Tip of Borneo | Where Borneo Begins @Tanjung Datu in Sarawak
- Tanjung Datu – Where Borneo Begins
- What is the difference between the Tip of Borneo @ Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, Sabah and the Tip of Borneo @ Tanjung Datu, Sarawak?
- Accessibility to the Tip of Borneo @Tanjung Datu from Kuching
- Coming Tourism Development at Tanjung Datu National Park
- How to Visit Tanjung Datu National Park?
Tanjung Datu – Where Borneo Begins
Jutting out into the South China Sea, lies a tip of Borneo of regional significance. A white border stone marks the end of the Indonesia-Malaysia land border. Two lighthouse structures stand on their respective side of the border.
At first glance, the lighthouses seem to duplicate each other. It does not. The taller Indonesian lighthouse is the functioning one manned by lighthouse keepers. In contrast, the shorter unmanned Malaysian lighthouse is a structure for geostrategic reasons.
The truth of the matter is ‘Where Borneo Begins’ has nothing to do with geology. It is a tourism tagline inspired by the migration pattern of the oriental honey buzzards. These large birds of prey would make Tanjung Datu their first land stop in Borneo.
This first recorded use of the tagline appeared in 2012. The then Minister of Tourism, Sarawak had launched a landmark board as seen above. The usage continued in the title of a paperback published in 2015.
What is the difference between the Tip of Borneo @ Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, Sabah and the Tip of Borneo @ Tanjung Datu, Sarawak?
Like Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, Sabah, Tanjung Datu is also a tourism destination. The former is a dreamy lookout point to the confluence of the South China Sea and Sulu Sea. On the other hand, the Tanjung Datu is within a national park of the same name. The nature and adventure possibilites give a differentiated experience. And wildlife spotting is an added bonus.
Whilst one can drive up to the Tip of Borneo, Sabah, getting to the one in Sarawak requires trekking for the fit and able.
Another difference is that Indonesia (Kalimantan) and Malaysia share Tanjung Datu represented by each country’s lighthouse. (see embedded Google map above).
As an aside, travelling between Kalimantan, Indonesia and Sarawak, Malaysia may look convenient on paper. What with the border crossing a mere 1.8-km from the Pan Borneo highway turn-off. But it is not a matter of showing up with a passport. The sovereign bureaucratic process needed to comply, therefore ,requires a private tour arrangement.
Accessibility to the Tip of Borneo @Tanjung Datu from Kuching
The Malaysian Pan Borneo Highway project has made Tanjung Datu accessible. The Telok Melano – Sematan section completes the missing road link to the cape. Telok Melano is the last village stop before making the trek to Tanjung Datu.
Telok Melano is a smooth 2hr 40 mins drive from the state capital of Kuching. Next to it is Telok Serabang. Invariably, community-based tourism activities have sprung up at these two malay villages. The Kilometre 0 of the Pan Borneo Highway starts from Telok Melano. It has, in no time, become an iconic landmark in itself.
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The 2,083-km Pan Borneo Highway stretches from Telok Melano, Sarawak to Serudong in Sabah. The expected completion for the Sarawak section is 2026. The Trans-Borneo section connecting Sarawak, Brunei Darussalam and Sabah is ongoing.
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How to Get to Tanjung Datu National Park
Even though Tanjung Datu National Park is next to Telok Melano, there is no road link between the two. But the fact that one can trek from the village to the national park means that it has become a year-round destination. An easier mode of getting to the national park is by boat subject to sea conditions.
Things to do at Tanjung Datu National Park
Over the years, tour operators have run tours to this southwestern corner of Sarawak. International travellers have come to spot wildlife and trek. You have a high chance of watching turtles land here during the peak turtle breeding season. Between April to September, three species of turtles; the Green Hawksbill and Olive Ridley turtle land here.
If you cycle, we offer you a visit to the national park as an extension tour, bundled in our tribute to the ‘Tip of Borneo‘ cycling package.
The beach front is part of Tg Datu National Park trekking experience. Turtles land here from April to September during the breeding season.
A Green Hawksbill turtle preparing nest to lay eggs at Tanjung Datu National Park’s beach.
Coming Tourism Development at Tanjung Datu National Park
The rudiment tourism facilites at the national park is basic. Visitors have to ‘rough’ it out on camping grounds. And it goes without saying for meals as well. Soon it will come to past. The custodian of the national parks in Sarawak, the Sarawak Forestry Corporation has entered into a 20-year concession agreement with Sutera Sanctuary Lodges. The agreement is to assume management and enhancement of tourism services at the national park. Included in this agreement is the Niah National Park which achieved the status of UNESO World Heritage Site in August, 2024.
These two iconic tourism attractions will get upgraded lodging facilites with a swimming pool. These include food and beverage outlets.
How to Visit Tanjung Datu National Park?
Due to current logistical challenge, a self-guided tour is not advisable. Accommodation is rudiment and boat transfers require community input. In addition, if one wished to trek to or from the national park, a guide is required.
We, at Paradesa Borneo runs a 3D/2N and 2D/1N tour to the national park. The adventure and nature experiences include wildlife spotting and jungle trekking. The bonus experience is to witness turtle landings during the egg-laying season between April and September.