Selangor targets South-east Asia with village stays

 

Once a product aimed largely at travellers from the West, village tourism in the Malaysian state of Selangor is now being positioned in the South-east Asian market. Tourism Selangor sees potential for village stays to appeal to corporate groups as a pre- or post-tour activity, as well as to the FIT segment. 

Tourism Selangor CEO Chua Yee Ling said the village stay concept offers visitors a more immersive yet flexible rural experience. Guests can take part in hands-on cultural and community-based activities such as traditional cooking classes, local craft workshops, agricultural experiences and guided village walks that showcase daily rural life. 

Visitors also have opportunities to interact with locals and learn about traditional customs and heritage, taking home a deeper understanding of Selangor’s village life. 

In a village stay, the host does not reside with the guests, allowing travellers greater privacy and independence. The state currently has 16 registered village stays. 

Tourism Selangor works closely with Tourism Malaysia on promoting village stays. It also allocated a booth to the Malaysia Homestay Association at the recent ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026 in Cebu, the Philippines.

-TTG Asia.

Pelancongan komuniti makin popular di Sabah, jana hasil penduduk tempatan

 

PETALING JAYA – Sabah kini semakin menonjol sebagai destinasi utama pelancongan komuniti, dengan pengiktirafan antarabangsa dan serantau yang mengangkat peranan penduduk tempatan sebagai penggerak utama pengalaman pelancongan di kawasan luar bandar. 

Antara yang sering menjadi rujukan adalah Koperasi Pelancongan Komuniti Batu Puteh Kinabatangan (KOPEL) yang diiktiraf sebagai Kampung Pelancongan Terbaik oleh United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), hasil pendekatan pelancongan berasaskan komuniti dan pemuliharaan.

Di samping itu, beberapa produk pelancongan komuniti di Sabah turut menerima pengiktirafan ASEAN Tourism Standard, mencerminkan usaha negeri ini dalam membangunkan pelancongan desa yang tersusun dan mampan.

Dalam menjayakan misi tersebut, Lembaga Pelancongan Sabah telah memainkan peranan penting dengan menyediakan latihan dan kemahiran kepada komuniti, agar mereka mampu mengurus destinasi sendiri tanpa bergantung sepenuhnya kepada pihak luar sejak tahun 2014. 

Komuniti di Kiulu dan Kadamaian antara yang awal menerima latihan kerana menjadi projek perintis pembangunan pelancongan luar bandar dan berasaskan komuniti.

Salah satu pengusaha pelancongan komuniti adalah di Kiulu, Lingga Eco Tourism di Kampung Lingga yang mana ia merupakan antara lima pengusaha di Sabah yang menerima pengiktirafan ASEAN Tourism Standard di peringkat kebangsaan tahun ini. 

Terletak di kaki bukit yang menghijau dengan Sungai Kiulu yang mengalir di sekitarnya, Lingga Eco Tourism menampilkan aktiviti seperti mendaki Dapako Hill dan pelbagai pengalaman  aktiviti luar yang menyeronokkan, menarik pelancong tempatan dan antarabangsa. 

Selain mendaki, pengunjung juga boleh mencuba aktiviti air seperti water rafting, sambil menikmati keindahan alam semula jadi.

Pengerusinya, Kait Lasangan berkata, setiap aktiviti eko-pelancongan diurus bersama komuniti, dengan penduduk tempatan terlibat sebagai pemandu pelancong, petugas penyelenggaraan, dan pengurus aktiviti. 

“Sama ada sebagai guide kerja gotong-royong, atau pembersihan kawasan, semuanya dibayar dan memberi pendapatan kepada penduduk setempat. 

“Penglibatan komuniti tempatan bukan sahaja memandu laluan, malah mereka juga berkongsi cerita kampung dan pengalaman harian, menjadikan pengalaman pengunjung lebih dekat dan terasa autentik,” katanya dalam kenyataan. 

Bagi mereka yang mencari sungai jernih dan kawasan perkhemahan semula jadi, Kadamaian menawarkan sungai yang mengalir dari kaki Gunung Kinabalu dan tapak perkhemahan yang dikelilingi alam semula jadi. 

Selain itu, bagi mereka yang ingin merasai kehidupan pertanian dan agro-tourism, kawasan pedalaman seperti Tambunan dan Tenom menawarkan peluang untuk mencuba aktiviti berkebun atau memetik hasil tempatan. 

Bagi pencinta alam semula jadi dan hidupan liar, Kinabatangan bersama KOPEL menawarkan peluang kepada pengunjung untuk melihat hidupan liar sambil menyokong komuniti tempatan.

