By Geena Roslyna
Most tourists who make the long drive up to Tanjung Simpang Mengayau in Kudat come for one thing: the famous Globe sculpture marking the Tip of Borneo, an iconic landmark in all of Southeast Asia. But tucked inside the “Pusat Informasi Tanjung Simpang Mengayau”, right along the path every single visitor walk, is a shop that deserves just as much attention.
Kadaiku, which means ‘my shop’, is not just another typical souvenir store. Every product on the shelf is handpicked. One fine day, we asked the team some questions a curious traveller might have.
GETTING TO KNOW KADAIKU
“What exactly do you sell here? Is it just the usual touristy stuff?”
Far from it. Kadaiku carries food and drinks, personal care products, textiles and clothing, traditional handicrafts, and accessories, all sourced from across Sabah’s many districts. The difference is in the curation: every product goes through a quality check for authenticity, craftsmanship, and presentation before it makes it onto the shelves.
“So what makes it different from any other souvenir shop in Kudat?”
The shop collaborates directly with local designers to produce items that blend motifs from Sabah’s many ethnic communities. You’ll find umbrellas and shirts featuring patterns drawn from indigenous traditions. Handicrafts and accessories come with documentation of their ethnic origins and the meaning behind each motif. Beyond that, Kadaiku actively supports rural community economies across Sabah, stocking products from districts that tourists rarely visit.
THE ART & STORIES BEHIND THE PRODUCTS
“Is there an example of a product with a really interesting backstory?”
The Vinusak bead necklace is a wonderful one to start with. ‘Vinusak’ is a motif from the Rungus people, one of Sabah’s most fascinating indigenous communities, and it means ‘flower.’ The design represents the beauty of blooms in the wild, which historically served as the inspiration for Rungus weavers. When you buy one of these necklaces, you’re not just buying jewellery; you’re holding a piece of that tradition.
“What about games or cultural experiences?”
Kadaiku stocks the Binsulung, a traditional game played by the KDMR ethnic groups. It’s the kind of game that challenges your mind, and it comes with a genuinely fascinating history. Visitors often end up trying it on the spot, it has a way of drawing people in.
WHAT TO BUY
Not sure where to start? Here’s a look at some of the standout finds, especially the ones you can only get right here.
| Product | Why it’s worth it |
| Tip of Borneo Fridge Magnet | The staff’s top recommendation. It’s affordable, collectible, and a perfect keepsake. Makes a great gift too. ★ Only at Kadaiku TOB |
| Globe Tip of Borneo T-shirt | The bestseller. Designed in collaboration with local creatives, featuring the iconic Globe landmark. ★ Only at Kadaiku TOB |
| Postcards by Emily Wong | Three illustrated postcards of Kudat and Tip of Borneo, hand-drawn by a local artist. A rare find. ★ Only at Kadaiku TOB |
| Vinusak Bead Accessories | Traditional Rungus bead jewellery with documented cultural origins, a wearable heritage. |
| Ethnic Motif Umbrella | Practical and beautiful, designed with multi-ethnic Sabahan motifs in collaboration with local designers. |
| Kelulut Honey Soap | Made from stingless bee honey and lemongrass from local community gardens. All-natural. |
SUSTAINABILITY
“Is Kadaiku environmentally conscious?”
Many products are made from natural raw materials like bamboo and rattan, while personal care items derive from kelulut honey and locally grown plants such as “serai wangi” (lemongrass). The shop prioritises handmade production and emphasises product durability. If you’re the kind of traveller who thinks carefully about what you buy, Kadaiku is made for you.
PRACTICAL INFO FOR VISITORS
| Opening hours | Daily, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm |
| Location | Inside Pusat Informasi Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, Kudat, Sabah |
| Parking | Free parking nearby; OKU parking available inside the TOB compound |
| Pricing | All products are fixed price |
| Café | Currently self-service; full café opening very soon |
| Bulk orders | Corporate and large souvenir orders welcome (can enquire staff) |
Good to know:
- During school holidays and weekends, authorised food vendors set up in the surrounding area
- The nearest surau (prayer room) is at Pos Kalampunian PGA, still within the Tanjung Simpang Mengayau area
- Future plans include a buggy service and guided nature walks
- Restrooms, open shelters, rest areas, and an observation deck are available at Tanjung Simpang Mengayau
FINAL WORD
“If a visitor could only buy one thing — what would you recommend?”
Without hesitation: the Tip of Borneo fridge magnet. It’s affordable, beautifully designed, and the kind of thing that stays on your fridge for years. For many visitors, it becomes the souvenir they give away to people they love, proof that they really were there.
“You’ve driven all the way to the tip of Borneo. Take five minutes to walk into Kadaiku and leave knowing a little more about this extraordinary place.”
Kadaiku at the Tip of Borneo is located inside Pusat Informasi Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, Kudat, Sabah. Open daily from 10 am to 7 pm. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Sabahan returning home, there’s almost certainly something inside for everyone to discover.
