Sabah tourism on the mend after opening of district borders

News Date: October 21, 2021

Media : Free Malaysia Today

KOTA KINABALU: The quiet atmosphere at Minurod Campsite in Kiulu is lively again with people starting to visit rural tourist destinations since the inter-district travel ban was lifted in Sabah.

With the reopening of tourism activities, many have planned outings with their family, such as going off-grid to explore Kiulu, a rural subdistrict known for its nature and serene river.

Part of the bigger Tuaran district, Kiulu is located about 60km from the state capital.

Visitors taking a dip in Kiulu river by the Minurod Campsite. (pic courtesy of Sabah Tourism Board)

Sheq Min Chu, 60, from Kampung Lakut Papar, said this was the first time her family have gone on a trip after being confined to their homes for almost two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic and movement control orders (MCO).

“We are happy that inter-district travel is now permitted again. It will allow us to catch up with other family members after staying home for so long,” the Sabah Tourism Board quoted her as saying today.

“We have been planning a family picnic and we are excited to finally meet our loved ones.

“We chose to explore Kiulu because of its beautiful nature and fresh environment,” she said, adding that her family and relatives are planning other trips to rural districts.

Like Min Chu, 48-year-old Khalid Bidin said he plans to fill up his family’s weekends by exploring the many nearby picnic and camping sites outside the city area.

“Our picnic at Minurod Campsite is our third outing since cross-district travel was allowed.

“I had been really looking forward to doing family activities as my wife and children had been staying home with nothing much to do during the MCO,” he said.

For now, Khalid, who is from Johor but has been in Sabah for six years, said his family would choose to explore places which are less crowded as a safety precaution.

Khalid Bidin, 48, preparing grill fish for his family at the Minurod Campsite, Kiulu. (Pic courtesy of Sabah Tourism Board)

Sabah allowed inter-district travel from Oct 14 and will open its borders for interstate travel on Nov 1.

Recently, Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment assistant minister Joniston Bangkuai visited the campsite to check on tourism activities in the area and greet picnic-goers.

Datuk Jonistom Bangkuai greeting picnic goers. (Pic courtesy of Sabah Tourism Board)

Bangkuai, who is also Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chairman, said the green light for inter-district travel and the reopening of tourism as well as interstate travel were positive developments for Sabah to move forward from the pandemic.

“We are always ready to welcome tourists back into the state and this development will revitalise our tourism sector and provide employment for those who have lost their jobs since last year.

“The ministry and STB remain dedicated to reviving rural tourism activities and promoting rural and community-based tourism.

“We continue to encourage people to visit rural destinations to help empower the rural community,” said Bangkuai, who is also Kiulu assemblyman. – Free Malaysia Today / Sabah Tourism Board