Kudat, Sabah, Malaysia | History & Significance
Kudat, located at the northernmost tip of Sabah, Malaysia, is home to one of the country’s most iconic landmarks: the Tip of Borneo. Known locally as Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, this dramatic headland looks out across the meeting point of the South China Sea and Sulu Sea.
Early Settlement and Rungus Heritage
Kudat is among the earliest settlements in northern Borneo. The indigenous Rungus people, one of Sabah’s largest ethnic groups, have lived here for centuries. Their longhouses, weaving traditions, and oral histories are part of Kudat’s living cultural heritage.
Colonial Influence and Development
In the late 19th century, Kudat became the first capital of British North Borneo, chosen for its strategic position. Traders, especially from China, began to settle here, shaping the town’s architecture and cultural blend that remains visible today.
The Tip of Borneo Today
Today, the Tip of Borneo is a destination where visitors can appreciate natural beauty while connecting with Malaysia’s history. For locals, it symbolizes endurance, heritage, and Kudat’s identity as part of Malaysia, not Sulug or the Philippines, but firmly rooted in Sabah’s story.
Did you know? The name Simpang Mengayau means ‘lingering junction,’ a reference to seafaring days when ships would rest here before continuing their journey.