Major nature and adventure-based attractions in Sabah

Eco-Edu Tourism Tinuman, Kampung Sayap, Kota Belud, Sabah

Sabah is endowed with rich natural resources, culture and heritage, which are already well-known among discerning travellers. Sabah’s increasing international connectivity is also contributing to the growing number of foreign arrivals.

i) Natural Resources Sabah is rich in biodiversity, contributing significantly to Malaysia being one of the 12 mega biodiversity hotspots in the world4. It is home to many nature and wildlife conservation areas and parks, including South East Asia’s highest peak Mount Kinabalu. It also boasts an abundance of tropical rainforest and wildlife such as the protected orang utan, as well as pristine beaches and diving sites. Its natural endowments provide the perfect destination for nature-inspired and adventure seeking travellers. Major nature and adventure-based attractions include:

• Nature and Wildlife
1- UNESCO World Heritage Site – Mount Kinabalu, Sipadan Island, Maliau Basin, and Tun Sakaran Park which is also applying for World Heritage listing
2- Kinabalu Park / Poring Hot Springs
3- Tunku Abdul Rahman Park
4- Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary and Rehabilitation Centre
5- Danum Valley Conservation Area
6- Tabin Wildlife Reserve
7- Selingan Turtle Islands Park
8- Gomantong Caves
9- Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary (Corridor of Life)

• Adventure
1- Diving – Sipadan Island, Langkayan, Kapalai, Mantanani
2- Mountaineering and trekking – Mount Kinabalu, Crocker Range Park, Mount Trusmadi, Maliau Basin
3- Whitewater rafting – Padas River and Kiulu River
4- Off-road 4x4 safari driving

Sabah with its myriad of ethnic cultures offers diverse experiences for the culture-seeking traveller. There are more than 32 different indigenous groups in Sabah with each tribe generally unique to a particular district, lending to a distinctive way of village living, music, dance and festivals, as well as unique handicrafts.
There is great demand for local handicrafts and souvenirs among tourists in Sabah. A survey conducted by the Sabah Tourism Board revealed that an average of 7%-10% of tourist expenditure is on handicraft. Handicraft production is already an active tradition among many of Sabah’s natives – Kadazandusun, Murut, Bajau, Rungus, Lundayeh and Melayu Brunei – and can be a good income source for these communities. The friendly people of Sabah also provide a pool of trainable resources for the tourism and hospitality industry.
Major cultural attractions include:
• Sabah Museum
• Tingkayu Archeological Sites
• Rungus Longhouse at Kampung Bavanggazo, Matunggong
• Water Village at Mengkabong, Tuaran
• Pesta Kaamatan or Harvest Festival
• Lepa-Lepa Regatta at Semporna
• Murut Cultural Centre at Tenom
• Handicrafts

iii) Geographic Location and Connectivity
Sabah is strategically located in the northeast corner of Borneo, with approximately 77.1 million and 139.4 million potential tourists within a 3-hour and 6-hour flight radius respectively5. Sabah also has the potential to tap into the 34.5 million international visitor arrivals at the region’s major aviation hubs – Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok. Sabah enjoys good air links with major cities in Asia-Pacific. Direct flights as well as transit flights via Bangkok, Brunei, Hong Kong, Taipei, Kaohsiung, Manila, Cebu, Seoul, Shenzhen, Macau, Singapore and Tokyo offer frequent and easy access. There are currently eight airlines flying directly into Kota Kinabalu – MAS, Air Asia, Asiana, Dragonair, Silk Air, Royal Brunei Airlines, Korean Air, and Far Eastern Airways. There is also an increasing trend in cruise tourism. In 2005, six cruise ships arrived in Sabah with 3,673 excursionists compared to 13 cruise ship arrivals in 2006 with 13,591 excursionists. The main port of call is Kota Kinabalu, with the main ports of origin being Singapore and Hong Kong. Direct connectivity has contributed to the high number of tourist arrivals from these countries.
According to the World Tourism Organisation, modern travellers want ‘activity-based’ attractions as opposed to ‘destination’ travel. Sabah is already a destination for nature, cultural and activity-based tourism, and has tremendous potential to grow by leveraging on its appeal as an ecological and adventure wonderland.

