I first read about The Tip of Borneo about a year ago and wanted to make a trip there. It has also been years since I last visited Kota Kinabalu.
When Malaysia Airlines tested their new A350-900 XWB planes on the Kuala Lumpur – Kota Kinabalu route, I took the opportunity to fly on the new aircraft.
The Tip of Borneo is located in the district of Kudat, which is approximately three hours’ drive from Kota Kinabalu.
The journey took us through various towns like Tamparuli, Tuaran and Kota Belud passing by rustic villages in the valleys, green padi fields, rolling hills, coconut and oil palm plantations as well as roadside stalls set up by the locals selling fruits, food and handicrafts.
We stopped by the gong making village of Kampung Sumangkap. The gong is an important instrument in Sabah’s indigenous traditional music. It is played at major events and festivals.
Most of the villagers made a living by making gongs of various sizes. They display their wares at the workshop. Most of the gongs are made from brass or bronze.
One can walk about freely in the village and see how gongs are being made. Souvenir gongs in various sizes and unique designs can be purchased as a memento of the visit.
Visitors have to pay an entrance fee of RM5.00 and the village is open from 8.30am to 5.30pm daily.
Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: An Occasional Traveller: The Tip of Borneo
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