Di daerah tanah tinggi Kundasang, udara segar dan sejuk serta panorama ladang sayur menanti pengunjung yang ingin menikmati pengalaman pergunungan, dengan Taman Kinabalu Park , sebuah  tapak Warisan Dunia yang menempatkan Gunung Kinabalu yang terletak berhampiran kawasan ini. 

Kehidupan pesisir dan budaya tempatan pula boleh dinikmati di kawasan Kota Marudu dan Kudat, yang menampilkan pantai yang menenangkan serta budaya Rungus yang unik. 

Dengan pelbagai pengalaman yang ditawarkan, pelancongan komuniti di Sabah bukan sahaja memberi keseronokan kepada pengunjung, malah menyokong pembangunan mampan dan kehidupan komuniti tempatan. 

Menjelang Tahun Melawat Malaysia tahun 2026, Sabah kini membuka pintu kepada pelancong domestik untuk mengalami sendiri pelancongan komuniti, alam semula jadi, dan budaya tempatan. 

Kerajaan negeri pula telah menetapkan Tahun Melawat Sabah 2027 sebagai agenda utama pelancongan, dengan penekanan terhadap pengalaman pelancongan yang berasaskan komuniti, alam semula jadi dan budaya tempatan.

-Kosmo! Online.

Desa Kirana initiative targets 100,000 visitors to boost rural tourism

 

SABAK BERNAM: The Rural and Regional Development Ministry aims to attract 100,000 visitors to homestays through its newly launched Desa Kirana initiative, featuring 25 rural tourism destinations in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026. 

Its minister, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, said the Desa Kirana programme is among the ministry's 'game changers', driving rural economic growth by emphasising five key attractions: heritage and culture, natural attractions, local gastronomy, traditional products, and authentic village experiences. 

"With the collaboration of the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, together with homestay and village associations, we expect tourists, especially from Japan and Korea, to be very interested in visiting rural areas. 

"When I summarised the Cabinet Tourism Committee meeting, my target is that by the end of 2026, Desa Kirana, comprising 25 village packages across the country, particularly in Peninsular Malaysia,will be established as key tourist destinations, without forgetting Sabah and Sarawak," he said after officiating the Desa Kirana Comprehensive Package announcement ceremony here today. 

He added that promotional efforts would continue until the end of 2027 to achieve the 100,000-visitor target. 

Zahid, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, said the ministry balances high-end and low-end tourism to ensure all visitors can enjoy Malaysia's beauty.

"The tagline for Visit Malaysia Year remains 'Malaysia Truly Asia'. Malaysia reflects the very essence of Asia. 

"During my tenure as Deputy Tourism Minister, I was very familiar with tourism products. However, times and circumstances have changed. 

"High-end tourists no longer want to stay only in cities, but there are few options for them to explore rural areas. 

"Urban areas abroad may offer better facilities and more entertainment, so tourists want to venture into the countryside," he added. 

Commenting further, he said the Desa Kirana approach not only strengthens the competitiveness of rural tourism destinations but also creates new income opportunities for local communities through homestays, community-based tourism activities, and local product development. 

"The ministry targets a 20 per cent increase in local community income by 2026, taking into account the potential and uniqueness of each location," he said.

-nst online.

Selangor panggil semua pengusaha inap desa berdaftar dengan MOTAC

 

Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Kerajaan Tempatan dan Pelancongan Selangor, Datuk Ng Suee Lim (berdiri tengah) bersama graduan pada Majlis Graduasi Hos Komuniti Setempat Selangor 2025. - Foto NSTP

KLANG: Selangor bercadang memanggil pengusaha inap desa di seluruh negeri ini bagi memberi penerangan dan taklimat berhubung proses pemutihan inap desa dan rumah tumpangan yang beroperasi tanpa lesen dan tidak sah. 

EXCO Kerajaan Tempatan dan Pelancongan negeri, Datuk Ng Suee Lim berkata, ia dilaksanakan bagi memastikan perusahaan terbabit dilaksanakan secara teratur, ikut syarat dan mematuhi undang-undang Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya (MOTAC) serta pihak berkuasa tempatan (PBT). 

"Pada tahun hadapan, kerajaan negeri dengan kerjasama MOTAC bercadang memanggil semua pengusaha inap desa untuk memberikan penerangan, taklimat supaya mereka ambil maklum mengenai masalah dan tanggungjawab mereka. 

"Mungkin penggunaan tanah, bendang dan sebagainya yang digunakan untuk bina inap desa tidak menepati syarat yang ditetapkan tetapi kita boleh putihkan dengan syarat kita bagi lesen sementara dan sebagainya.

"Sekarang lesen sementara pun tidak ada dan mereka tidak bayar apa-apa pun kepada PBT tetapi apabila berlaku sesuatu, kerajaan negeri (termasuk PBT) yang kena tanggung dan dipersalahkan.  

"Yang kedua, sampah sarap dijanakan oleh inap desa itu, siapa yang bertugas untuk membersihkannya?.. KDEBWM yang dipersalahkan tetapi kita tidak ada pendapatan jadi sekarang kerajaan negeri kena uruskan dan perbetulkan supaya lebih teratur," katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian pada sidang media selepas menyempurnakan Majlis Graduasi Hos Komuniti Setempat Selangor Daerah Kuala Selangor dan Sabak Bernam Tahun 2025 di Hotel Wydham, di sini hari ini. 

Kata Suee Lim, belum ada statistik inap desa yang lengkap di seluruh Selangor tetapi di Sabak Bernam ada 140 inap desa dikenal pasti dan sedang dibuat pemutihan dan sedang dalam pendaftaran serta pemberian lesen sementara. 

Dalam perkembangan lain, beliau memaklumkan Selangor bercadang untuk melanjutkan lagi Kempen Tahun Melawat Selangor (TMS) 2025 hingga ke tahun hadapan dalam usaha mempromosikan lagi tempat-tempat menarik serta meningkatkan jumlah pelancong. 

"Ya, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari akan mengumumkan secara terperinci tentang prosesnya dalam masa terdekat. Kita sedang dalam usaha menyediakan semua itu," katanya.

-berita harian online.

Women turn their village garden into a tourist attraction

 

Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai (left) and Catherine Barantis touring the women-run communal farm at Kampung Bambangan Lama, Kiulu. – Pic by Sabah Tourism Board

TUARAN: A women-run recreational centre is being developed as part of an agrotourism initiative to boost the livelihoods of villagers from Kampung Bambangan Lama. 

The women had initially set up a communal vegetable farm at their village's recreational centre, selling produce such as cherry tomatoes, aubergines, kailan, and winter melons to supplement their income while also meeting their own household needs. 

Farm leader Catherine Barantis said that while the earnings might not be substantial, they made a meaningful difference. 

"Some of us can earn up to RM4,000 a year. It may not sound like much, but it's the fruit of our own labour. We also grow food for our families, so nothing goes to waste," she said in a statement.  

Last year, the Kampung Bambangan Lama Recreational Centre was nominated for the Asean Community-Based Tourism Standard in recognition of its community-driven approach, although it did not make the final cut. 

The farm allows visitors to experience simple farm-to-table activities — from picking vegetables straight from the garden to learning about village life.

Recently, the women received assistance from Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai to build a fence around their communal farm, protecting their crops from stray animals. 

"We are grateful for the support. With the fence, we can now focus on improving our farm, and this echoes our wakil rakyat's call for us to continue empowering ourselves and contributing through agrotourism," said Catherine. 

During his recent visit to the village, Joniston commended the women's efforts, describing them as a strong example of how rural women can lead community-based tourism through their own initiative. 

"These women are not just helping their families — they're showing how empowerment can begin at the community level. Through cooperation and creativity, small projects like this can bring value to both the people and the tourism experience," he said, adding that he hopes to continue supporting initiatives that benefit women and families in Kiulu.

-nst online.

“Mansau-Ansau North Borneo Trail” Terokai Hidden Gem Pelancongan Di Utara Sabah

 

KOTA KINABALU, 9 Julai 2025 – Tourism Malaysia Sabah telah menganjurkan program lawatan bertemakan “Mansau-Ansau North Borneo Trail: Culture, Adventure & Nature” yang berlangsung dari 4 hingga 8 Julai 2025, bertujuan mempromosikan kawasan utara Sabah sebagai ‘hidden gem’ pelancongan yang kaya dengan khazanah alam semula jadi serta warisan budaya yang unik. 

Inisiatif ini merupakan sebahagian daripada sokongan terhadap Kempen Cuti-Cuti Malaysia dan Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), dengan memberi tumpuan kepada daerah-daerah seperti Tamparuli, Tuaran, Kota Belud, Kota Marudu, dan Kudat. Lokasi-lokasi ini menawarkan pengalaman pelancongan berteraskan alam semula jadi, kebudayaan, dan pengembaraan yang masih belum diterokai sepenuhnya oleh pelancong arus perdana. 

Berasal daripada Bahasa Kadazan Dusun, “Mansau Ansau” bermaksud “jalan-jalan”. Program ini menghimpunkan seramai sembilan peserta terdiri daripada wakil media tempatan, pempengaruh media sosial serta rakan industri pelancongan dari Kuala Lumpur, Sarawak, dan Brunei. 

Antara sorotan utama program ini termasuk kunjungan ke destinasi ikonik seperti Tip of Borneo di Kudat dan Floating Coral Bar di Pitas. Peserta turut diberi peluang merasai sentuhan asli budaya setempat di Walai Tobilung melalui aktiviti seperti upacara bobolian, permainan alat muzik tradisional, persembahan tarian kebudayaan, serta demonstrasi penyediaan juadah warisan yang diwarisi turun-temurun. 

Lawatan diteruskan dengan kunjungan ke pusat-pusat kraftangan komuniti seperti Sulaman Pis di Kudat, kraf kulit jagung (Corn Husk Craft) di Kota Marudu, serta Sulaman Serdang dan pembuatan parang di Kota Belud yang menonjolkan daya kreativiti dan kemahiran masyarakat setempat. 

Pengalaman mendaki di Aura Montoria, Kota Belud menjadi salah satu tarikan utama dalam program ini, yang menawarkan laluan pendakian mencabar dan dianggap sebagai antara lokasi pendakian terbaik di Sabah. 

Di Kampung Sangkir, Kota Belud, peserta diberi peluang untuk menikmati suasana kampung melalui aktiviti berbasikal yang dikelilingi panorama sawah padi yang menghijau. Manakala di Tembara River Cruise, Tuaran pula melengkapkan eksplorasi kali ini dengan pelayaran menyusuri sungai bagi menyaksikan matahari terbenam dan kelip-kelip yang memukau, salah satu tarikan istimewa pada waktu malam. 

Program ini turut merangkumi inisiatif pembangunan pelancongan luar bandar yang menitikberatkan penglibatan komuniti setempat serta pemeliharaan alam semula jadi, yang digerakkan oleh penggiat industri tempatan. Menurut Pengarah Tourism Malaysia Sabah, Cik Haryanty Abu Bakar, program ini selari dengan usaha Tourism Malaysia dalam memperluas promosi pelancongan negeri Sabah melalui kepelbagaian produk, khususnya di kawasan yang kurang diterokai. 

“Program ini juga merupakan salah satu strategi mendekati khalayak digital, di mana pengamal media berperanan penting dalam mengetengahkan produk pelancongan menerusi pendekatan penceritaan atau travel storytelling yang mampu memberi impak besar dalam ekosistem promosi pelancongan era digital masa kini,” tambah beliau. 

Tourism Malaysia amat menghargai sokongan dan kerjasama semua pihak dalam memperkenalkan destinasi pelancongan unik di Sabah, khususnya di kawasan luar bandar, dan akan terus memperkukuh jalinan strategik ini dalam memastikan kejayaan pelaksanaan Visit Malaysia 2026.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Desa Kirana to turn 20 rural villages into tourism hubs by 2026

 

PETALING JAYA: A total of 20 rural destinations across Malaysia are set to be transformed into vibrant tourism hubs under the Desa Kirana@KKDW programme, a key initiative by the Rural and Regional Development Ministry (KKDW) to boost rural economies ahead of Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2026. 

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the programme, which offers structured rural tourism products, is expected to yield measurable outcomes by next year, including at least a 20 per cent increase in income for targeted groups, depending on the product and location. 

"Currently, two pilot sites have been selected, Kampung Pulau Tanjung Surat in Johor and Kampung Lonek in Negeri Sembilan, based on their high potential in offering rural tourism experiences, vibrant community-based activities, and rich cultural and heritage attractions. 

"Overall, Desa Kirana@KKDW is expected to serve as a catalyst for sustainable and inclusive rural tourism growth, transforming rural villages into competitive and appealing tourist destinations.

"The programme, spearheaded by KKDW's Community Economic Development Division (EK), is also a 2025 'game changer' aimed at strengthening the rural tourism ecosystem," he said during the official launch of Desa Kirana@KKDW at Sunway Putra Hotel today. 

Also present was Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development Datuk Rubiah Wang.

Earlier, Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, chaired the 1/2025 MEXCLUB Coordination Meeting held in conjunction with the launch. 

He said Desa Kirana@KKDW aims to comprehensively promote existing rural tourism attractions, particularly those under KKDW and its affiliated agencies, to both domestic and international visitors. 

"The programme also targets modern travellers, such as digital nomads, who may wish to temporarily reside in Desa Kirana locations equipped with amenities suited for a flexible, digital lifestyle. 

"It also aims to uplift the socio-economic status of rural communities through integrated and holistic implementation involving collaboration with local communities, government agencies and the private sector. 

"The initiative supports efforts to bridge development and economic gaps between urban and rural areas, curb youth migration to cities, and showcase the unique identity of Malaysia's villages to a global audience." 

He said the programme will enable rural communities to generate income through niche tourism products available in their respective areas. 

"Desa Kirana@KKDW will focus on five key tourism elements: heritage and culture, natural attractions, gastronomy, traditional products, and activities. 

"Its implementation will be supported through training and capacity-building where needed, the utilisation of existing facilities such as the Village Community Centres (PKD) and Nadi, as well as the activation of digital platforms like Desamall and others for promotion and bookings."

-nst online.

Karnival Rasa Asli Desa RISDA 2025 @ Perkarangan Tempat Letak Kereta, Wangsa Walk Mall ( 27 ~ 30 Jun 2025 )

 

Karnival Rasa Asli Desa RISDA 2025

Rasa kampung, gaya bandar – semuanya dalam satu karnival yang penuh warna dan rasa!

> 60 Masakan Tradisional

> 28 Usahawan Tempatan

> 14 Negeri Diwakili

Lokasi: Perkarangan Tempat Letak Kereta, Wangsa Walk Mall, Wangsa Maju, Kuala Lumpur

Tarikh: 27 - 30 Jun 2025 (Jumaat - Isnin)

Masa: 8.00 pagi - 11.00 malam

Datang dan alami sendiri citarasa warisan desa dari seluruh Malaysia!

Pelbagai hidangan istimewa negeri — semuanya ada di sini!

Masuk adalah Percuma

Pelbagai aktiviti & kejutan menanti anda!

Jangan lupa kongsi detik manis anda di media sosial dengan #RasaAsliDesa

Anjuran: RISDA

Dengan Kerjasama: Wangsa Walk Mall, RisSMart

-RISDA.

Community-Based Tourism (CBT) Conference & Expo 2025 @ Suria Sabah Shopping Mall ( 28 & 29 June 2025 )

 

Community-Based Tourism (CBT) Conference & Expo 2025 is coming your way!

Date: 28 & 29 June 2025

Venue: Suria Ballroom, Level 8, Suria Sabah Shopping Mall

Join us for an exciting 2-day event that highlights community-led tourism, celebrating culture, sustainability, and the local stories that make Malaysia truly unique. From inspiring showcases to interactive activities, there’s something for everyone.

Admission is FREE

Mark your calendars and bring the whole family.

-Sabah, Malaysian Borneo.

Taiwan-Sabah partnership aims to boost sustainable tourism

 

Five universities from Taiwan have formalised a partnership with four Sabah-based tourism associations to promote agro- and community-based tourism in the Malaysian state.

The collaboration was formalised with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Kota Kinabalu. It aims to promote sustainable tourism development through knowledge exchange, community engagement, and academic-industry cooperation. The MoU is also expected to support capacity-building among local stakeholders and contribute to long-term, values-driven tourism initiatives.

The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Sabah government and representatives of the Malaysia Talent Education and Industry-Academia Collaboration Association, who accompanied the Taiwanese delegation.

The participating Taiwanese institutions are Dayeh University, National Chi Nan University, Nan Kai University of Technology, Lee-Ming Institute of Technology, and the Taiwan Agro and Rural Tourism Association. Their Sabah counterparts include the Kiulu Tourism Association, Tambunan Tourism Association, Sabah Tenom Coffee Entrepreneurs Association, and the Tambatuon Village Women’s Community Association in Kota Belud.

The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) will facilitate the collaboration as part of its broader efforts to develop inclusive and sustainable tourism models.

STB chairman and assistant minister of tourism, culture and environment, Joniston Bangkuai, said the initiative aligns with the Sabah Maju Jaya development blueprint, which highlights agriculture and tourism as key economic drivers.

He noted that “agro-tourism plays a vital role in enhancing visitor experiences while directly empowering rural communities”, adding that STB has identified 51 agro-tourism products across Sabah and is piloting a digital data platform in Kiulu to guide rural tourism strategies.

-TTG Asia.

Sabah siblings, in-law walk 1,080km to promote rural tourism

 

Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit (left) and former Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment permanent secretary Datuk Yusrie Abdullah (right) with the four adventurers who walked 1,080km to promote rural tourism. Pic courtesy of STB

KOTA KINABALU: After 52 nights, three siblings and the wife of one of them completed a journey of 1,080km, walking across 18 districts in Sabah. 

One of them, Ismardy Mosial, 47, said the idea came about six months ago when they felt the need to do something significant in their lives while their physical health still allowed them to do so. 

The former banker added that they also wanted their quest to contribute to Sabah's tourism industry by exploring lesser-known yet attractive places. 

With limited resources, the four adventurers kickstarted their journey on Feb 1 from Tun Mustapha Tower here, carrying only about RM500.

Following the coastal route, they walked through Kota Kinabalu, Kota Marudu, Kota Belud, Pitas, Paitan, Beluran, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Tawau, Merotai, Kalabakan, Sapulut, Nabawan, Keningau, Tambunan, and Penampang. 

They typically covered between 25 and 35km from sunset to sunrise. During the daytime, they camped by roadsides, in the jungle, or near rivers.

"We were lucky to receive support from well-wishers along the way, who shared food and offered us places to rest during the day," he told the media after concluding their journey at the Sabah Tourism Board building here. 

The youngest sibling, Dominic, 39, a former rock climbing trainer at Mount Kinabalu, said traveling on foot allowed them access to many hidden gems. 

"We either stumbled upon these places ourselves or were guided by locals. 

"Among them are the Columnar Basalt Balung Cocos in Tawau; a former World War II site that has been turned into a rabbit farm in Telupid; Felda Umas in Tawau; and, Gunung Alab in Tambunan, where temperatures can drop to 13 degrees Celsius. 

"We also visited the handicraft stalls at Kampung Timbang, Kota Belud. 

"We also encountered an elephant in Kalabakan, as well as snakes, deer, foxes, slow lorises, and the Kenyalang bird," he added. 

To promote local handicrafts, they carried traditional Sabah bags known as wakid and barait and shared their experiences on social media via https://www.tiktok.com/@tehtarikgo. 

The other two members of the group are Sofian, 42, a retired soldier, and Faulah Paul Paimol, 45, who is ismardy's wife. 

Their journey caught the attention of former Sabah Tourism, Culture, and Environment Ministry permanent secretary Datuk Mohd Yusrie Abdullah.

Apart from supporting their endeavor, Yusrie also informed the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) about their attempt to enter the Malaysia Book of Records while promoting Sabah. 

STB chief executive officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit said there is potential for collaboration with the group to promote rural tourism through promotional videos or by creating a new tourism product involving walking expeditions to explore Sabah.

-nst online.

Empowering Islamic Rural Tourism & Strengthening Global Networks

Empowering Islamic Rural Tourism & Strengthening Global Networks

ITC is proud to collaborate with Pertubuhan Pengusaha Homestay Malaysia (PPHM) to strengthen Islamic rural tourism and global networking. On 4 March 2025, ITC attended the launch of the International Islamic Homestay Festival 2025 at Masjid Muadz Bin Jabal, Setiawangsa, Kuala Lumpur, which was held in conjunction with an iftar gathering. 

As the host of the International Islamic Homestay Festival 2025, Malaysia will welcome 70 students from Japan, 30 participants from ASEAN countries, and over 200 local community members for a meaningful exchange of culture, education, and authentic Islamic tourism experiences. The event will take place from 3 to 6 March 2025 at Masjid Muadz Bin Jabal, Setiawangsa, Kuala Lumpur, and Homestay Desa Murni, Temerloh, Pahang. 

Throughout the festival, participants and visitors can enjoy a variety of exciting activities, including: 

Ø> Religious talks by renowned speakers on the concept of Islamic tourism. 

Ø> Iftar gatherings with the local Muslim community at the mosque. 

Ø> Ramadan community service activities with the local residents. 

Ø> Cultural performances showcasing Islamic arts from Malaysia and participating countries. 

Ø> An exhibition on Islamic tourism and Muslim-friendly hospitality, featuring service providers from both local and international markets.

This initiative aims to enhance Islamic rural tourism and build international networks in the homestay industry, aligning with Malaysia’s vision to become the leading global Muslim-friendly destination.

-Islamic Tourism Centre.

Pesta Angin Timur Perlis 2025 @ Kampung Lat Seribu, Perlis ( 21 ~ 23 Februari 2025 )

 

Bahang kian terasa, Pesta Angin Timur Perlis kini kembali!!!

Jangan lepaihkan peluang ni!

Jom kita bersatu hati memeriahkan Pesta Angin Timoq Perlis 2025.

Tarikh: 21-23 Februari 2025 (Jumaat - Ahad)

Masa: 8.00 pagi - 11:30 malam

Lokasi: Kampung Lat Seribu, Tambun Tulang, Arau, Perlis.

-Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara.

Sabah community-based tourism connects with Peninsula agents

 

Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister cum Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai (second left) alongside Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit (left), Tourism Malaysia Sabah Director Haryanty Abu Bakar (second right) and Kiulu Tourism Association president Meijin Maginggow.

KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 15): Sabah is pioneering efforts to promote rural destinations, bringing its community-based tourism (CoBT) operators to Peninsular Malaysia. For the first time, Sabah CoBT operators met with travel agents from Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Selangor in a business-to-business (B2B) session.

“I believe Sabah is the first state ever to stage a roadshow specifically to promote and market rural tourism products at the national level,”Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said.

The B2B session kicks off efforts to promote Sabah’s rural tourism products at the Sabah Community Based Tourism Fair (SCBTF) 2024, which will take place from October 16 to 20 at IOI Mall Putrajaya. He described the event as a “game-changer” that opens new opportunities for collaboration.

“We are leveraging the growing back-to-nature trend among tourists,” he said at a press conference held at the Moxy Hotel Putrajaya on Tuesday, where a B2B session also took place.

The session involved 27 tourism associations from 22 districts in Sabah, introducing agents to various cultural, adventure and nature-based experiences offered in rural Sabah.

Participating associations include representatives from districts of Ranau, Inanam, Kota Belud, Kiulu, Tuaran, Papar, Membakut, Kuala Penyu, Sipitang, Penampang, Tenom, Nabawan, Kemabong, Keningau, Tambunan, Kota Marudu, Kudat, Pitas, Tongod, Telupid, Beluran, Kunak, Lahad Datu and Kinabatangan.

Joniston, who is also chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board and organising chairman of the SCBTF, said these experiences are unique and essential for rural economic growth.

“We aim to attract more visitors to our rural areas, and the potential for collaboration is enormous. “The Sabah state government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment, supports rural communities, and we hope to conduct similar events internationally to connect our CoBT operators with larger markets,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit said STB is dedicated to supporting rural communities by providing essential guidance and resources for promoting our rural destinations domestically and internationally.

“Tourism is a platform to empower rural communities, driving socio-economic growth and fostering sustainable communities in line with SDG (Sustainable Development Goal) Goal 11.”

The five-day event, which will also include the participation of the five handicraft cooperative entrepreneurs, will feature 34 booths from various tourism associations and local products from Sabah.

Julinus said attendees can expect various activities, including cultural dance performances, traditional games, craft demonstrations, and live performances by local Sabahan artist Zachkiddin Zachry. “Visitors can also immerse themselves in Virtual Reality (VR) experiences that provide a glimpse into Sabah’s unique rural landscapes,” he said.

Visitors will also have opportunities to win exciting prizes through crossword puzzles, word searches, lucky draws, and the interactive Spin-the-Wheel sessions held throughout the day.

-Borneo Post Online.

Sabah's community-based tourism fair finally gets peninsula showcase

 

Sabah Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai (behind, centre) with the participants who attended the KTA appreciation programme. - Photo courtesy of STB.

KIULU: Sabah will bring its community-based tourism fair to the peninsula for the first time.

Sabah Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the fair would be held at the IOI City Mall, Putrajaya in Oct.

Joniston, who is also Sabah Tourism Board chairman, said the move was to get rural tourism product operators to venture into bigger markets.

"This event offers tour operators and rural tourism product operators a chance to get together and discuss ways to improve rural destination packages for new markets," he said during the 2024 Kiulu Tourism Association Appreciation programme, here. A total of 26 community-based tourism operators and 40 private entrepreneurs attended the programme.

The Kiulu assemblyman said a mentor and mentee system would be introduced in Kiulu to provide a platform for tourism operators to share their success stories with newcomers. "STB is identifying mentors and mentees for the programme. The sessions will be done in phases," he said.

He also announced that three Sabah rural operators had been shortlisted for this year's Asean Tourism Standard Accreditation. They are Murug-Turug Eco Tourism, Lingga Eco Tourism and Bambangan Lama Eco Tourism, which had met the 10 criteria set for the prestigious award.

"The main criteria emphasises management, business direction, standard operating procedures and how the tourism activities would impact the local economy.

