A gem in Kuala Penyu

With blue sky in the horizon, waves from the South China Sea hitting on the white and smooth sandy beach, insects buzzing in the natural surrounding, Tempurung Seaside Lodge is definitely a diamond in the rough. The laid-back and unpretentious beauty is worth the two-hour travel and the long wait at the jetty!

Located at Kg. Tempurung in the rustic district of Kuala Penyu, it is 106km away from Sabah capital city of Kota Kinabalu. If you're driving to Tempurung Seaside Lodge, it is advisable to get on a 4WD, at least a Perodua Kembara.


#1 Urm. This is the welcoming message. I'd like to buy an L, more U... Can I buy a clue?

There are two routes to get to the lodge - through Beaufort, which is by land, and also through its little township with a ferry car transfer at the jetty at Jalan Palu-Palu. We, of course, opted for the jetty transfer because we don't get it everyday! The queue can sometimes be long depending on which day or season it is in the year. We had to wait for one and a half hours because it was a Sunday, a school holiday and apparently there was a wedding kenduri as well. The jetty is equipped with a wooden sundry shop on stilts and toilets, so don't worry.


#2 Ferry schedule


#3 The queue


#4 View from the wooden sundry shop


#5 It was actually very hard to find a house without ASTRO

Ferry transfer is free and it can take about 8 tonnes of weight. You could, however, go on the smaller boats, which has shades, but it will cost 50 sen per person and about RM1.50 if you're bringing a motorbike with you.


#6 Man looking at smaller boats


#7 Motorbikes at the jetty. Some would just leave their bikes behind and go across on the smaller boat


#8 Vehicles getting off ferry


#9 Ferry leaving Jalan Palu-Palu jetty


#10 Ferry going towards Kuala Penyu town. This is our ride... I wish!


#11 Ferry operator - Man behind the wheel


#12 Getting off the ferry

The little town centre has a few shops which includes a few restaurants, telecommunication shop, Kuala Penyu Fishermen Association office, billiard centres and sundry shops. Most of it close early though, except for billiard centres, so you might want to bring in your own food and other personal needs and supplies.


#13 One of the fewer shops that was still open

From the town, head down to the gravel road of Jalan Nali Tang Kiambor. Please be a polite and courteous driver - you do have to go through houses and schools. The friendly residents there love their quiet and peace. In the late afternoon, LITTLE kids would go out to play so just be extra careful.


#14 Jalan Nali Tang Kiambor

We reached Tempurung Seaside Lodge at about two in the afternoon. The sun was still out and I couldn't help thinking that I could live here!

The rate is RM135 per person which includes accomodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you come alone, the charge may be higher. How sad is that? What if you come here ALONE to get away from the "cruel world" and they add the bitterness by charging you more? Haha. Kidding! You may call Borneo Authentic at +6 088 773 066, fax to +6 088 772 066 or e-mail to info@borneo-authentic.com to do your reservations.


#16 Top - Some of the chalets at Tempurung Seaside Lodge. Bottom - they are doing some extension for a bigger restaurant area


#15 More chalets at Tempurung Seaside Lodge


#16 The beach


#17 Pineapple tree (?) at the beach


#18 Car park


#19 View from half way up the hill


#20 Panoramic view from the top chalet. Click on image for bigger view!

My favourite corner of the the lodge has this nice little patio with creeping plants, overlooking the sea.


#21 The patio

We left at about 4pm... I know, I know! We couldn't stay long but will definitely come back!


#22 Happy feet