News
Kiulu youth contributes to rural tourism
Youth involvement in rural tourism development in Kiulu received recognition through awards presented during the Santai Pitimungan Belia Kiulu programme, held at the Pulou Kelapa Eco-Tourism Open Hall in Kampung Malanggang Lama. Juanson Moidin from Kampung Pahu was awarded as the Youth Tourism Entrepreneur, acknowledging his role in promoting local tourism initiatives. The event, which…
Sabah birdwatchers ink deal with World Pheasant Association
The Sabah Bird Watchers Association (SBWA) has formalised a strategic partnership with the World Pheasant Association (WPA) through a memorandum of understanding signed at the Global Bird Fair 2025 in Rutland, United Kingdom. The agreement paves the way for scientific collaboration, bird conservation programmes, and the hosting of international birding events in Sabah. The MoU…
Travel fair to promote domestic tourism
The Sabah Malaysia International Travel Mart (MITM) Travel Fair 2025 will be held on August 22-24 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC). The three-day event is organised by the Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association (MCTA) Sabah Chapter. Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew, will officiate the event. MCTA Sabah Chairman Vincent Sia…
Gaya Island villages turning into tourism attractions
A vibrant transformation is taking place on Gaya Island, where water villages are turning into tourism attractions through a community-driven effort. Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai praised the Meraki Daat Initiative, a non-governmental organisation, for actively engaging Gaya Island residents in reimagining their homes as potential community-based tourism destinations. This follows…
Sabah taps RBA network to boost tourism
The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) is tapping into Royal Brunei Airlines’ (RBA) expanding network to boost arrivals to the state. Last year, RBA carried 46,275 passengers to Kota Kinabalu, accounting for a modest 2.43 per cent of total arrivals. RBA’s growing flight network covering Asean, North Asia, the Middle East, Oceania, the UK and beyond …
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…