16Jul

Seven investors eye tourism projects in Semporna

SEMPORNA: Investors from China, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur are looking for opportunities to expand investments in the tourism sector in Semporna. Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Jaujan Sambakong said seven investors categorised as billionaires were now in Semporna and were looking at the potential of developing the tourism sector in Semporna. “They met Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal and offered to develop Semporna. They have also met me and among others have stated that problems like garbage need to be addressed immediately towards plans to make Semporna a world-class tourist destination,” he said. Jaujan, who is also Housing and Local Government Minister and Sulabayan assemblyman, said this when met by reporters at the Bukit Lalang District Voting Centre Aidil Fitri Open House here. According to Jaujan, Semporna was akin to a valuable pearl that needed to be utilised and the local community had a role in safeguarding its beauty besides highlighting the cultural uniqueness, especially of the Bajau community. Meanwhile, he also hoped Silam Member of Parliament from Party Warisan Sabah, Mohammadin Ketapi, who was appointed as Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, could lift the Sabah tourism sector, especially Semporna to the global level. “A seven-star tourism industry is not only valued from the aspect of natural beauty but needs to get support in terms of tourism infrastructure and this requires the strong partnership between the federal and state governments,” he said. In the meantime, according to Jaujan, the tourism ministry could reach a consensus to increase direct flights from abroad such as China, South Korea and Japan to Sabah, especially in Tawau. “There are complaints from international travellers arriving in Semporna following limited flights and being forced to board more than two flights before arriving in Semporna. “They want direct flights to the east coast of Sabah because they love the marine resources attractions in Semporna,” he said, adding that, currently, 60,000 foreign and domestic tourists were recorded to have visited Semporna every month. Source: The Borneo Post
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26Jun

Environmental activities can maintain Sabah-US diplomatic ties

KOTA KINABALU: The organizing of environmental activities can maintain diplomatic ties between Sabah and the United States of America (US). Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai asserted that such programmes may not only strengthen the ties when held together with the US embassy but also give an added value to domestic tourism. “The ambassador had asked me on the best programme that could foster our relationship with them (US) and I told that programmes concerning environmental conservation are the best.” He was speaking during The America Days Sabah 2018 press conference here yesterday. According to Yeo, a total of 100 trees will be planted from Gleneagles to the city seaside walkway to mark the 150 years of Sabah-US ties. The planting that will take place on June 28 will also involve the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Christina Liew to show the support towards the long-lasting relationship. “We will plant the trees together with the (US) embassy. “The Kota Kinabalu City Hall is very honored to have the event; apart from promoting our tourism, the close ties with the embassy which also involve student exchange programmes among other long term activities could be realised,” he said. The America Days Sabah 2018 which celebrates 150 years of US good partnership with Sabah starts today and will culminate on June 28 with a celebration of the American Independence Day. Among the programmes that will be held are bike ride and street cleanup for environmental conservation and jazz performances by Gabrielle Stravelli who will collaborate with local musicians. English teaching workshops and learning for teachers and secondary schools will also be held in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sabah. Not only that, American skateboarders Jimmy Cao and Cheryl Jumae will also host skateboard classes, teaming up with local skateboarders to showcase the power of sports diplomacy. Source: New Sabah Times
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30Apr

New opportunities in rural tourism

KOTA KINABALU: A dearth of lodging in remote Kiulu has driven 42-year-old Lasmen Lopuk to develop a homestay within his 0.8 hectare piece of land located at scenic Kampung Poturidong, about 50km away from the State capital. The idea came about during a family day event five years ago when he realised Kiulu, being a beautiful rural sub-district with potential in nature-based activities, lack accommodation for visitors wishing to spend the night. “I was toying with the idea because most visitors come to Kiulu for a picnic and some of them come from far, but they have no place to stay. In 2014, I started small by opening a space for camping ground. “We also provided camps for visitors, so they can experience Kiulu to the fullest. By 2015, I built four chalets with a kampung-style concept and since then, I have been receiving visitors almost every week,” said the owner of Kondis Point Homestay. Lasmen, from Kampung Poturidong, said homestays have existed in Kiulu since the 1990s but noted the operation was not very active back then. He said the homestay concept began to bloom in Kiulu from 2013, as villagers began grasping the opportunities after learning more on homestay and rural tourism development through courses or exhibitions. “As Sabah progresses in terms of urban development, it is also important to focus on developing rural districts through tourism. It is one of the ways to boost the villagers’ socio-economic development as it creates job opportunities. “Since opening my homestay, I have hired villagers to help look after the facilities. I have also noticed that with the presence of homestays in Kiulu, we have received thousands of visitors here,” he said. Lasmen, who used to be a driver and freelance tour guide, now works full-time as homestay operator, benefiting from the profits of tourism. He hoped the development of rural tourism in the state would be more vibrant in future with more villagers taking part in the positive progress. Currently, there are more than 30 homestays in Kiulu and the number is expected to grow. Source: New Straits Times
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26Mar

