KUDAT: The iconic Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, fondly known as the Tip of Borneo, is now officially reopened to the public following a revitalisation project initiated by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah (KePKAS).
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Seri Christina Liew officiated at the reopening ceremony on Monday by inaugurating the newly-completed Visitor’s Information Centre, underscoring the cultural significance and tourism potential of the site.
“In 2018, the 11-hectare Tip of Borneo was gazetted for public purpose and placed under the care of my Ministry. Since then, we have committed ourselves to protecting, enhancing, and promoting this remarkable landmark for the benefit of both locals and international visitors,” she said.
According to the Minister, the site had been temporarily closed since January 2022 to undergo essential upgrades aimed at improving the visitor experience while preserving the natural charm of the location.
Liew said the upgrading project was implemented under the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (RMK12), and works were officially completed on September 30, 2024.
The Visitor’s Information Centre houses facilities such as a souvenir shop operated by Kadaiku, offering locally made crafts and products, and a café, set to open soon.
“The Ministry intends to hand over the management of the area to Sri Pelancongan Sabah (SPS) to ensure more systematic and sustainable tourism operations. Additionally, plans are underway to introduce activities aimed at making the Tip of Borneo a more vibrant destination,” said the Minister.
These enhancements, she added, are part of the Ministry’s continued efforts through its agency, the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), to promote tourism in the area and empower the local economy, while ensuring Sabah’s unique landmarks remain accessible, informative, and welcoming.
Liew called on all visitors to play their part in maintaining the cleanliness and beauty of the site.
“Let us work together to keep this iconic destination pristine for future generations. Dispose of waste responsibly, respect the environment, and help us maintain the serenity and natural charm that make this place so special,” she said.
Located at the northernmost tip of Sabah, where the South China Sea meets the Sulu Sea, the Tip of Borneo is one of the most photographed and visited natural attractions in the state, known for its panoramic ocean views and historical importance.
Visitors can also look forward to the return of the Music Fest at the Tip of Borneo, scheduled for December this year.
Also present were the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai, Deputy Permanent Secretary II Alesia Sion, Liew’s Political Secretary Vivien Lee Mee Peng, Chairman of Sabah Parks Peter Lintar, Director of Sabah Parks Dr Maklarin Lakim, CEO of Sri Pelancongan Sabah Thonny Chee, CEO of Sabapak Eco Remystar Taylor, and STB Product Manager Effendi Mahany.
The Minister also announced the Marine Gallery Building project adjacent to the Visitor’s Information Centre, another key development also under RMK12, which began on November 28, 2024 and is expected to be completed by May 28, 2027.
Liew said the gallery which will be supervised by Sabah Parks, is set to become the first and largest marine gallery in Sabah.
“Once completed, the gallery will showcase the diversity and uniqueness of Sabah’s marine life and feature a highly interactive and engaging educational tourism (edu-tourism) concept, promising another significant attraction to Sabah’s growing tourism sector. We warmly invite visitors to rediscover the beauty, culture, and natural serenity of the newly enhanced Tip of Borneo,” she added.
