Sandakan, Kinabatangan set for bigger tourism push

Story illustration — AI illustration · not a photograph of the event

SANDAKAN: Sandakan and Kinabatangan are set to feature in a larger-scale tourism promotion programme next year, following the encouraging response to Hunt and Explore 2026, which attracted over 100 participants from across Sabah.

Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the programme, organised in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia, had successfully promoted Sandakan’s tourism attractions, with influencers also taking part in highlighting destinations in the district.

He said both parties had agreed to expand the programme next year, with discussions underway to include Kinabatangan, which, like Sandakan, is known for its natural environment and wildlife attractions.

“I am very satisfied with the success achieved by this programme. We have agreed with Tourism Malaysia to organise a bigger event next year, potentially covering both Sandakan and Kinabatangan,” he said.

Jafry said the initiative aimed to showcase the districts as distinctive tourism destinations in Sabah, particularly for visitors interested in nature, wildlife and conservation.

He noted that Sandakan was home to several renowned conservation attractions, including the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Selingan Island’s turtle conservation programme and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.

Kinabatangan, meanwhile, was already attracting visitors, particularly from Europe, who were drawn to its rich biodiversity and wildlife experiences.

Jafry said the proposed expansion would provide greater opportunities to promote the two districts to domestic and international travellers ahead of Visit Sabah 2027.

On the federal Budget, he welcomed the development allocations for Sabah and initiatives aimed at strengthening the state’s tourism industry.

He said connectivity remained a key factor in tourism growth, adding that incentives for chartered flights could help bring more international visitors to Sabah.

Jafry said he hoped Sandakan could eventually secure direct international flight connections, similar to those already available in Kota Kinabalu and Tawau.

“Sandakan has tremendous potential in terms of history and its natural environment, which we can offer to visitors from within and outside the country,” he said.

He added that improved air connectivity would help strengthen Sandakan’s position as an international tourism destination and make it easier for overseas visitors to access its attractions.

On preparations for Visit Sabah 2027, Jafry said his ministry was in the final stages of establishing the event’s secretariat.

He said discussions with the relevant ministries and agencies were expected towards the end of October to further refine the programme, including promotional activities.

The ministry was also planning a launch towards the end of this year, followed by a possible large-scale promotional event in Peninsular Malaysia early next year, he added.

Source: Daily Express — MY ↗