KOTA KINABALU, October 3 – Sixteen media representatives from print, electronic, and digital media agencies joined the Xpresi Cuti-Cuti Malaysia Sabah 2023 program organized by Tourism Malaysia. This five-day, four-night (5H4M) program, which started on September 25, 2023, aims to showcase the uniqueness of rural tourism products in the Land Below the Wind. The program seeks to enhance domestic tourism promotion activities both online and offline, optimizing strategic communication through media involvement.
This edition takes participants to explore experience-based tourism products, natural attractions, agrotourism, and gastronomy in the Beaufort, Kuala Penyu, Tenom, Keningau, and Kota Kinabalu areas. The journey began in Beaufort with a river cruise along the Klias River, allowing participants to witness the uniqueness of Proboscis monkeys along the mangrove-lined banks and the beauty of fireflies’ twinkling lights at night. The next day, participants visited Sawangan Beach before boarding a boat to Pulau Tiga Park in Kuala Penyu.
Here, they experienced mud bathing at the Mud Volcano, formed by an active volcano decades ago. This tourist attraction is developed by the Sabah Parks Trust to ensure the preservation of nature. In Tenom, participants spent the night at Naluyan Jungle Lodge, a new accommodation at the foot of the mountain. They also visited the Sabah Agricultural Park, which is a conservation center for native Borneo orchids. The tour included exploring tourism products such as the Yit Foh Coffee Factory & Park, the Yit Foh Robusta Coffee Factory, the Coffee Park Cottage, and Kampung Marais in Kuala Tomani, known for the traditional Murut community.
In Keningau, participants visited the Sabah Craft Complex to witness local handicraft production, including woven products and Sabah batik. They also had the opportunity to try batik canting techniques. Among the other highlights was the hilly Keningau-Kimanis route, famous for the unique upside-down gravity phenomenon. Before returning, participants were treated to a friendly session with Dato’ Dr. Ammar Abd. Ghapar, Director-General of Tourism Malaysia in Kota Kinabalu.
They also had the chance to stroll through Sinsuran Night Market and enjoy a traditional meal at Restoran My Native Sabah, which served dishes like ambuyat and linopot, based on Bario rice and accompanied by tuhau, bambangan, and hinava. Dato’ Dr. Ammar stated that they anticipate publicity value exceeding RM1 million through this program. This significant return is expected to boost the offering of packages by tourism agencies and public demand to visit the tourist destinations, thus invigorating the tourism, arts, and culture sector.
He emphasized that the objective was not only to promote community-based tourism in rural areas but also to popularize rural tourism, which is gaining popularity among travelers. Tourists’ inclination to prioritize tourism experiences opens up opportunities for them to learn about the culture, traditions, food, handicrafts, and local lifestyles of the community. Media representatives participating in the Xpresi Media Cuti-Cuti Malaysia Sabah this time included RTM, TVS, Sinar Harian, The Star, Nanyang Siang Pau, Free Malaysia Today, The Asia Times, Gaya Travel Magazine, Kaki Travel, Locco, Projek Travel, and digital content creators Zar Nizar and I Am Nazirul.
