Peak adventures in Sabah await at MATTA Fair

Visit Sabah: Bangkuai (fourth from left) launching STB’s ‘Top 5 Mountains in Sabah’ campaign. Also at the launch are Julinus (third from right), STB deputy chief executive officer Tay Shu Lan (right), and Tan (third from left).

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) is highlighting Malaysia’s top five highest peaks, all located in the state, at this year’s MATTA Fair to promote Sabah’s diverse mountaineering destinations.

The initiative, launched by state Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai yesterday, 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 showcase 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,” said Bangkuai, who is STB chairman, in a statement.

Also present at the launch was STB chief executive officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit and MATTA Fair organising chairman Datuk Tan Kok Liang.

While the 4,095m-tall Mount Kinabalu in the highland district of Ranau remains the top attraction, the campaign also highlights alternative climbing experiences.

These include Mount Trus Madi, Malaysia’s second-highest peak at 2,642m, and Mount Sinsing (2,586m), both located in Tambunan.

Mount Sinsing is relatively a 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 between 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 the Sabah CAN (Culture, Adventure, Nature) packages, promoting attractions in various districts.

Sabah tour agents are offering special CAN-themed packages starting at RM149.

The three-day MATTA Fair, which started yesterday, is being held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur.