Friday, November 20, 2015

Let's Cycle to the Tip Of Borneo An Experience of a Lifetime (Part 2 of 2)

Finally we made it to the Tip of Borneo where the two seas meet, South China Sea and Sulu Seas on the second day of this adventure. It took us 76 kilometres from Langkon, Kota Marudu to Tanjung Simpang Mengayau (Tip of Borneo) with a total distance of 201km from Kota Kinabalu in 2 days.
The ten of us were fully charged and ready to go for the final lap and I just couldn't wait to see the sea.
Slowly we cycled along the main road leading to Kudat, the road is narrow and at times lorries can be travelling very fast. One has to be careful in order to be safe on the road.
As and when we feel like stopping we will just do it so long as everyone is comfortable and safety is our main concern. We are not racing against time.
Sometimes there are climbs to be tackled but slowly we will scale the slope and if it is difficult we will just dismount and push our bikes.
The weather was scorching hot and places like this is irresistible to stop by for a cold drink.
Anslem and his wife Amy caught us up with their powerful ride from Langkon too but they started later and here we have the Tan Brothers cycling together to the Tip of Borneo.
A sign that we were happy to see as we were told to stop here for a break. Hello Pekan Baru Matunggong we love you.
And this was the shop was visited at GPS:6.750751, 116.719593 for a pit stop and the distance covered until here was 28km.
And this was part of our ride where we had to adopt TnT - "Turun & Tolak" at 33th kilometre the start of some hilly climbs.
I could smell the lunch from here and food will be appearing soon as I was already very hungry.
Adnan, our man on the support vehicle told us that the next stop is about a kilometre away and these ladies were surely happy to hear that.
We had our lunch at Diligent Restaurant located at Pekan Sikuati (GPS : 6.891776, 116.712345) , at a junction of Jalan Marabau and Jalan Kota Belud - Kudat. The food was delicious. Most of us had mixed rice and everyone was very satisfied with the lunch. Distance covered was 50km.
Another 26km we will be at our final destination.
The junction to the Tip of Borneo also known as Tanjung Simpang Merayau was approaching.
Adnan waiting at the turning making sure we do not miss it as Ashley was sitting at the rear of the truck taking pictures of us.
We could not be spared for an easy completion with a last climb to go but a very steep one that was awaiting for us to overcome before we could reach to the tip and that was at our 57th km.
We were in no rush we took time off chatting with the local boys while waiting for the remaining riders to catch up.
Here come the ladies together with the support car.
So near yet so far as seen at my dashboard.
Another pit stop for one more refreshment and rest.
The scent of seaside air seems to be getting stronger and closer.
Those who have arrived earlier were already having a good time at Tip Top Beach Bar & Restaurant by the sea. I was given a can of cold beer upon reaching the place and what a fabulous way to celebrate a successful ride. Tanjung Simpang Merayau you are awesome.
The beach is called Kalampunia it's smooth and beautiful.
A picture with my bicycle and the tip of Borneo at my back. Have bicycle will travel and more to come.

The monument of the Tip of Borneo.
Our accommodation for the night at Tampat Do Aman sited in the midst of a jungle setting not too far away from the tip.

GPS : 7.020989, 116.743206
This is a semi permanent tent of Tampat Do Aman and besides this there are chalets and traditional longhouse.
All beds are equipped with mosquito netting as this place has lots of bugs and mosquito.
We stayed in the chalets and what a stay experiencing a night in the jungle. That's it my first visit to the Tip of Borneo. I would like to thank Joe, Anslem, Baki, Sooi Ying, Kim, Jason, Brian, Fenn, Ju Li and Jo for a great & successful trip.

2 comments:

nadz said...

Hi STL,
I have been to Simpang Mengayau.
Tapi sekejap saja.
Its long I left blog. I missed many of your adventures.

nadz said...

Hi STL,
I have been to Simpang Mengayau.
Tapi sekejap saja.
Its long I left blog. I missed many of your adventures.