Sunset Music Festival Borneo Highlands

The Sunset Music Fest is a unique outdoor musical experience at the northern-most Tip of Borneo, Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, which means the “lingering junction”. Come and be serenaded with classical favourites and contemporary tunes performed by both local and international artistes on the centre stage set against the dramatic backdrop of a stunning sunset, which dips along the horizon of the SouthChina and Sulu seas.

As the azure blue sky turns into a splendid cocktail of gold-red from the sun, allow your heart to beat in sync with melodic rhythms from jazz and pop tempos to wistful classical tunes. Held since 2006, the Sunset Music Fest is Sabah’s biggest open air concert featuring a line-up of international and local acts performing a broad repertoire of music and songs. Popular local singers will be performing their rendition of current and evergreen local hits that will be sure to get the audience on their feet.

Handicraft, souvenir, food and drink stalls are also set up on the same day. Kindly note that during the one-day event, access to the venue and its surroundings, which include the pathway from the parking lot to the Globe, will be open to concert ticket holders only from 3:00pm to 10:00pm. This is a litter-free event brought to you by Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn. Bhd, wholly-owned subsidiary of Sabah Tourism Board.

Concert-goers are encouraged to visit other places of interest in Kudat such as the Rungus longhouse, honey bee farm and gong making village before heading to the festival. Kindly note that during the event, access to the venue and its surroundings, which include the pathway from the parking lot to the Globe, will be open to concert ticket holders only from 3:00pm to 10:00pm.

It’s all happening at the Tip of Borneo!

At the northern-most tip of Borneo is Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, which means the ‘lingering junction’ as it is where the South China Sea lingers and merges with the Sulu Sea that flows from the east. According to the local folklore, the headland was previously a lookout point to guard against invading pirates. The treacherous coastline is a reminder of the bloody battles fought and shipwrecks that litter the seabed off the coast. Today, this relatively undisturbed promontory offers striking views of Kalampunian Beach and the idyllic islands of Banggi, Mantanani and Kelambu.

Held for the ninth year, the Sunset Music Fest at the northern-most Tip of Borneo is Sabah’s biggest open air concert featuring a line-up of musicians and artistes performing a broad repertoire of music and songs, on a centre stage set against the dramatic backdrop of a beautiful sunset. Audiences will enjoy a repertoire of performances by award-winning dance group Flexible Crew, singers Norbert Bin Andilah, Francis Landong, The Deep Buskers, La Cantabile – Classical Voices, Apprilissa Sue Ann and Daisy Daniel. Also featured in this year’s festival is Permata Seni Muzik – a group dedicated to harnessing the musical talents of 8 to 14 year olds, under the purview of Istana Budaya.

Tickets

Adult RM50 per person/day
Package (2 Days Show) – RM80 per person
Children 6 years & above – RM40 (with student card)
Children below 6 years – FREE entrance (Maximum 2 kids per family)

Performers Line-Up

Check out our performers line-up for the coming music fest!

