand engulfed by astounding verdant islands.

The inviting clear waters offer a variety of activities such as speed boating, water skiing, swimming, and snorkelling. The wonderful beach, on the other hand; is a perfect spot for family picnics, romantic strolls by the beach, seashells collecting or simply to enjoy a gorgeous sunset.

On the way to Kudat, be sure to make a detour to Kelambu Beach where you can sit back and delight in the beauty of nature’s best!

Pace To Go Kudat ( Day 4 )

Maranjak Longhouse Homestay

The Maranjak Longhouse Homestay is located near Tinangol, not very far from the main road leading to Kudat.

Maranjak Longhouse Homestay is wholly made out of traditional materials such as split bamboos for walls and nipah palm leaves for roofing. The longhouse is fully furnished in traditional style with traditionally-styled dining table, rooms, lightings, as well as in terms of the food that are being served. It’s a perfect getaway stay for those craving for a truly atavistic cultural experience.

The Maranjak Homestay Longhouse can accommodate an estimated of 30 to 40 people at one time. Besides the truly traditional atmosphere, visitors will also have a wide set of things to do such as fishing in the river, jungle trekking, sightseeing in the herbal botanical garden, crab catching, and monkey watching.

Visitors will also be able to get a taste of seven different local wines which are served at night. Besides the wining experience, visitors will also be entertained with traditional Rungus dance and serenaded by performances of traditional musical instruments after dinner.

Here, visitors too will be able to take a close look at how beaded accessories are made and how intricate Rungus tapestries are woven—all done by women dressed in beautifully ornamental traditional Rungus costumes.

Pace To Go Kudat ( Day 3 )

Kampung Sumangkap Gong Factory

Less than one hour away from Kampung Gombizau is the Sumangkap village (92 kilometers and 2 hours drive away from Kota Kinabalu) which is famous for its gong making cottage industry.

The gong is the most important Rungus musical instrument which is played during festivities and grand occasions such as weddings. The gongs that are sold in Kampung Sumangkap vary in sizes—visitors can expect to find tiny souvenirs ones with different shapes and unique designs (price ranging from RM25 to RM37) as well as large ones that can reach up to 2 meters wide in diameter.

For large groups of visitors, the villagers of Kampung Sumangkap will often hold cultural performances in the Kampung Sumangkap Community Hall where the kulintangan (a set of different sized gongs producing different sounds) is to be played.

Here, visitors will also have the opportunity to witness the method of gong making by the professional gong makers in the village. The gong factory is open daily including public holidays from 8.30am to 5.30pm.

Entrance fees charged are as follows:
Adults (12 years and above) – RM5
Children (6 to 12 years old) – RM3

Pace To Go Kudat ( Day 2 )

Kampung Bavanggazo (Rungus Longhouse)

Traditionally, the Rungus people live in longhouses built on stilts, but the shift to modern-day living has meant that the sight of such longhouses are getting more rare. In Kg. Bavanggazo near Tinangol in the Kudat district, you can still experience this fascinating communal lifestyle in a purpose-built longhouse constructed entirely of traditional materials but with added modern comforts like toilets and showers.

Situated in a valley about 41 kilometres south of Kudat town and 98 kilometres or two and a half hours drive from KK City, you can get a taste of real Rungus living through their food, daily rituals and music on a day trip or overnight stay. The later will need prior arrangements.

Tariff: Per person RM2.00

Place To Go Kudat ( day 1 )

Gombizau Honey Bee Farm

Gombizau Honey Bee Farm is located in Matunggong, a sub-district 43 kilometers south of Kudat town, where one of the economical activities for the village community is honey bee farming. There are over a hundred bee cages in the bee farm.

Founded over ten years ago, this bee farm produces honey both for the consumption of the local people as well as to be sold in bottles for those who are akin to the sweet taste of raw honey.

For many generations, the people of Kampung Gombizau has been consuming raw honey as it is believed and has been proven to possess remedial properties; other than being able to lend its superior taste to food when used in cooking.

Here, visitors will be able to observe how a bee farm is managed. They will often get a taste of raw honey straight from the honeycomb. Other than that, there are also rubber trees planted at the bee farm. Therefore, visitors can also witness the traditional method of rubber tapping and rubber rolling.

