KUDAT: Tourism in Kudat is fast picking up even though international borders having just opened up last month.
Ray Ng, 40, who operates Tommy's Place, a homestay and dive centre at the Tip of Borneo here, said Kudat used to be a destination for mainly tourists from China and Korea before Covid-19 pandemic struck.
Although the government has announced the reopening of the borders from April 1 onwards and more relaxation on standard operating procedures, the number of tourists from China and Korea are not as many as compared to domestic and European travellers.
"We are seeing domestic tourists and also foreigners from European countries coming here.
"Kudat is known for sightseeing, diving, surfing and stand up paddling.
"But the latest is kitesurfing (or kiteboarding), a fun activity especially for those who love extreme watersports," he said, adding his Tommy's Place establishment has been around here for 12 years.
Ng said he is collaborating with a company and an instructor based in the state capital to offer the kitesurfing activities and lessons here.
"Right now, there is a foreign couple coming to Kudat regularly for the kitesurfing lesson, as the wind here is suitable for the activity.
"I believe kitesurfing will receive a lot of attention from tourists and the public in the near future. It is also already in the Olympic games."
Meanwhile, for tourism to continue flourishing in Kudat, Ng said that the government should look into addressing the basic infrastructure, especially at the areas of Tip of Borneo.
He said tourism operators have been experiencing frequent water and electricity disruptions, as well as the poor internet connectivity.
Ng is also concerned on the update from the local elected representative that the poor road condition would not be repaired soon in view of the new Pan Borneo highway which will be built.
"But how long do we have to endure the condition ? What if the improved roads will only be completed ten years later ?"
Part of the road heading to the Tip of Borneo is gravelled, some with big potholes, and there are some parts of the road which have collapsed.
Ng who operates one of the two dive centres in the area, hopes to work with the government in training locals from the Kudat in becoming diving professionals so that they could an earn income and contribute to the tourism industry.