Geopark packages to boost Sarawak tourism


Adventure awaits: Lee (fifth from right) posing for a photo beside (fifth from left) Mohd Roslan Abdullah, Tourism Malaysia domestic events division senior director and (fourth from right) Madeline George Pau, Sarawak Forestry Department geopark management unit head at the launch ceremony of the Sarawak Delta Geopark tourism package. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism Malaysia is intensifying efforts to position Sarawak as a must-visit destination for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) through the launch of the Sarawak Delta Geopark Tourism Packages Volume 2.

Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general (Promotions II) Lee Thai Hung said the initiative reflects the agency’s commitment to promoting meaningful, sustainable and culturally rich travel experiences ahead of VM2026.

“The launch of this second edition marks another milestone in bringing Sarawak closer to travellers’ hearts through experiences that showcase culture, adventure, nature, gastronomy and festivals,” he said at the launch of Sarawak Delta Geopark Volume 2 here yesterday.

He described the 3,112sq km Sarawak Delta Geopark as “one of Malaysia’s truly remarkable hidden gems”, highlighting its dramatic geological features and heritage-rich landscape spanning Kuching, Bau and Padawan.

He noted that the first volume of the geopark packages received strong interest, paving the way for 42 new itineraries curated by 13 travel agencies to further expand the destination’s appeal.

The packages include guided trails to ancient rock formations and fossil sites, firefly-rich mangrove areas, village visits highlighting Malay, Bidayuh and Chinese cultures, and hands-on activities that capture Sarawak’s warm hospitality.

“These experiences reflect precisely what modern travellers are looking for, which are authenticity, sustainability and compelling storytelling,” Lee said.

He emphasised that Sarawak is moving beyond traditional promotion by focusing on more profound visitor engagement through community involvement, cultural immersion and environmentally responsible tourism.

Lee said this approach positions Sarawak not just as an ecotourism leader but as a destination offering transformative journeys that stay with visitors long after they leave.

He added that Sarawak’s growing strength in the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) segment, supported by the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching and enhanced connectivity, has cemented the state’s attractiveness for both business and leisure travellers.

“Strong synergy between business and leisure travel is strengthening Sarawak’s position as a versatile, high-value destination that contributes meaningfully to the national tourism industry.”

Lee expressed confidence that the Sarawak Delta Geopark is on track to join the Unesco Global Geopark network in 2026, making it Malaysia’s third after Langkawi and Kinabalu.

“We are committed to protecting our natural treasures, empowering local communities and offering visitors journeys that connect them with the very essence of Malaysia,” he said.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Nation

Monsoon transition bringing relief from hot spell
Cops bust 13 gambling dens disguised as family entertainment centres in Selangor, Sabah
Immigration Dept cripples 'Geng Ashraf' migrant smuggling syndicate, 30 detained
Over nine million Malaysians have saved RM2.8bil due to energy incentives
MACC nabs two over RM1mil in bribes
Joint task force seizes 314 tonnes of prohibited waste in Port Klang
Let journalists do their jobs unimpeded, says M'sian Bar
MetMalaysia warns of thunderstorms in Sabah, Sarawak until 7pm (April 3)
Selangor MB to lead 30-container aid mission to Gaza
24-hour peatland firefighting operations activated in Bachok

Others Also Read