KUALA LUMPUR: The Kaamatan Festival is being highlighted as a key attraction in Sabah’s tourism calendar as the state promotes its offerings at the MATTA Fair at the Malaysian International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).
The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) is participating in the fair with 37 Sabah-based travel agents across more than 100 booths, featuring travel packages for the upcoming Kaamatan season in May.
The focus on Kaamatan was underscored on Saturday (April 4) by the presence of Huguan Siou (Kadazan-Dusun, Murut, and Rungus paramount leader) Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, who officiated the launch of a Kaamatan invitation video at the Sabah Pavilion.
Earlier, Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin launched the refreshed “Explore Sabah” destination brand, aimed at reinforcing the state’s tourism identity and highlighting its natural and cultural attractions, including those linked to Kaamatan.
Kaamatan, Sabah’s annual harvest festival, is celebrated throughout the state in May, featuring cultural performances, traditional rituals, local food, and the Unduk Ngadau pageant. The main celebrations are scheduled for May 30–31.
Sabah is using its strong presence at the three-day MATTA Fair, which ends on April 5, to drive mid-year travel to the state. Travel packages on offer also cover popular destinations such as Kundasang, Semporna and various nature and wildlife sites.
A teaser for the upcoming Visit Sabah 2027 campaign was also shown at the Sabah Pavilion, indicating the state’s longer-term tourism plans.