  • Safinaz Selamat
    A lyrical soprano whose impeccable vocals have thrilled audiences in Malaysia and abroad will be headlining the Sunset Music Fest at the Tip of Borneo concert this year. Her dazzling performance repertoire that often includes arias from operas by world-renown composers will leave you captivated throughout her performance. Her prominent singing career have earned her accolades and awards amongst which was the Gold Medal in the R&B/Pop/Rock/Contemporary category at the World Championships of Performing Arts in Los Angeles in 1999, and she was twice nominated for the local music industry award, AIM for Best Female Vocal (Album)
  • Jesselton Philharmonic Orchestra
    An ensemble of local musicians brought together by co-founders Yap Ling and Chou Yang Ching on 2007 will once again be featured at the Sunset Music Fest at the Tip of Borneo. The Jesselton Philharmonic Orchestra (JPO) is comprised of primary, secondary and tertiary students as well as working adults and professional musicians throughout Sabah. Currently, there are about 60 volunteer members comprising players for strings, winds, brass, percussion and keyboard who have been performing sold-out concerts with the outdoor concert at the Tip of Borneo being one of its premier annual appearances.
  • Jackfruit
     Formed in 2003, this Sabah-based pop jazz group with a quirky name comprises of Cheong Kok Ann, Michael Cheong, Vincent Chin and David Ng. They recorded their first studio album, ‘COOLABORATE’ in 2005. Through this debut album, Jackfruit gained popularity with the instrumental piece called ‘Cool Air’, which reached no.1 in the Sabah VFM charts. Jackfruit has since spread their wings outside of Sabah, having performed in the 10th Nanjing Jazz & World Music Festival and the 8th Johor Bahru Arts Festival. Jackfruit has since been collaborating with a number of distinguished artists such as vocalist, Angelina Perete and musician, Rene Barlow.
  • Rhythm of Borneo (ROB)
    This Sabahan band consisting of six lads has an impressive repertoire to boot! Using the Bisaya Beaufort Kulintangan as their main musical instrument, ROB has brought Sabahan elements to the world stage, having represented Malaysia in the World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) competition in Hollywood, California. Among the awards won by ROB are the World Division Best Group, World Division Best Performance, World Best New Artist, World Best Promising Artist and the Grand Finalist in WCOPA 2010. ROB has also performed in numerous music festivals together with other Malaysian artists including international artist, Yuna.
  • Orkes AkiukuThis musical band comprises of a group of Sabahan ukulele enthusiasts who gather to strum, sing and laugh. The unique name of Orkes Akiuku was born from the names ‘Aki Nabalu’ (Mount Kinabalu) and ‘Ukulele’—which represent the two biggest passions of their lives. Popular with the single, ‘One Love’, Orkes Akiuku will be performing for the first in the Sunset Music Fest this year.
  • Fabian William
     Born on New Year’s Day, 1980, Ranau native, Fabian William rocks the local music scene with his repertoire of pop, ballad, blues, rock, jazz, country and Dusun ethnic music, using the guitar and bamboo flute as his main musical instruments. An engineer by profession, Fabian also dabbles in sound engineering, songwriting and composing besides singing. In 2005, Fabian joined the Orkestra P. Ramlee (OPR) under the Kesenian, Kebudayaan dan Warisan (KeKWA) group as a singer. With OPR, Fabian has performed in numerous exclusive events and functions in Pulau Pinang, including the Penang Head of State Birthday Celebration 2008.
  • Madnazir Madillah
    An offshore engineer by day, Madnazir Madillah pursues a polarizing passion in playing the saxophone outside of work. Throughout his career as a saxophonist, Madnazir has done song recordings with local artistes for Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) and performed in many distinguished events in the state such as private functions, dinners and weddings as well as Open House events of the Head of State and Chief Minister. Madnazir has also performed in 5-Star hotels in Kota Kinabalu and in the Sabah Tourism Awards 2011.
  • Esther Applunius
    Elizabeth Applunius Chin, better known as Esther Applunius, first started singing at age 9 and at 10, became the first Sabahan Bintang Kecil RTM champion. She gained nationwide recognition through the reality show, One In A Million 3 (OIAM3), in which she emerged as a runner-up. Known for her soulful voice, Esther is no stranger to the local music scene as she has participated in numerous singing competitions around the state and won. Apart from singing solo, Esther has also been a part of several bands, such as D’Illusions with whom she has performed in famous 5-Star hotels and resorts in Kota Kinabalu.
  • Roger Wang & Friends
    With seven highly acclaimed albums under his belt, Roger Wang is widely regarded as one of Malaysia’s most talented and musical solo acoustic guitar player. He was nominated for the esteemed Mandarin Oriental Fan of the Arts Award for “Most Promising Artist” at Malaysia’s only performing arts awards programme, the BOH Cameronian Arts Awards 2003, and has performed throughout Malaysia as well as in Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, Netherlands and the United States of America. Today, Roger often performs with the accompanying vocals of other talented artistes, such as Mia Palencia and Angelina Perete.

