Pageant finalists bowled over by Sabahan warmth and natural beauty in Kiulu

Bangkuai (right) chatting with some of the 24 pageant finalists during their visit to Kiulu.

KOTA KINABALU: Malaysian beauties competing in three national pageants got a taste of the warm hospitality of the locals and the excitement of white water rafting in Sabah during an outing in Kiulu on Thursday (Aug 25).

Theevya Nathan from Kuala Lumpur said she was fortunate to have visited the rural area in the Tuaran district, some 32km from here, and praised the welcoming nature of the kampung people.

“I'm delighted to see the villagers' genuine joy, something I wouldn't normally witness in the city. Their hospitality is impeccable, and the food is superb,” she said.

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The 26-year-old, who will be competing in Miss World Malaysia here on Saturday (Aug 27), said she was keen to return to the Land Below the Wind and learn more about the diverse ethnic communities.

Janilda Navya Tiong Rui Fen, 19, from Johor said she was captivated by the traditional performance and watersports activities that Kiulu had to offer.

“I love adventure and Kiulu is definitely the place to be for adventure seekers. The rafting trip was fun because we got to see more of the beautiful scenery in Kiulu as we floated along at our own pace,” she said.

Janilda, who will be competing in Miss World Malaysia and Miss Supranational Malaysia, hoped that the community would continue its efforts to protect the environment and grow its community-based tourism.

Anya Kimberley, 19, who is competing in Miss World Malaysia, found the trip enlightening because it gave her a chance to learn more not only about the rural destination but also its culture.

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“Some of us decided to go white water rafting and it was our first time. I was anxious at first, but after a thorough safety briefing from our guides, I had complete faith in the Kiulu people,” she said.

The Sabahan said both locals and visitors from outside the state should make the trip to Kiulu to experience the eco-tourism attraction.

The three contestants are among 24 Malaysian beauties competing in Miss World Malaysia, Miss Grand Malaysia and Miss Supranational Malaysia, the grand finals of all three pageants taking place at the Sabah International Convention Centre on Saturday.

The Kiulu trip was part of the event programme leading up to coronation night.

During their trip, they worked with the community to beautify homestays, upgrade footpaths and plant trees at Kampung Mantob.

Their visit to Kiulu was hosted by the Hilton Hotel as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative.

Sabah Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment cum Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai expressed hope that the contestants would learn something meaningful during their visit and spread the word about Kiulu.

“I hope by coming here, the pageant contestants will gain a better appreciation for the Kiulu people and their cooperative efforts to improve the economy and village through tourism,” said Bangkuai, who is also the Kiulu assemblyman.