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Published: June 25th 2017
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Tip of Borneo
This is it, the northernmost point of land where the South China Sea meets the Sulu Sea. After seven weeks on the road, changing locations at least once every three or four days and covering a span of three countries, we were more than ready for some extended chill time on a sunny beach. After some research, we discovered the remote and very beautiful Tip of Borneo. I may have mentioned in an earlier blog that we were committed to coming to the northern Tip of Borneo as soon as we heard of it: we had made a point of traveling to the northern Tip of New Zealand a few years before, so we just had to do it again here.
What an amazing discovery. We are staying at a laid back resort that sits right across the road from the ocean, so the beach is just a two minute walk away. It is truly a beach destination for those who love quiet, secluded beaches. During the first five days of our time here, we never saw more than seven different people on the two kilometre plus beach, all of whom were staying at Tommy's Place, and there were times when we had the entire extensive beach to ourselves. It is hard to believe it is so
Arrived at The Tip
So here we are, having made it to The Tip of Borneo. What better place to figure out, for the very first time, how to take a "selfy" photo. We must have been waiting for this special occasion, as we have had this camera for two years. Definitely slow learners. :) unpopulated, as the beach is fine white sand, and the surf allows for fairly easy swimming, with absolutely no rocks to worry about. It is not a snorkelling or diving destination, although there are a couple of islands not too far from here if exploring marine life is your thing, but we just wanted a place to hang out on the beach.
We have typically gravitated toward beaches that are not extremely busy, but ones that are a little more vibrant and offer numerous restaurant and accommodation options. This is the most remote, quiet beach we have stayed at in all our travels in Asia until now, and we have discovered that fewer options can mean deeper connections with the people you end up spending your time with, as you will all likely be frequenting the same places and have many opportunities to get to know each other.
In our eight days here, we made great connections with some of the other travellers staying at our resort, but a few in particular stand out. One is Steve Morris, a very youthful, inspiring seventy two year old writer from England who lived in this part of Borneo fifty years
Our Very Own Beach
Well, not exactly. We had to share this with a half dozen others, although there were times we had it entirely to ourselves, with no other soul in sight. Can you believe that? ago. Steve has written several books since he retired from his day job and dedicated himself to travelling and writing about topics he is passionate about, one of which is history. His historical fiction novel In the Shadow of Kinabulu, set in Borneo during the Second World War years, is listed as one of the top ten books written about Borneo.
Another is Filip Siejka, renowned musician, multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, and arranger and author of many successful pop hits from Poland. It was a pleasure to meet Filip and his family, and with him share the joys of music.
www.filipsiejka.pl
Finally, on our last day at Tommy's Place, we met Zebra, spoken word artist and founding member of the Australian electronic soul band Zebra Heard.
www.zebraheard.com.au
Needless to say, we spent several nights together, enjoying fantastic home cooked feasts, and making music for all guests and hotel staff to enjoy, proving once again that music is the great connector.
Soon, alas, we shall have to leave our new friends and this piece of paradise as we board a small Otter plane to take us back to Kota Kinabulu,
White Sand Beach
Yet another shot of solitude. This was our first day here, and it was completely calm. Not so calm the rest of the week, but still good for swimming - with just a little wave jumping required. where we will board our international flight to Bali, Indonesia, to commence the second half of The Continuing Adventures of Dreamchasers 2014, and begin to make our way to The Komodo Islands, to check out the world's largest lizard.
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Caroline Godden
non-member comment
Looks amazing. ,Mmmmmm lovely x