Rungus Longhouse, Tip of Borneo, Bee Farm & Gong Making Factory
A 3-hour drive, some 190km, north of Kota Kinabalu, lies the quiet town of Kudat.
**Subject to 6% Gov. Goods & Service Tax
Runs daily
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The region is famous for its rich cultural heritage and blending of ethnic groups, especially the Rungus, which is Kudat’s largest ethnic group.
A sub-tribe of the Kadazandusun, the Rungus are renowned in Sabah as highly skilled artisans, producing colourful beaded necklaces from local plant seeds and clay, as well as basketry and cloth weaving.
The designs usually signifying old fables and legends with motifs of ancient designs.
Downbelow’s Trip to the Tip of Borneo
Our overnight trip takes you north of Kota Kinabalu, passing Kota Belud and into the Kudat district.
On the way you will see how traditional gongs are made and where Sabah’s local honey is produced, before heading to Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, the northernmost point on the island of Borneo.
The Rungus still maintain their community system and you can witness their unique lifestyle by visiting a genuine Bavaggazo Longhouse.
The longhouse was planned and developed as a cultural centrepiece by the Rungus community at Kampong Bavaggazzo as a means to display and conserve their cultural heritage.
The longhouse is made from tough wooden pillars and bamboo walls and roofs. It’s generally very cool and provides natural ventilation.
Each room can accommodate 2 people, each on a single mattresses, which comes with pillows, bedsheets and blankets, all covered by mosquito nets.
Besides the longhouse, but within walking distance, you have a choice of either modern, communal bathroom facilities, or you can opt for the traditional way beside the river.
As a cultural experience, the longhouse emulates the traditional ways of living, meaning no electricity, local food and a traditional lifestyle the incorporates song and dance.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
The day starts with a pickup from your hotel in Kota Kinabalu and the transfer to Kudat. There you will visit a bee farm and the gong factory to see how the traditional instruments are made.
Lunch is served at the Bavanggazo Rungus Longhouse.
You will visit the Tip of Borneo before heading back to the Bavaggazo Rungus Longhouse for your overnight stay.
You will enjoy dinner and a cultural performance, before you spend the night in basic longhouse accommodation.
Day 2
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
You wake up the next morning with a breakfast provided, before bidding farewell to your Bavaggazo Rungus Longhouse hosts at 9am.
You will then visit Kudat town for a brief sightseeing trip and lunch at local restaurant.
After lunch you transfer back to Kota Kinabalu.
Trip Inclusions
- Your trip includes return transfers from your hotel in Kota Kinabalu (SIC shared basis)
- 1 night accommodation at the Rungus Longhouse
- 2 lunches, 1 dinner and 1 breakfast;
- a cultural performance
- entrance fees and
- visits to the bee farm and gong factory
- English-speaking guide
Your trip excludes personal expenses, alcoholic and carbonated beverages, anything else not mentioned.
Price Information
The rates are based on a minimum book of at least 2 people.
Per person: RM 575**
Please email us on info@divedownbelow.com or contact us to book your Rungus Longhouse and Tip of Borneo experience.