Entrance fees charged are as follows:
Adults (12 years and above) – RM5
Children (6 to 12 years old) – RM3

Pulau Tiga "Survivor Island

Make your way to the district of Kuala Penyu and hop on a boat to Pulau Tiga! The island’s claim to fame is none other than being the first ever ‘secret’ location for the hit reality series, ‘Survivor’. Hence, many refer to Pulau Tiga as Survivor Island. Located just 10km off shore on the West Coast of Sabah, you can enjoy a day trip to the island but many recommend spending at least a night or two.

The island has two resorts, Pulau Tiga Resort and Borneo Survivor Resort (see contact details). There’s plenty to see and do here: spend the sunny days swimming or snorkeling in its surrounding clear waters or go kayaking. Divers can explore its underwater treasures (diving courses are available).

Pulau Tiga is also famous for its therapeutic natural volcanic mud. Looking for some wildlife? Say hello the island’s famous residents: snakes! Facilities on the island include a restaurant and camping site.

Rumbia Information Centre

Kuala Penyu

There is more than meets eye when it comes to the sago plant, also known as rumbia. It has fascinated local communities and foreign visitors alike with its wide variety of uses and many visit the Rumbia Information Centre in Kuala Penyu to learn more about it.

Scientifically known as matroxylon sagus or metroxylon rumphii, the rumbia comes from the family of palmae. It is mostly found in Kuala Penyu and the surrounding districts of Beaufort and Papar. Sago Palm matures in 9 to 12 years. The starch or sago is extracted from the stem of a matured rumbia. Sago is rich in carbohydrate and is an alternative staple food for the Bisayas and Kadazan (Dusun Tatana) people, and is locally known as "ambuyut". It was said that during the Japanese occupation, the local population was saved from starvation by making sago their staple food.

No part of the sago palm is discarded. The locals used the leave as roofing materials and the branches (known locally as kumbar) for making their house's walls. Floor mats, baskets of various sizes and shape are some of the examples of things made entirely from various parts of the plant.

The information centre, located in Kampung Kasugira, also holds exhibitions on handicrafts made out of the sago plant and a demonstration on how to make sago delicacies. If you're ever in the quaint district of Kuala Penyu, be sure to swing by!

Opening hours
Monday - Thursday -8:00am - 12:00pm
2:00pm - 4:30pm

Friday- 8:00am - 11:30am
2:00pm - 4:30pm


Saturday-8:00am - 12:30pm

Closed on Sunday

Kuala Penyu

A town located in the Interior Division of Sabah, it is home to the Kadazan or Dusun Tatana community as the largest single ethnic group. Kuala Penyu is located on the Klias Peninsula, which was originally covered with mangrove swamp forests. Administratively, this district is divided into three parts—Sitompok, Bundu and Menumbok.

It is one of the gateways to Pulau Tiga Survivor Island. Kuala Penyu is famous for its beaches, especially the Tempurung Beach, Sawangan Beach and Sungai Labuan Waterfront. Kuala Penyu is also a district dotted by sago trees which are widely planted throughout the area. In fact, the sago plant is such a popular product in the district that there is an annual celebration for it called the Pesta Rumbia.

Tamu Kuala Penyu

Kuala Penyu is a quaint district located some 114 km from Kota Kinabalu. The town comes alive each Tuesday as traders and members of the community gather at the daily Tamu(market). From leafy greens to delicious local cakes, vendors proudly display their goods, enticing passers-by with bargains. Come and join the hustle and bustle of traders at this weekly market.
Held onTuesday
Opening hoursMost ‘tamu' operate as early as 6am and close by 2pm

Kota Marudu

A tiny district in the Kudat division, Kota Marudu is mainly populated by the Kimaragang and Tobilung Dusun communities with other dwellers consisting of the Bajau, Bugis, Brunei, orang Sungai, and Suluk natives. Situated in the northern region of Sabah, Kota Marudu is bordered by Kudat, Kota Belud, Pitas and Beluran. It is located 130 kilometers away from Kota Kinabalu city, roughly 2 hours drive away.

Kota Marudu is formerly known as ‘Bandau’, derived from the KadazanDusun word ‘Mondou’; which according to local ancient folklore is a buffalo-like creature that had caused the residents much terror. The district’s name was consequently changed to Kota Marudu, after a famous port on Marudu Bay which was built by local warrior, Shariff Osman.

Tamu Kota Marudu

Tamu Kota Marudu held every Sunday at Pekan Goshen
Big or small, tamus or open market sprout wherever people need to trade. The Tenom 'Tamu' is meeting place of the Kadazandusun, Tatana from different villages from different villages and other local ethnic groups.

