Rep shines spotlight on state’s gems to attract visitors
KOTA KINABALU: Kopivosian! That’s “hello” in Kadazan, a heartwarming greeting to visitors.
And travellers should know that beyond Mount Kinabalu and Sipadan Island, Sabah’s rural landscapes hold immense untapped tourism potential.
“The jewel of Sabah’s tourism is its rural areas. They are just waiting to be discovered,” said Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
He said Sabah offers breathtaking locations, from pristine rivers and lush rainforests to traditional villages steeped in cultural heritage.
“For example, in my area, Kiulu, we have the cleanest river in Malaysia,” he claimed.
Sungai Kiulu, which is about an hour’s drive from Kota Kinabalu, is indeed popular for white water rafting.
Kiulu town itself, which is 47km from the capital city, has its own lure.
A scenic countryside destination in Sabah, Kiulu offers white water rafting, the immersive Jurassic Land, eco-friendly Tagal fish conservation system, cultural farmstays, hiking trails and serene nature retreats, making it a getaway for adventure and relaxation.
“Whether you’re an adventurer, a nature enthusiast or someone looking to experience Sabah’s rural charm, Kiulu offers a perfect blend of thrill and tranquillity. From rafting down pristine rivers to immersing yourself in the local culture, this hidden gem promises an unforgettable escape,” said Bangkuai, who is also Kiulu assemblyman.
He said that Sabah’s rural beauty has captured the interest of foreign filmmakers, with Indian production house V. Creations, known for its 2016 Tamil blockbuster Kabali, starring Rajinikanth, choosing the state to film its milestone 50th film.
Last month, a team from V. Creations came to Sabah for a three-day location scouting trip, visiting among others, Kinabalu Park, Kundasang, Sabah Tea Resort and Kota Belud’s Polumpong-Melangkap, a riverside camping spot.
“We had never heard of Sabah before, but upon arrival, we were in awe,” said V. Creations cameraman Kailasam Abambaram.
Unlike other destinations where the mountains, beaches, and nature are distinct from one another, he said Sabah offers all of these in one place.
“The short visit was not enough to explore all the potential locations, so we will definitely return. There are many untouched spots perfect for filmmaking,” he said at the end of their visit.
V. Creations producer Prabu Thanu told reporters that the entire movie would be shot in Sabah, with filming to begin by year end.
Bangkuai hopes that the film will elevate Sabah’s global reputation as a filming destination.
“Many places became famous through films, like Switzerland and Langkawi.
“We want that for Sabah, too,” he told The Star.
He said that films and music videos are powerful tools to promote lesser-known destinations
“By featuring Sabah’s landscapes and cultural heritage in films and music videos, we can introduce these destinations to wider audiences and attract more visitors,” he said.
Bangkuai noted that the creative industry plays a crucial role in promoting Sabah’s culture and tourism by highlighting the beauty of its rural destinations through high-quality productions.
Music and film not only showcase local talent but also serve as effective mediums to introduce Sabah’s culture and scenic locations to a wider audience, he said.
He commended the efforts of local producers, such as F Harmthon Production Sdn Bhd, who recently launched the MTV FH Idol 2 digital album, stressing the importance of high-quality cinematic visuals in attracting tourists and showcasing lesser-known destinations.
The project features rural filming locations such as Karanahan View (Kota Belud), Kokol Haven Resort and Papar’s Mandalipau White Water View & Fish Pond, which have the potential to draw more visitors.
Bangkuai pointed out Sabah’s commitment to develop rural tourism, saying that this was evident in the formation of a joint committee between the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry and the Rural Development Ministry.
This initiative aims to address tourism-related challenges and strengthen community-based tourism efforts.
“Our cultural heritage is one of Sabah’s unique selling points. With numerous ethnic and sub-ethnic groups living in harmony, we offer a diverse cultural experience that fascinates foreign visitors,” Bangkuai said.
Sabah is also promoting its Culture, Adventure, and Nature (CAN) tourism concept to ensure its diverse offerings reach international markets.
In addition, a new digital data initiative has been introduced in Kiulu to enhance data collection for rural tourism operators.
This will allow better tracking of visitor trends and improved promotional strategies.
“With better insights into tourist patterns, we can refine marketing efforts and long-term planning,” Bangkuai said.
The initiative, developed in collaboration with local tech company Datablu, enables tourism operators to manage their businesses more efficiently through automated systems.