Telipok-Randagong road to boost tourism, agriculture – Masidi

KOTA KINABALU: The RM288 million Telipok-Randagong road project will be a boon to tourism and agriculture in Kiulu and Ranau, said Tourism, Culture and Environment minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun. Masidi said the road, spanning 60 km connecting Jalan Telipok with Pekan Kiulu, Pukak, Pahu, Lokos, Toboh and Randagong, will create access to hidden jewel areas that lacked infrastructural connection. He elaborated this will give the hardworking people of Kiulu and Ranau the opportunity to wider access of agricultural produce market and spur rural tourism growth. “They will have the option of selling at Pekan Ranau, Keningau and also Kota Kinabalu,” said Masidi, who is also Karanaan assemblyman. “We can plant leafy vegetables for example but if it takes too much time to get to the market, all that work will be to no avail because the vegetables will become spoiled before it gets to the market. “With my own calculations, from the borders of Ranau and Kiulu, a vegetable farmer can reach Kota Kinabalu in less than an hour and I am sure they will be able to reach the market and get a higher chance to sell it in the city,” he added. In terms of tourism, Masidi foresees the establishment of upscale tourist accommodation in the environment that had been preserved for the last 50 years. “This gives us a chance to encourage the tourism sector to grow along the road in these beautiful areas. I predict the growth of upscale chalets and also homestay,” said Masidi after officiating the Kolej Sidma Sabah and Kolej Universiti Islam Antarabangsa (KUIS) Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony here yesterday. “This (the road project) is a game changer for all the people who are living along that road because it opens up an immense potential to improve their livelihood,” he concluded. The road project is at 65% construction completion, way ahead of the expected 45% target by start of 2018. Source: The Borneo Post
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20Mar

First KK homestay opened

By VESTA VANESSA JSOL KOTA KINABALU: The first homestay in the City was declared open yesterday and more are on the cards. The rapid growth of Kota Kinabalu as a tourism destination underlines the need to create new tourism products to sustain the growth, said Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Edward Yong Oui Fah. Speaking at the launching ceremony of Kota Kinabalu’s first homestay, Desa Cinta Kobuni Homestay in Inanam, near here, yesterday, Yong said the best way to support the tourism growth is by developing innovative, creative tourism products and attractions within the city under the NBOS-Community Based Tourism Programme. (NBOS stands for New Blue Ocean Strategy and reflects the government’s call for innovation.) “We need to grab every opportunity in order to develop our economy and the tourism industry. “The Chief Minister (Tan Sri Musa Haji Aman) has announced in the 2018 Budget that the government is giving more focus on rural tourism and has allocated RM127.18 million for the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Environment and RM152,09 for the Ministry of Rural Development.” “There is no excuse for not developing the industry.” Earlier, he praised the management of Desa Cinta Kobuni Homestay for its pioneering spirit. Homestays are popular in outer districts such as Kundasang and Kudat, but a rarity in the urban centres. “This is the first homestay in Kota Kinabalu, something to be proud of. I believe Kobuni will receive more international and domestic guests. It is my hope that more homestays will be established in town soon.” During the ceremony, Edward also announced that the government has approved the request of Kg Kobuni villagers for a computer system to help promote its homestay business. Meanwhile, Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai said that the Kota Kinabalu City Hall is eying another village to establish a homestay programme. “Currently, I can say Tebobon (near Menggatal) and Babagon Toki (in Penampang) have the potential to be developed as homestay hub,” he said, adding that the scenery and villagers’ daily routine are among attractive factors. “I’ve been there, and it was wonderful,” he noted. Source: New Sabah Times
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