Kudat the 'Bali of Borneo' has great potential for rural tourism

KOTA KINABALU: Kudat, which has been dubbed as the "Bali of Borneo", holds great potential to be developed for rural tourism Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.

The coastal district, which is a three-hour drive from the state capital here, shares similarities with the Indonesian destination in terms of tourism product activities that could attract foreign visitors if further developed, said the Sabah Tourism, Culture, and Environment Assistant Minister.

Bangkuai who is also Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chairman, said Kudat has beautiful natural environment and islands with unique stories.

"Bali is well-known among foreign tourists for its culture and surfing spots. Kudat has it all too, with crystal-clear beaches and surfable waves.

"However, it is also up to the community to popularise Kudat and work to highlight the uniqueness of this area," he explained.

Bangkuai said this when launching the Tajau Laut Rural Community Tourism Association at Kudat on Friday (May 20).

He assured that his ministry and STB are prepared to assist the district community to promote Kudat tourism products.

"The local community must also equip themselves with knowledge about interesting activities and destinations that can be introduced to tourists.

"I am indeed proud to see the Tajau Laut community working together to develop tourism activities.

"I can see this association as an example for other villages in Kudat to follow," he added.

The Tajau Laut Rural Community Tourism Association was formed a year ago to encourage villagers to participate in transforming Kampung Tajau Laut into a promising tourism product.

The village at present has only one tourist accommodation, the Tajau Laut Guesthouse.

Tourists visiting the village can enjoy snorkelling, kayaking, fishing, coral conservation and cooking, among others.

Bangkuai added that Kudat has benefitted from the state government's special allocation to assist tourism operators affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, with the guesthouse being one of the 16 recipients of the aid.