KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) is spotlighting Malaysia’s five highest peaks, all located in the state, at this year’s MATTA Fair to promote diverse mountaineering destinations.
The initiative, launched by state Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, is part of STB's ongoing efforts to showcase the diversity of Sabah’s adventure tourism offerings.
“With the ‘Top 5 Mountains in Sabah’ campaign, we aim to show that Sabah offers a multitude of mountaineering experiences.
“Whether you’re a seasoned climber or a beginner, there’s a mountain waiting for everyone in Sabah,” Bangkuai, who is also STB chairman, said in a statement on Friday (Sept 6).
Also present at the launch was STB chief executive officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit and MATTA Fair organising chairman Datuk Tan Kok Liang.
While the iconic Mount Kinabalu, standing at 4,095m in the highland district of Ranau, remains the top attraction, the campaign also highlights alternative climbing experiences.
These include Mount Trus Madi in Tambunan, Malaysia’s second-highest peak at 2,642m, categorised as moderate-to-hard difficulty and can take climbers two to four days to hike.
Mount Sinsing, also in Tambunan, stands at 2,586m and is another moderate-to-hard peak with a relatively new trail that was only discovered in 2018.
Also featured is Mount Tambuyukon, with an altitude of 2,579m.
It is considered one of the most challenging climbs in Sabah, sitting within the boundaries of Kinabalu Park.
Climbers can expect to encounter the rare pitcher plants Nepenthes edwardsiana and Nepenthes villosa, both endemic to Mount Kinabalu and Mount Tambuyukon.
Meanwhile, Mount Kaingaran (2,468m) offers a distinct climbing experience with its trails linking to Mount Sinsing.
During the event, Bangkuai also launched Sabah CAN (Culture, Adventure, Nature) packages with new brochures promoting attractions in various districts.
Sabah tour agents are offering special CAN-themed packages starting at RM149.
STB also funded the production of district brochures to support the District Tourism Action Council and promote community-based tourism across Sabah.
The three-day MATTA Fair is being held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) in Kuala Lumpur from Friday to Sunday (Sept 6 to 8).