Even today it is as much market as local gathering where traders from the far and near come together to discuss the latest events. Kuala Penyu is the main local producer of Sago, visitor will find handicraft here, fresh exotic fruits, vegetables, dried and fresh fish, sarongs, pots and pands and of course safo even electrical items.

Kota Belud

The quaint town of Kota Belud lies about 70 kilometers, or an hour’s drive away, from Kota Kinabalu. Well-known for its ‘Land of the Cowboys of the East’ soubriquet, it is also one of the most scenic and culturally abundant districts in Sabah.

This town of Kota Belud is a tapestry of cultures and customs; embracing those of the Bajau Muslim majority and smatterings of the KadazanDusun and Irranun mores. For many centuries, Kota Belud has played an imperative role as the cultural hub of Northern Borneo.
Until today, the Kota Belud Tamu remains as the rendezvous for people to mingle and trade.

Kampung Kuala Abai

One of the most prominent must-see stops near Kota Belud is Kampung Kuala Abai. It is a popular fishing village which is situated facing the South China Sea. Kampung Kuala Abai is also the departure point for Mantanani Island; a famous spot for fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving. Located 20 kilometers away from Kota Belud and 90 kilometers from Kota Kinabalu, it is home to the Bajau Laut (Sea Bajau) community.Getting ThereGetting to Kampung Kuala Abai takes 1 hour and 30 minutes of car journey from Kota Kinabalu.

Kota Belud District

Kota Belud is the hometown of the Bajau ‘cowboys’ who are Sabah’s very own horsemen. This Sabahan native group is famed for rearing and handling of horses.
The quaint and lively little town affectionately addressed by the locals as KB is also home to Sabah’s most vibrant and illustrious weekly ‘tamu’ market. The word ‘tamu’ means “meeting place”; up to this day it is very much a place where traders from the surrounding areas come together both for trading purposes and to discuss the latest events.
Visitors of the Kota Belud district will find many of Sabah’s handicrafts here, muddled up with betel nut stalls, vegetables, dried and fresh fish, sarongs, pots and pans, and Taiwan-made electrical items.

Tamu Kota Belud

When in Kota Belud, be sure to drop by the famous Tamu Kota Belud. This weekly market is a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds and smells as traders gather here to sell their produce. From leafy greens to delicious local cakes, vendors proudly display their goods, enticing passersby with bargains.

Once a year, Kota Belud hosts the Tamu Besar - an annual event where people flock to this quaint district to join in the festivities. Tamu Besar - which means Big Market - is literally the biggest tamu organised throughout Sabah. It is a time when traders come out in full force with their best goods and the local residents highlight the colourful cultures of Kota Belud.

A sight to behold is the Cowboys of the East. Bajau horsemen dress their horses and ponies in resplendent costumes, while displaying their unrivaled horse-riding skills. A great time to witness traditional sports such as buffalo racing and the crowning of the Sarempak/Senisip Beauty Queens. Check the event listing to see when this year's Tamu Besar Kota Belud will take place.

Held onSundays

Opening hoursMost ‘tamu' operate as early as 6am and close by 2pm

Kinarut / Papar (Day 2 )

Dubbed ‘the Rice Bowl of Sabah’, the agricultural town of Papar is situated 38.5 kilometers from the State Capital, Kota Kinabalu. Journey from Kota Kinabalu to reach Papar takes pproximately 45 minutes to 1 hour by car and 1 hour and 30 minutes by train. The main attraction in Papar would be its tamu (Sunday market) which offers a wide variety of juicy local fruits, unique Sabahan handicrafts, fresh vegetables, fish, and many more.

Dinawan Island

Surrounded by the serene waters of South China Sea, Dinawan Island is reachable via speedboat from the Marina Sutera jetty in approximately 25 minutes.

This premier island resort is built on a lustrous tropical rainforest in the midst of clear, blue sea with warm and gentle blowing sea breeze. It is built with minimum disturbance to the natural surroundings - an excellent place to engulf oneself in tranquil island atmosphere.

A stay in the resort will give visitors a taste of untainted nature at its divine best! Be thrilled by the sights and sounds of squawking hornbills flying free in the rainforests, and enjoy a breathtaking view of the majestic Mount Kinabalu in the morning.

