Kota Kinabalu to Kudat and the Tip of Borneo: a 2-Day Drive
The Tip of Borneo (Simpang Mengayau) is the northernmost point of the island. It is a long drive from Kota Kinabalu, but the roads are easy and the sea views make up for the hours. Take two days, so you are not driving home in the dark.
At a glance
- Distance: about 190 km each way, usually 3.5 to 4 hours before stops.
- Route: Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran, Kota Belud, Kota Marudu, Kudat, then the Tip.
- Best for: sea views, quiet beaches, sunsets and a small-town feel.
Day 1: drive north
Leave Kota Kinabalu by 8 am. Stop at Kota Belud for a break, and see our Kota Belud and Tuaran guide for what is worth a longer stop. Have lunch on the way, arrive in Kudat in the afternoon, walk the waterfront and stay the night in town.
Day 2: the Tip and the beaches
Drive out to the Tip of Borneo in the morning, when it is cooler. A globe monument marks the spot, and a path follows the headland. Beaches along the coast are good for a quiet stop. If you want the sunset, stay the second night in Kudat and drive back the next day, rather than rushing home on rural roads after dark.
Which car
You will spend about eight hours driving over the trip, so comfort counts. A sedan such as the Honda City 1.5 (RM250 a day) or Toyota Vios 1.5 (RM250 a day) is easy on a long drive. The Perodua Ativa Turbo 1.0 (RM230 a day) gives a higher seat and a bigger boot. Families of six or seven can look at the Perodua Aruz 1.5 (RM270 a day). All cars are on our fleet and prices page.
Tips for the road north
- Fill the tank in Kota Belud or Kudat. Stations are fewer near the Tip.
- Carry cash for small shops and stalls.
- Download an offline map. Signal can drop on the coast road.
- Book your Kudat stay early for weekends and public holidays.
- Check opening times and local conditions before you set off.
Want us to plan it?
Every booking comes with a free itinerary. Tell us your dates and group, and we will suggest the car and the stops. New to driving here? Read driving in Sabah as a tourist.