Tanjung Simpang Mengayau

At the northern-most tip of Borneo is Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, which means the “lingering junction” as it is where the South China Sea lingers and amalgamates with the wandering Sulu Sea that flows from the east. According to local folklore, the headland is a reminder of a treacherous coastline, where bloody battles and past shipwrecks was previously a lookout point to guard against invading pirates. The relatively undisturbed promontory offers striking views of Kalampunian Beach and the idyllic Banggi, Mantanani and triangle-shaped Kelambu island.

Walk along the rocky outcrop and savor the solitude as the azure blue sky turns into a splendid cocktail of red, orange, and gold. The surrounding area is generally well-kept with proper maintenance and adequate facilities including ample parking space and shops selling gifts and snacks.

Places of Interest

Visit the traditional longhouse (vinatang) and experience fascinating communal lifestyle of the local Rungus community that encompasses hospitality, worth-trying indigenous food, traditional music, and interesting ancient rituals that are still practiced today.

Kg Gombizau – Honey Bee Farm

Witness how the residents of Gombizau harvest and process honey, or purchase delicious bottled natural honey at reasonable prices.

Kg Sumangkap – Gong factory

Visitors can learn how raw materials are transformed into this significant instrument that has been the most prevalent idiophone played in Sabah, the gong, which is valued as a musical instrument and item of wealth.

Tinangol Beads Centre

Come and see how local products such as baskets and beads are made as skilled Rungus bead-makers and basket-weavers work their magic, as well purchase a wide selection of offerings.

Tamu Kudat

Discover local produce such as herbal medicine to local grown vegetables, chili laced, dried fish, luscious tropical fruit to edible seaweed is on sale while discovering some of Sabah’s many different ethnics group together. Tamu Kudat opens every Tuesday & Wednesday at Pekan Tomborungus.

 

Events Packages

Package 1: Sunset Music Fest

2 Days / 1 Night
From RM275.00 per pax (Minimum 4 pax)

Tour includes:

  • Accommodation at Bavanggazo Longhouse  or Kudat Golf & Marina Resort
  • Ground transportation
  • Meals: As stated in the itinerary
  • Tours:
    Tour Guide, Entrance Fee, Visit to Gombizau Bee Farms, Sumangkap Village, Bavanggazo Longhouse, Tip of Borneo & Sunset Music Fest.

Tour Operators:

  • Vista Lane Tours Sdn Bhd
    Tel : 6088-538966 / 538977
    Fax : 6088-538922
    Email: [email protected]
  • Exotic Asian Explorer (Borneo) Sdn Bhd
    Tel : 6088-222608
    Hotline : 6012-8350318 / 6017-8200318 / 6012-8335170
    Fax : 6088-222170
    Email : [email protected] / [email protected]
    Website: www.suregoborneo.com
  • Muhibbah Express Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd
    Tel : 6088-240030
    Fax : 6088-240039
    Email : [email protected]

Package 2: Self-Ride to Sunset Music Fest

2 Days / 1 Night

From RM350.00 per rider (Minimum 2 riders)

Tour Includes:

  • Accommodation at Tommy’s Place
  • Motorbike, 2 helmets, 2 raincoats & storage box
  • Road direction / Map
  • Meals: As stated in the itinerary
  • Tours:
    Tour Guide, Entrance Fee, Visit to Gombizau Honey Bee Farms,
    Sumangkap Village, Rungus Longhouse, Tip of Borneo & Sunset Music Fest.

Tour Operator:

  • GG Adventures Tour Sdn Bhd
    Tel : 6088-317385 / 316385
    Fax : 6088-317386
    Email : [email protected]

Package 3: Sabah Musical & Nature

4 Days / 3 Nights
From RM980.00 per pax (Minimum 4 pax)

Tour Includes:

  • Accommodation at Kudat Golf & Marina Resort & Promenade Hotel
  • Meals: As stated in the itinerary
  • Tours:
    Tour Guide, Entrance Fee, Visit to Bavanggazo Longhouse, Tip of Borneo, Sunset Music Fest, Sumangkap Village, Gombizau Honey Bee Farms, Kinabalu National Park & KK City Tour.