Guests can entertain themselves with a myriad of exciting activities such as snorkeling, sea walking, scuba diving, and other water sports. Other available activities include day and night fishing, a game of pool, and a game of mahjong. Guests can also enhance their zen experience by getting a traditional massage.

For queries regarding overnight accommodation, please refer to tour operator.

Kawang Forest Centre

The verdant 1, 551 hectare Kawang Forest Reserve is situated in Kawang; somewhere along the Kota Kinabalu – Papar road, about 23 kilometers from KK city and 30 kilometers from Papar town.
This forest reserve was gazetted on March 16, 1957 in an effort to preserve and sustain the biodiversity of the Primary Forest Reserve. In 1984, it was re-classified as a Second Class Domestic Forest Reserve. The main function of this forest reserve is to supply gravity water to the locals living within its proximity.

Adventurous nature lovers will truly appreciate a jungle trekking expedition in the Kawang Forest Centre. Thinking of roughing it for a night? The Kawang Forest Centre makes an excellent spot for camping and other recreational activities. Those who are neither afraid of the dark nor repelled by bad smell should also explore the bat cave for more thrills and spills.

The Kawang Forest Reserve is equipped with facilities such as an information centre, changing room, toilet, 10 units of camping site, and 3 units of chalet. It is open to visitors daily from 8am to 12 noon and 2pm to 4.30pm every day except Fridays, and 8am to 11.30am and 2pm to 4.30pm on Fridays.

A visit to the Kawang Forest Centre guarantees heaps of fun and provides quintessential nature education for the urban dwellers.

Kinarut / Papar ( Day 1 )

KK Adventure Park

Located at Kampung Beringgis, Kinarut; The KK Adventure Park is especially designed to suit the penchants of unremitting adrenaline junkies who thrive on adventures.

Visitors can look forward to a smorgasbord of adrenaline pumping activities such as quad biking, riding on the beach buggies, bungee trampolines, high rope challenges, kayaking, doing the flying fox, wall climbing, taking the high ropes course challenge, giant chess, miniature golfing, as well as participating in Ken’s hidden treasure hunting.

The KK Adventure Park is open daily from 9am to 6pm.

Activities/ Facilities
1:All Terrain Vehicles(a) Buggy Rides(b) Quad Bikes-RM60/ 5 minsRM50/ 15 mins
2:Kayaks(a) Single Pax(b) Double Pax-RM50/ 90 minsRM70/ 90 mins
3:Bungee Trampolines-RM25/ 5 mins
4:Wall Climbing (3-face 9 Climbs)-RM20/ 15 mins
5:20ft Hign Ropes Course (7 events)-RM10 per event/ 30 mins
6:Low Ropes Course (11 events)-RM20/ 30 mins
7:Flying Fox (40 ft high, 458ft long)-RM20 per trip
8:Flying Squirrel (under 12 years old)-RM15 per trip
9:Giant Chess-RM10 per pax
10:Hidden Treasure (Under 10 years old)-RM10/ 15 mins
11:Crazy Ken’s Kids Brain teaser-RM10/ 25 mins
12:Coconut Tree Climbing (40ft high)-RM10 per trip
13:Krazy Ken’s 9-hole Mini Golf-RM15 per pax

Be warned that the activities listed here all involve an element of risk. All participants are required to sign a liability waiver prior to jumping the gun.

Papar District

The agricultural town of Papar is situated 38.5 kilometers from the State Capital, Kota Kinabalu. Journey from Kota Kinabalu to reach Papar takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour by car and 1 hour and 30 minutes by train.

The most popular spot in the Papar district is its Tamu (Sunday market) which opens every Sunday from 6a.m to 1.30p.m. The Tamu offers a wide variety of juicy local fruits, unique Sabahan handicrafts, fresh vegetables, fish, and many more.

Visitors who take the train will get to cross the Papar River over a steel trestle bridge as Papar, the ‘Rice Bowl of Sabah’ comes into view.

Getting ThereVisitors intending to visit Papar can come either by train, bus, or taxi.

Visitors may take the train at the Tanjung Aru Train Station to reach Papar Train Station. From Monday to Saturday, the train is scheduled to depart at 7.45a.m and on Sunday, the train departures are scheduled at 7.45a.m and 1.35p.m. Train fare per person is RM1.85 per way.

Buses to Papar can be taken at the Bus Station if front of Wawasan Plaza; drop off point is at the Papar Bus Station. Please communicate with the bus driver or the conductor regarding your desired drop off point. Buses are available daily from 6.30a.m to 6p.m. Bus fare is RM5 per person/way.

Otherwise, visitors with extra budget allocation can take a taxi (from taxi station near Merdeka field) to Papar. Taxi fare is RM50 per taxi/way.

Keningau

This sprawling timber and agricultural town district is located in the Interior Division of Sabah—it is the largest and oldest district in Sabah’s interior part. The Keningau district is situated in a valley surrounded by the Crocker Range to the west and the Trus Madi Range to the east and south sides. The district consists of 43 mukims and approximately 245 villages.

Keningau got its name from that of a Javanese cinnamon tree which grows abundantly in this area. It was once one of the most important administration centers of the British in the early 1900s. During its occupation in World War II, the Japanese also utilized Keningau as one of its government centers.

Crocker Range Park

144 kilometers away from Kota Kinabalu is the Crocker Range National Park (CRNP), situated in the Crocker Range, Sabah. The Crocker Range Park is located 13 kilometers from Keningau town, approximately 25 minutes away by car.

The Crocker Range was designated to be a forest reserve in 1968. In 1984, Crocker Range Nature Park was then established in order to protect the water catchments area which was supplying clean drinking water to the West Coast and the interior of Sabah. It was renamed Taman Banjaran Crocker (Crocker Range Park) in 1996 and is managed by the Sabah Parks.

Located in the heart of Crocker Range Park, the newly developed Sabah Park’s facility which opened in February 2004 is ideal a place for meetings, camping, jungle trekking and outdoor educational activities. Among the attractions to found in the Crocker Range Park are the Rafflesia sites, trekking courses, and camping ground.

The rising concern for protecting its rich biodiversity and rare species of flora and fauna had been the prime propellant in the initiative to gazette it as a national park.

TariffsUpon entry, visitors are charged RM3 per person.

Those intending to rough it out on the camping ground are charged RM5 per person (adults) and RM1 for youth below 18 years of age. The Crocker Range Park is open daily from 8a.m to 5p.m.

Trus Madi Forest Reserve

The Trus Madi Forest Reserve was gazetted in 1962 covering 75, 692 hectares of lush forest. In 1984, it was regazetted and was classified as a Class 2 Forest Reserve covering an extensive 184, 527 hectares of area.

The Trus Madi Forest Reserve is bordered by three districts—Ranau up north, Tambunan on the west, Keningau down south, and Sook in the east. Its highest peak, Mount Trusmadi which stands at 2,642 meters high, is only the second highest peak in Malaysia after Mount Kinabalu which is 4,095.2 meters high.

Five different vegetation types are to be found in this forest reserve: lowland mixed dipterocarp forest, hill mixed dipterocarp forest, lower montane forest, upper montane forest, and summit scrub.For adrenaline junkies, the Trus Madi Forest Reserve is a great place for a mountain climbing and jungle trekking trip. Don’t forget to bring along your insect repellents too for a camping weekend.

Getting ThereGetting to Trus Madi Forest Reserve takes 2 hours by 4 wheel drive from Kota Kinabalu. Please arrange with the tour operator for more information.

Beaufort ( Day 3 )

Weston WetlandBeaufort


One of Sabah's hidden treasures, Weston Wetland is a fantastic getaway for the nature-lover. Make your way to the small town of Weston. Your boat ride to the Weston Wetland Retreat begins from the 100-year old jetty by the village.


The lodge is an establishment built in the heart of Weston's swamp area, offering plenty to see and do. Lodging is basic and dormitory-style; a wooden ‘longhouse' with common bathrooms. Go on a river cruise in search of the elusive Proboscis Monkey, cheeky macaques and flying fox. Along the way, learn crab-catching the traditional way.


A hike along the nature trail will lead you to many exotic pitcher plants growing wild. In the evening, enjoy a home-cooked meal at the Kingfisher Lounge, built on stilts and offering a panoramic view of the wetlands. When the lights go off, it's show time! Hundreds of fireflies light up the trees, illuminating the stillness of the night. Another must-do activity? Star-gazing.
The brilliant night sky dazzling with stars will be a sight not soon forgotten right here at the Weston Wetland.


Getting ThereWeston is a two-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu and only 20 minutes from the district of Beaufort. Transportation arrangements can be made