News
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…
MATTA Fair Sabah raked in over RM25 million
The MATTA Fair Sabah concluded with a remarkable sales turnover of over RM25 million. The event, held at the Sabah International Convention Centre from May 19 to 21, attracted more than 15,000 visitors over three days. MATTA Sabah chairman Lawrence Chin, expressed satisfaction with the fair and highlighted the participation of 50 regional and international…
Give priority to visitors safety on water activities
Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai emphasized the importance of responsible tourism in riverfront areas. He called on stakeholders to prioritize safety, quality, and continuous skills development. During the launch of the Pertubuhan Arus Deras Sabah or ARUSDESA and Pulou Kelapa Heritage Tourism and Recreation Centre, Joniston stressed the need for visitor…
Sunset escapade on board JSK
JSK Borneo Reef, also known as Borneo’s Sea Water Theme Park, is hosting the highly anticipated “Sunset Escapade” every Friday, Saturday, and eve of public holidays starting from June 2. Located in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, visitors can witness the rare sight of the Kota Kinabalu sun setting between Sapi and Gaya Islands. The…
Rural villagers to maintain sustainable farming to woo tourists
Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai encourages rural villagers to maintain the practice of cultivating their land to ensure a stable food supply. He emphasizes the significance of self-sufficiency for rural communities, reducing reliance on external food sources. Traditional farming methods have the potential to attract tourists interested in the local farming…