Borneo Family Holidays - Rediscovering Sabah on a 2 weeks road trip. (Part 2 of 4)
(Written by: Itisha Ismail)
Day 5 to Day 10 (5 nights), North Borneo Biostation in Kudat
Wednesday 22 July 2020 to Monday 27 July 2020
Leaving Sabah Tea Garden to Kudat.
From Ranau we needed to head towards Kota Murudu and we saw this signboard that says Kinabalu Park – Sorinsim Station. Curious we decided to check it out.
Rustic traditional hanging bridge on the way to Kinabalu Park – Sorinsim Station (Serinsim)
Close up of the broken bridge on the way to Kinabalu Park – Sorinsim Station (Serinsim)
Beautiful and crystal clear river on the way to Kinabalu Park – Sorinsim Station (Serinsim)
Quick fact on Kinabalu Park – Sorinsim Station also called Serinsim
Sorinsim Station is located at Kinabalu Park, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site of Malaysia. Based on the Sabah Map, the Sorinsim Station is located on the North side of Mount Kinabalu. We were just here for a quick visit and due to limited time we did not engage in any activities even though that clear river looks very inviting on that rather hot sunny day.
When we arrived the main registration office, we saw that there were a few tents built next to the river. A group of local visitors has been there for a few days for research if I remember clearly. We derived from our quick chat with the park’s team members that visitors could engage in hiking, jungle trekking, swimming and picnic. Off the beaten path and if you are keen to learn more about what you could do at Sorinsim Station in Kinabalu Park do read the detailed information written by our friend Murphy Ng from MySabah
Kudat
Our next destination took us to affordable and stunning seaside spot located in a small Sabah town called Kudat. We have been to Kudat on our first roadtrip in 2017 (did not get to write about this)
Throwback: Us at Tip of Borneo in Kudat, 2017
A bit of throwback from the roadtrip in 2017, we managed to visit the Tip of Borneo or in Malay better known as Tanjung Simpang Mengayau. The Tip of Borneo is located at the northernmost tip of Borneo with its tip as an indication of the meeting point of the South China Sea to the Sulu Sea.
Kudat is also known as the largest town in the heartland of the indigenous Rungus tribe - a sub-ethnic group of the majority Kadazan Dusun race. This makes Kudat a major centre of the Rungus Culture. We visited the Bavanggazo Rungus Longhouse in 2017 and I am keen on cultural and indigenous discoveries. We did not visit the Rungus Longhouse on this visit but for those who are keen to learn more about the Rungus tribe, history and way of living a trip to this longhouse is worth a visit.
Why was Kudat on our itinerary?
We needed a few days of tropical paradise and relaxation by the beach. Sabah is known for its beautiful beaches and coastal features. My friend from the hospitality industry recommended Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort as they were having special promotion at that point. The idea was very inviting but our financial liquidity did not permit such luxuries despite the wonderful offer by Shangri-La. As our income has been effected since March 2020 thanks to Covid-19 pandemic, we need to be more humble in our choices.
We wanted to spend at least 5 nights by the beach. With that in mind we immediately thought of accommodations in Kudat to fulfill our holiday wish without blowing our budget. In 2017 we stayed at an eco resort named 9 Huts on a Hill which was nice. The 9 Huts on a Hill offers yoga, cross fit and vegan friendly meals. The huts faces the Bak Bak Beach and you just need to cross the main road to reach the seaside. A beautiful place and we recommend this to those who appreciates the features mentioned above.
However, this time around we chose North Borneo Biostation for the following reasons below.
North Borneo Biostation Resort
We got to know about North Borneo Biostation back in 2017 when we drove past the Bak Bak Beach. Back then, we met the friendly Russian owner and scientist Alexander who shared information about the resort, the services they offer such as diving, snorkeling, island hopping and fishing.
The resort landscape is stunningly filled with 20 charming wooden chalets with open air verandahs dotted in between coconut and mango trees. Due to Alexander’s warm and friendly hospitality, we have recommended our guests to stay at North Borneo Biostation when they are in Kudat. So, on this visit it was only natural that we chose to stay at North Borneo Biostation.
Tastefully built wooden chalets at North Borneo Biostation, Kudat.
Ohhhh and I forgot to mention the most important part of the resort – it comes with a secluded beach facing the Sulu Sea beautified with white sand and artistic rock formations. The beach is left in its natural almost deserted state, no fancy beach chairs or umbrellas. We came prepared with our beach mat and there are a few shaded areas under the trees to hang out.
The panoramic scene at North Borneo Biostation, Kudat. Tropical paradise and privacy at its best.
Indeed, we had a lovely time at the North Borneo Biostation. Our 5 nights stay here were filled quality family time. We spent hours swimming in the ohhh so warm salt water of the Sulu Sea. I saw a baby turtle in between some algae and rocks on the very first day but I did not have my phone or camera with me to capture the moment!!!
Sunrise at North Borneo Biostation in Kudat
Beautiful rock formation, one glace and I thought it was the turtle’s bottom shell!
North Borneo Biostation in Kudat offered - Sun, sand, sea and coconut water and we are happy!
We snorkeled, we went kayaking, we sipped on fresh coconut water. On some mornings Alex will leave some sweet mangoes in front of our verandah during his morning walk, we watched beautiful sunrise and sunset, feasted on delicious local dishes, homeschooled the kids at the resort’s restaurant, introduced my childhood card games of Donkey and Uno to Olivia (Emelyn is still too little to understand the two games).
The beach during the low tide at North Borneo Biostation in Kudat.
Taking a break from swimming. The sea water at North Borneo Biostation is so warm and inviting. Those who don’t like cold sea water (like me) this is the place to swim and soak in all day!!!!
Selfie at North Borneo Biostation.
Sunshiny day and flowers are always good for the soul! Friends in tourism and hospitality industry, you know what I mean? ;)
We had the Ocean view chalet and on the last day as we sat at the verandah, we felt rather sad to leave this comfortable tropical paradise. The girls made new friends with Rina’s son Ridzuwan (Rina is one of the team members at North Borneo Biostation) and the resort’s inhouse orange cat and a beige dog.
Olivia and Emelyn with the orange cat at the verandah of our chalet at North Borneo Biostation, Kudat
Olivia and Emelyn with their friend Ridzuwan at the beach, just steps away from the chalets at North Borneo Biostation in Kudat.
So, it was difficult for all of us to leave. Our departure ended on a sweet note when the team at North Borneo Biostation filled our 2-liter bottle with ice cooled fresh coconut water to quench our thirst during our journey. Simple gestures like this definitely adds to the team’s heartfelt hospitality. Something we will remember for a long time and makes us want to come back again when we have the opportunity.