The federal government’s decision to grant a 30-day visa-free entry into Malaysia for visitors from China and India, effective December 1, 2023, is welcomed by Sabah to boost its tourist arrivals. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor noted that Sabah has already achieved 85.6% of its 2.2 million tourist target this year. Sabah is connected…
Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai has suggested that Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) revisit its sister city agreements with cities worldwide. Joniston said Kota Kinabalu could leverage its international partnerships to strengthen its profile as a vibrant tourism hub while promoting cultural exchange and urban economic activity. Citing China, Sabah’s main…
Eleven youth have completed their eight-month hospitality training programme under the hospitality engagement learning programme (HELP), which was conducted in collaboration between the Sabah Human Resource Development Department (JPSM) and Borneo Rainforest Lodge (BRL). The trainees were given hands-on practical training in housekeeping, front office, and environmental sustainability as well as learnt about the culinary…
The sights and sounds of North Borneo’s culture were showcased at Marina Square during the Sabah Fest Singapore Edition 2025. Visitors enjoyed a taste of Sabah’s diverse ethnic performances, food products and crafts. For Sabahans living in Singapore, the event was a chance to reconnect with their roots, while for Singaporeans it offered a rich…
KOTA KINABALU: April 28, 2026 Luyang Assemblyman Samuel Wong Tshun Chuen said Sabah has strong natural attractions but lacks diversified products and new tourism offerings, resulting in shorter visitor stays and low return visits. He proposed expanding the sector beyond conventional attractions by developing new segments such as food festivals, agro-tourism, sports tourism, cultural events…
KOTA KINABALU: May 1, 2026 The Signature Food Fest is making a comeback after a nine-year hiatus, aiming to elevate Sabah’s culinary, tourism and lifestyle industries. Organising chairman Alfred Allen Ginsos said the revival aligns with the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. He said the festival, which debuted in 2014 and last ran in 2017, will…
Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment, Datuk Christina Liew, hosted a dinner for Her Excellency Datin Paduka Dr Adina Kamarudin, the Ambassador of Malaysia to the Federal Republic of Germany, along with officials from Tourism Malaysia Frankfurt Office. The dinner, held at a prominent restaurant, served as a precursor to ITB Berlin 2024, the world’s…
KOTA KINABALU: Uzbekistan travel agents wants to develop Sabah as their new tourism market. Leovit Biznes charter owner Dilshod Elmuradov said they can start-off with charter flights to bring in visitors from Central Asia. “This is the second time I’m visiting Sabah. And this time, I’m coming to plan for the charter flights with the…
SEMPORNA: May 7, 2026 Semporna is poised to emerge as a world-class sustainable marine tourism hub under Sabah’s Blue Economy agenda, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said. He said the district has already become a benchmark for high-value and sustainable tourism management, particularly through the implementation of a daily visitor quota system at Sipadan…
South Korean Consulate-General Joo Jung-cheol highlighted Sabah’s allure for Korean golfers due to convenient accessibility, with Malaysia ranking third among favoured destinations. Joo praised Kota Kinabalu’s golf courses, especially Sutera Harbour, Sabah Golf and Country Club, Karambunai, and Dalit Bay, citing their proximity to the city centre. He anticipated a surge in Korean visitors during…