Over 200 locations across Sabah have been identified as suitable for development as camping sites, said Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
This initiative was carried out by the Sabah Camping and Caravanning Association in collaboration with community-based tourism (CoBT), he said when officiating the Tampasak Eco-Camp and Tagal Sondoton–Poimbolutan in Kampung Tampasak and Kampung Babagon.
Joniston, who is also Chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), said Sabah requires structured efforts to develop its camping and outdoor activities.
He added that the association can leverage its membership in the World Camping Federation to work effectively with rural tourism operators.
Sabah’s emergence as a CoBT hub is driven by the active involvement of local communities in developing tourism attractions.
This is further strengthened by growing community participation in every district, with rural tourism initiatives complementing one another.
“Some may view this as competition, but CoBT should also be seen as complementary, where rural communities offer unique experiences because landscapes, natural environments, and community lifestyles differ from district to district.
“In the context of Visit Malaysia 2026 and Visit Sabah 2027, we need more new tourism products to attract visitors and enrich their experiences,” he said.
CoBT is an important component of the state’s tourism development, particularly in empowering rural communities.
It is monitored by STB’s Product Unit to ensure compliance with standards while providing continuous support to participating communities.
“STB also provides training and upskilling programmes to empower communities, enabling them to manage and enhance their own tourism products,” he added.
