News
Sabah to boost CBT ahead of VMY26
Sabah is gearing up for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and Explore Sabah 2026/2027 by promoting authentic, inclusive, and sustainable tourism experiences. Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew said the focus is on boosting community-based tourism (CBT) and adopting innovative strategies to benefit local communities. At the launch of the two-day (June 28-29)…
Digital drive to push Sabah tourism
Tourism Malaysia (TM) Sabah is ramping up its digital marketing efforts to strengthen the state’s tourism recovery ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026. State Director Haryanty Abu Bakar said they are adopting digital and innovative strategies to increase visibility for Sabah and Labuan. “We are confident that an e-commerce travel platform will enhance awareness and access,”…
Feature film on elephant to raise awareness
Agatis: A Borneo Story (AABS), which is set to begin filming between August and September this year, has received support from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment. Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew said support would come from the Sabah Wildlife Department, as the elephant is an endangered species. “It will be the first ever…
Tourism drives Sabah’s growth
Tourism remains the backbone of Sabah’s economy, generating over 380,000 jobs and contributing 15 per cent to the state’s GDP last year. In 2023 alone, the sector added RM13.1 billion to the economy. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the real impact of tourism goes beyond numbers, touching lives and supporting families. He highlighted…
Historic gibbon birth in captivity marks conservation milestone
Manis and Candyman, a rescued pair of North Bornean gibbons, have made history with the birth of a male baby in captivity—the first ever recorded. The newborn, named Nabalu, was born at 5:20 am on May 8, 2025, at the Borneo Gibbon Rehabilitation Project (Borneo GReP) site in Kampung Kiau Bersatu, Kota Belud. The birth…
Senior singing contest to promote Sabah
Fifty singers and about 50 supporters will take part in a senior solo singing contest, Voice in the Shadows – Our Concert, aimed at boosting tourism. “This small event can have a big impact,” said Main Organising Chairperson Datuk Eliza Goh, adding, music videos from the show showcasing Sabah attractions will be released nationwide and…
Cultural experience welcoming for visitors
Tourism Malaysia Sabah marked the Kaamatan Festival with a cultural welcome event at KKIA for arriving visitors on May 30, ahead of the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign. A total of 27 flights arrived, bringing an estimated 930 international and 4,933 domestic travellers who were warmly greeted with cultural festivities. Visitors enjoyed the Murut tribe’s…
BRL marks Earth Hour with conservation initiatives
In a bid to promote environmental awareness, the Borneo Rainforest Lodge (BRL), nestled in Danum Valley, Lahad Datu, hosted a series of activities from March 15 to 22 in conjunction with Earth Hour 2025. The initiative featured a candle-lighting ceremony as a symbolic gesture to highlight energy conservation, said BRL Chief Executive Officer Freddie Coleman….
Diver enthusiasts urged authorities to take action on those harassing protected marine life
Sabah Dive Squad Club (Deus Diving Club) condemned irresponsible and unethical divers for harassing protected marine life. This follows a viral video showing divers restraining a sea turtle and a whale shark, believed to be near Pulau Manukan. The action represents a serious violation of marine conservation laws and ethical diving standards, said the club’s…
Danum Valley’s Borneo Rainforest Lodge wins top environmental award
Innoprise Jungle Lodge Sdn Bhd, which runs the Borneo Rainforest Lodge (BRL) in Danum Valley, has been recognised for protecting the rainforest, winning the Best Company Environmental, Social, and Governance Award in the tourism sector. Last month, the award was presented during the Yayasan Sabah Award Night 2025 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC)….