KOTA KINABALU: Efforts to boost tourism between Sandakan and Chaozhou, China, are gaining momentum, with both sides pledging closer collaboration despite the suspension of direct flights.
Sandakan Municipal Council president Walter Kenson urged all tourism stakeholders in the district to intensify efforts to work with their counterparts in Chaozhou, following a successful visit from the Chaozhou Tourism Association.
The delegation, led by the association’s secretary-general Chen Lipeng, included vice-president Lin Yang and committee members Chen Paizhao, Cai Yuhao, and Huang Senyao. It was the association’s first visit to Sandakan and took place earlier this week.
During their familiarisation tour, the delegates visited various local attractions such as the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Kinabatangan River, Agnes Keith House Museum, Puu Jih Shih Temple, and St Michael’s Church.
"Sandakan is definitely a unique experience for all of us from Chaozhou, and the food is simply amazing – especially the seafood bak kut teh, curry crab, and the variety of seafood," said Chen.
"Even though the direct flight from Kota Kinabalu to Jieyang Shantou has been suspended since late last month, we can still connect via other airports in Guangdong. Overall, the experience is truly enjoyable and memorable," he added.
Chen also thanked Sandakan for its hospitality and extended an invitation for locals to visit Chaozhou.
Sandakan Tourism Association president Teo Chee Kim noted that Chaozhou is a renowned historical and culinary city in China, while Sandakan is well known for its rich biodiversity, wildlife conservation efforts, and fresh seafood, creating strong potential for partnership and exchange between both cities.
"I would like to thank the Sandakan Teo Chew Association chairman Datuk Edward Khoo for making this visit possible," Teo said.
"I hope that this familiarisation tour has given our guests from Chaozhou a greater appreciation of Sandakan’s charm, and we look forward to welcoming more visitors from their city in the near future."
Teo also noted that the visit carried special significance, as Sandakan is home to a vibrant Teochew community that shares cultural roots with Chaozhou.
"This connection goes beyond tourism. It’s about rekindling cultural ties and building relationships between people who, despite living in different parts of the world, share a common heritage," he said.
Also present during the visit were Sandakan Tourism Association secretary Jodee Koh, vice secretary Catina Chia, and treasurer Cindy Loo.
