KUDATANG Sabah!

Got to visit one of my favourite states earlier this month with Sabah Tourism and the Gaya Travel family. The last time I was here was 2015 I think, to volunteer at schools in Papar and Tenom (that was a whole other experience, which I hope to share soon!) This time round we were treated with some of the most leisurely activities the state had to offer. It truly is a gem of natural wonders, outdoor excursions and cultural immersions. Here's top 5 highlights of what happened throughout the trip! For the full itinerary, please refer to the schedule at the end of this post :)

Cabana Retreat.

My first glamping experience! Cabana Retreat is located by the beach side in Kota Belud and is perhaps one of the most 'instagrammable' locations ever. Their accommodations are beds in thatched huts, carpeted, and with air conditioning so you have the luxury of amenities but the feel of the outdoors too haha. There's communal showers which were very comfortable, an outdoor theatre set up, a pool with swings and ah.. I'll leave you to explore the rest. While we were there a group of girls were hosting a bachelorette and it looked like the perfect getaway. The huts maayy be a bit squishy, so I'd recommend a 3 night tops if you're a little claustrophobic. Other than that, 10/10 would recommend. It starts at about RM210-220 per night and has 1 Queen bed options / 2 twin bed options. 

Misompuru Homestay

We only dropped by here for lunch, but honestly, even that was enough to be delighted by this charming place. My first time trying Nasi Jagung Linopot (lilypad corn rice), and a slew of regional dishes here. The homestay can be tricky to find as it's located quite a distance from the main road and well within greenery - but it's here that you really disconnect and immerse in the environment. The accommodations are very true to what you'd get if you were a local, with appropriate facilities, but it's the activities they offer that'd win you over.  Have a check of their facebook and recommendations and I'd say you'd be well up for a great experience. Contact: 01668155056

Tembara River Cruise 

"Take a moment to witness a stunning sunset" written on their website and what I'd consider a true to life advertisement haha (the sunsets in Borneo never disappoint..). This is located only about 30 minutes away from Kota Kinabalu so it'd be a good idea to visit for a break from the city. There's so many activities on offer here that we were caught off guard! Riverside cycling, kayaking through the mangroves, having afternoon tea on a boat cruise, visiting the other riverbank to catch the sunset, late evening boat ride to check out fireflies, even throwing crab traps into the river.. it's a lot to pack but super worth it! (I've just checked the website and apparently they even have fishing and archery hahaha?!) There are multiple packages from as low as rm25 per activity so it's best that you check it out yourself ;) 

Borneo Honeybee Centre

I genuinely didn't know this existed but this centre has been around since the 80's, cultivating honey from the bee community, with some of the species only available in Borneo. It's about a 20 minute walk around their park, where the ranger (who was a delight and so friendly) will explain the processes and all about his tiny friends' bee-haviour (haha), how to construct proper honey houses, then a visit to their gallery and gift shop. There are things to consider especially in attire (full coverage, proper netted hat, nothing too dark, no cologne...) to keep away from the insects, but other than that I had a surprisingly enjoyable time learning! 

Last pic from the TTV FB. 

Tegudon Tourism Village 

This village is ran by the locals and offers a lot of activities including trekking and camping. Unfortunately we were here in between seasons, or else the paddy would be in full galore, spread across the kampung. Tegudon area is a popular camping site and they have astro photography / stargazing activities during certain months of the year (we missed it this October!) where you can actually see the milkyway!! Putting this on my highlight for all the photo enthusiasts to take note. 

Other activities must visit: 

Sumangkap Gong Village
A whole village dedicated to gong making. Here is where you'd hear the lores of how tribes applied music in their lives, how these instruments were a key component in the local culture, and also see children playing them like nobody's business. Please, please visit this if you're in Kudat as it's such a wonderful experience.

Bavanggazo Rungus Long House
A Rumah Panjang (longhouse) in Sabah! Once owned by the Rungus tribe but now converted into a homestay. Worth checking just too see what it looks like because it's fascinating.

Tip of Borneo
My favourite. Deserves another post. Nuff said.

Merrimas Villa
We had a great dinner here and it's just a walk away from the Tip of Borneo. Put this on the list if you're spending sunset at the tip.

Tampakan Fish Farm
Fresh seafood and snorkeling, plus we got to check out fishes that were bigger than myself haha. Get to Kudat and ask your hotel how to get here. It's a boatride, snorkeling and seafood package that starts at about rm180 which is super worth it. Address: Projek Ternakan Ikan Marin Kampung Tampakan Baru

9 Huts on a Hill
Yoga on a hilltop at sunset...

Accommodations: 

Toojou Social Hotel 
This one was in KK, but it reminded my so much of the hostels in Europe! Cheap but chic, good for staying if you're in KK for a visit.

Kudat Marina and Golf Resort
Super comfortable stay. Unfortunately while we were there the wifi was a little haywire (tech tourists inconvenience) but the staff was super friendly, facilities were great and the pool was glorious.


Full itinerary...