Tour Operator:

  • Masenang Tours & Travel Sdn Bhd
    Tel : 6088-258376 / 268288 / 016-8321891
    Fax : 6088-257390 / 253980
    Email : [email protected] / [email protected]
    Website : www.masenangtravel.com

Package 4: Tip of Borneo Sunset Musical

4 Days / 3 Nights
From RM895.00 per pax (Minimum 2 pax)

Tour Includes:

  • Accommodation at Gaya Centre Hotel & Kudat Longhouse
  • Meals: As stated in the itinerary
  • Tours:
    Tour Guide, Entrance Fee, KK City Tour, Visit to Gombizau Honey Bee Farms, Sumangkap Village, Rungus Longhouse, Tip of Borneo, Sunset Music Fest, Garama River Safari & Shopping Tour.

Tour Operator:

  •  Amogha Tours & Travel
    Tel : 6088-382984 / 381984
    Fax : 6088-384984
    Email : [email protected]
    Website : www.amoghatourstravel.com

Package 5: Sunset Music Orchestra

4 Days / 3Nights
From RM896.00 per pax (Minimum 4 pax)

Tour Includes:

  • Accommodation at Misompuru Homestay & Hotel Sixty3
  • Meals: As stated in the itinerary
  • Tours:
    Tour Guide, Entrance Fee, Brief KK City Tour, Homestay activities, Visit to Tip of Borneo, Sunset Music Fest, Gombizau Honey Bee Farms, Sumangkap Village
  • 30 minutes Foot Spa at Helen

Tour Operator:

  • Travelmate Holidays Sdn Bhd
    Tel : 6088-432967
    Fax : 6088-437967
    Email : [email protected]
    Website : www.travelmateholidays.com.my

Package 6: Day Trip to Sunset Music Fest 2012

on 29 OR 30 June 2012
Pick Up Time : 1330hrs (From Various Hotel in KK City) @ RM138 per person per day (Minimum 2 persons)

Tour Includes:

  • Return Land Transfer
  • 1 Day Concert Ticket with Packed Refreshment
  • English Speaking Tour Guide Service
  • Return Transfer Only : RM98 per person per day (Must be pre-booked)

Tour Operator:

  • Tropical Holidays Paradise Tours and Travel Sdn Bhd
    Tel  : (60) 88 268 331 / 269 331
    Fax  : (60) 88 211 331

Package 7: 3D2N Sunset Music Fest 2012

on 29 & 30 June 2012
Pick Up Time : 1330hrs (From Various Hotel in KK City) @ RM680 per person (Minimum 4 persons)

Tour Includes:

  • Return Land Transfer
  • 2 Day Concert Ticket with Packed Refreshment
  • 2 Night stay at Kudat Marina Golf Resort (Sea View Room)
  • English Speaking Tour Guide Service
  • Visit to Rungus Long House with Lunch and Cultural performances
  • Bee Farm
  • Gong Making Village
  • 2 Breakfast and 1 Lunch

Where to eat…

Ah Foo
Location: At the Kudat Golf Club

Islamic Restaurant
Location: At Pekan Tomborungus, Kudat

Kedai Kopi Yu Hing
Location: Ground Floor, behind Ria Hotel, Kudat

Selera Ria
Location: Ground Floor, Ria Hotel, Kudat

Sea View Gerai Makan
Location: Next to Kudat Fish Market

Sungai Wang Restaurant
Location: Pekan Tomborungus, Kudat

Accommodation

Ria Hotel Kudat
Jalan Marudu, Ground Floor,
Lot No.3 P.O.Box 82,
Tel: 088-662794 /226 / 218

 Kudat Golf & Marina Resort
Off Jalan Urus Setia,
89057 Kudat.
Tel: 088-611211
Fax: 088-611311

The Upper Deck Hotel
Jalan Lintas, P.O. Box 448,
89058 Kudat.
Tel : 088-622272 / 662282

Hotel Dream Garden
P.O Box 222, 89058 Kudat.
Tel : 088-622688

Kg. Bavanggazo Rungus Longhouse
Mr. Angkung
Tel: 088-621971 / 013-5527191

Navigation