"Most importantly, all these must be documented," he said, adding that winning the award would strengthen Sabah's growing international reputation for rural tourism.

Also present were STB chief executive officer Julinud Jimit and KTA president Mejin Manginggow.

-nst online.

Not left behind: Sabah Tourism Board records 133 rural tourism products in 10 poorest districts

 

Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai visiting Walai Tobilung Kg. Minansad tourism products in Kota Marudu. - Pic courtesy of Sabah Tourism Board

KOTA KINABALU: Remote villages in Sabah will not be excluded from tourism initiatives to improve the livelihood of the rural poor, said Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.

The board has recorded 133 rural tourism products in the 10 poorest districts in Sabah, involving community-based tourism, homestays and privately owned ventures.

Tongod has six products, Beluran has two, Pitas has five, Kinabatangan has six, Kota Marudu has 20, Tuaran has 38, Ranau has 35 and Lahad Datu has 12.

In a recent Dewan Rakyat sitting, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli highlighted these districts as among the poorest based on the Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2022 report.

Two other districts are Nabawan, with three products, and Telupid, with six products, which were listed in the Statistics Department's Poverty Index 2022 report.

Bangkuai, who is also the state's assistant tourism, culture and environment minister, said tourism was vital in driving economic recovery in these districts.

"The Sabah Tourism Board's product division has been tasked with identifying potential rural tourism products and providing essential aid to local communities to grow in tourism."

He said he hoped to meet Rafizi to present tourism-related initiatives, emphasising the need for cohesive efforts to uplift Sabah from poverty.

"It's crucial to involve the Economy Ministry in our plans to allow it to understand better how it can support Sabah's journey out of poverty.

"We firmly believe that tourism is a cornerstone in empowering rural communities and fostering economic growth.

"As most rural folks are farmers, we see great potential in turning agricultural activities into agro-tourism."

Developing tourism products with a focus on the poorest districts was brought up during the Sabah Tourism Board's Rural Tourism Product Committee meeting.

The discussion focused on plans to enhance tourism to yield concrete results.

The Sabah Tourism Board highlighted some attractions in the state:

TONGOD: Tinopikon Langkabon Eco-Tourism, Kampung Kulat Tagal Eco-Tourism, Kampung Totomolon Tagal Eco-Tourism and Chinese Heritage House Kuala Tongod.

BELURAN: Sugut Conservation Area and Tangkol Crossing Memorial in Kampung Muanad.

PITAS: Supirak Island, Piniapat Hill, Pitas Floating Coral Bar and Kem Cinta Alam Paitan.

KINABATANGAN: Miso Walai Homestay, Suan Lamba Kampung Lanut and Bilit Homestay.

KOTA MARUDU: Walai Tobilung Kampung Minansad, Sorinsim Sub Station, Kokobuan Waterfall Eco-Tourism in Kampung Gana, Liogu Noruod Kampung Sungoi, Togudon Geo Tourism Kampung Togudon, Liogu Stamping Kampung Marak Park and Mount Cochrane Kampung Kirangawan.

TUARAN-TAMPARULI: Mantaranau Jungle Track and Recreation, Kokobuan Trig Hill and Eco Tourism, Murug-Turug Eco-Tourism, Mara Kara Hill and Eco-Tourism, Koperasi Pelancongan Kampung Tiong Simpodon, Monggiland Eco-Tourism and Bundu Tohuri Forest Adventure Park.

TUARAN-KIULU: Moninduk Sirung Kampung Tiong Temburong, Kaliposuan Recreation View, Mitabang Homestay, Dapako Hill Lingga Eco-Tourism, Pusat Rekreasi Bambangan Lama, Tongkoluson Campsite, Kiulu Farmstay, Kampung Stay Tombung, Sinorut Eco-Tourism, Lambing Park Eco Tourism, Tukad Gonipis Sandangau, Pomompuhunyan Sinompuruan Campsite, Sinansag Eco-Tourism, Lubok Riverside Campsite and Recreation Centre, Lokub Eco-Tourism, Ratau Eco-Tourism, Poturidong River and Nature Hike, Tagahas Cultural Group Pukak Village, and Talantang Eco-Tourism.

RANAU: Tagal Luanti, Tagal Nalapak, Tukad Gonipis Kampung Tudan, Bombon Marakau, Lugas Hill Eco-Tourism, Tiang Lama Eco-Tourism, Lugas Hill, Tinagas Cultural Centre Kampung Sinurai, Tagal Thinkoyodon Malinsau Darat and Wasai Gondou Eco Tourism.

-nst online.