News
Sabah to highlight 12 unique rural products
Sabah has identified 12 exceptional agro-based products to boost rural tourism. The selection, made by the state rural tourism joint steering committee, highlights unique and sustainable practices. The products include Mount Kinabalu Coffee and Sunduan Pisompuruan Everything Pineapple in Kota Belud, Tampakan Fish Farm, Gombizau Honey Bee Farm in Kudat, and Saujana Hill in Kota…
Tourists arriving from China to Sabah picking up
Sabah’s tourism sector is recovering, especially from China, since reopening borders this year. Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew expressed delight in working with AirAsia to welcome more travellers to the state. AirAsia’s high load factors strengthen international relations and help achieve the goal of 2.2 million tourist arrivals. Liew praised AirAsia for…
STA aims for sustainable tourism recovery
The Sabah Tourist Association (STA) has identified the next two years as crucial for rebuilding confidence in the tourism industry. The newly elected Chairman for 2023-2025 term, Melanie Chu, highlighted the association’s commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism practices, aiming to create a resilient tourism sector in Sabah. The diverse lineup of stakeholders, including destination…
Tabin experiencing rare migration of elephants
Tabin wildlife reserve in Lahad Datu is currently experiencing a unique event as over 300 Borneo pygmy elephants have gathered near the Tabin Wildlife Resort. This phenomenon occurs once every 10 years. The reserve spans 300,000 acres, making it Malaysia’s largest wildlife reserve. “The reason for the elephants’ visit remains uncertain, but it could be…
Sabah strengthens air connectivity with China
Sabah welcomes Shanghai Airlines on July 2, as the second China-based airline to resume direct flights into Kota Kinabalu, enhancing air connectivity and the tourism industry. Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, greeted the inaugural flight’s 159 passengers, emphasizing the importance of this development for the tourism sector. The collaboration between Sabah…
Golden Halo phenomenon on Mt Kinabalu attributed to sunlight refraction
Sabah Parks has clarified that the mesmerizing ‘golden halo’ phenomenon observed on Mount Kinabalu was a result of sunlight refraction, resembling the traditional headgear called ‘sigah’ or ‘sigar’ worn by the ethnic Dusun community. The park authorities addressed this on their official Facebook page on June 15, dismissing speculations about photo manipulation. The captivating image,…
Taiwan targets Muslim tourists from Malaysia, Brunei
The Taiwan Tourism Bureau aims to attract Muslim travellers from Malaysia and Brunei, which have large Muslim populations. Malaysia and Brunei respectively having 61 and 67 percent of Muslim, the combined potential reaches a significant 20 million individuals. They are focusing on integrating Muslim travel resources and have performed well in the Global Muslim Travel…
Kiulu farmstay transition to to local community
Kiulu Farmstay, a community-based tourism project in Kiulu, has transitioned from private tour company management to local community control, empowering the communities and promoting sustainable tourism. The transfer of ownership from Borneo Eco Tours to the villagers was marked by a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing. Sabah Tourism Board officials, including chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai,…
Attempt for longest ghost net cleanup world record
The Asia Dive Expo (ADEX) Sabah Ocean Partnership Summit, will attempt to set a world record for the longest ghost net cleanup in Kota Kinabalu. The event aims to raise awareness about the importance of protecting Sabah’s marine environment. ADEX Sabah will take place from August 18 to 20 at the Sabah International Convention Center…
Tourist arrested for being naked on a balcony
Police in Semporna have advised tourists to respect local laws, customs, and culture, following the arrest of a foreign tourist who was found posing naked on the balcony of a hotel room facing the road. The District Police Chief, Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah, expressed appreciation for the public’s cooperation in maintaining harmony and safety in…