Cultural Heritage	Geographical Location	Natural Resources	Biodiversity
• 3rd largest population in Malaysia with 32 ethnic groups spawning diverse cultural backgrounds	• Accessed easily by air from 13 global destinations	• Rich in natural resources such as oil & gas, fertile agriculture land, palm oil and forestry	• Rich marine life, plant diversity and wildlife habitat • World’s best dive sites (Sipadan) • World Heritage Sites (Mount Kinabalu)

Tourism
The tourism strategy is to target high-yield and long stay visitors. It aims to enhance Sabah’s position as a premier eco-adventure destination, as well as a high-end second home destination with luxury holiday villas and lifestyle activities. Investors will be courted to anchor new signature tourism products here.
Sustainability is a strong theme for tourism development under the SDC initiative. Involvement of local communities in tourism will be encouraged and supported, especially traditional handicraft development and village home stay.
The targets for the tourism sector by 2025 are to:
• Increase average tourist spending from RM2,517 in 2006 to RM3,383 by 2012 andRM5,364 by 2025 • Increase tourism receipts from RM2.88 billion in 2006 to RM8 billion by 2012 andRM48.5 billion by 2025 • Increase rural community tourism receipts (handicrafts and home stay) fromRM1.5 million in 2006 to RM4.5 million by 2012 and RM48 million by 2025

Bundu Tuhan
1) Hounon Ridge, Bundu Tuhan, Ranau - Bundu Tuhan
22) Himbaan Gardenstay - Bundu Tuhan

Kuala Penyu
2) Batu Linting Sunset Villa - Kuala Penyu
43) Camp KP Resort - Kuala Penyu

Kota Belud
1) 29.8Km Polumpung Melangkap View Camp Site
2) 30.3Km Kisakot Campsite
3) Nohutu Eco Tourism Kg. Melangkap Kota Belud
4) 32.0 Km Nahandang Melangkap Homestay & Campsite Kota Belud
5) 31.5Km Paramat Garden

1) Minakit Retreat- Kota Belud
6) USUKAN COVE LODGE - Kota Belud
7) Tegudon Tourism Village - TTV - Kota Belud
8) Eko Pelancongan KalangadanKu Kg. Nahaba, Kota Belud - Kota Belud
9) Capernaum Garden - Kota Belud
10) Tambatuon Homestead - Kota Belud
11) Sub Stesen Kg Sayap - Kota Belud
12) Ambong Bay - Kota Belud
13) Dingin Batu Campsite - Kota Belud
14) Dragon Pearl Beach Resort Sdn Bhd, Mangkabar, Kota Belud

Ranau
5) Konunukan Garden & Camping- Ranau
18) Tambiau Forest Ranau (Only reachable by 4 wheels drive)
23) View Point Dairy Farmstay & Campground - Ranau

Kiulu
6) KONDiS POiNT, Kiulu -
24) Boribi Camp site, Kiulu, Tamparuli, Sabah - Kiulu
25) Taman Rekreasi Tagal Kg.Nawoi,Kiulu - Kiulu
48) Hawun Valley Kiulu. Langad-Langad Trail and Camping Site - Kiulu
52) Pahu Eco Tourism - Kiulu
61) D'idiama Campsite - Kiulu

Papar
8 ) Mondikot Deer Camp - Papar
17) AA Campsite kg Bolotikon Papar - Papar
36) Pasakon Beach Camp Site - PBCS - Papar
37) Tuhunon Bolotikon Riverside TBR - Papar
42) Sawatan Camp Site - Papar
50) Palu'Palu Namaadan - Papar
51) E Ocean BAY - Papar

Tuaran
9) Minurod Campsite - Tuaran
41) Sabandar Beach Camping and Water Sport Site - Tuaran

Kudat
10) Max Camp Site - Pantai Kelambu Kudat
11) Secret Place Cafe & Camping - Kudat
Kokol Hill
14) Kokol Hobbiton Forest - Kokol Hill
21) Papas Eco Camp Marahang - Kokol Hill
31) N.G Kokol Camping Site - Kokol Hill
39) Tamaza ACV - Kokol Hill
57) Backyard Kokol - Kokol
58) Kokol Mamahill camping site - Kokol
59) Kokol Hill Campsite - Kokol

Keningau
29) Manis Manis Rooftop of Borneo Resort - Keningau
40) Rumbio Trusmadi Riverside Park -R.T.RP - Keningau
47) Kulanga HILLS - Keningau