
Kota Belud makes debut as stopover on Sail Malaysia's Passage to the East this year
State Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who is also Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chairman, said Kota Belud's inclusion is a fitting addition to the rally as the district is known for its horse-riding tradition.
It is also known for its strong Bajau heritage and growing reputation in community-based tourism, he said.
The annual sailing rally, which began in April, will arrive in Sabah this July with over 31 yachts and 70 participants from 15 countries scheduled to explore coastal and inland attractions from July 18 to Sept 1.
New participating countries include Lebanon, Turkey, Kuwait, Tunisia, and India, reflecting the growing global interest in Malaysia's sailing route and Sabah's diverse tourism offerings.
Bangkuai, who serves as patron of Sail Malaysia Borneo, said the rally helps promote Sabah to international travellers and strengthens its position as a culture, adventure and nature destination.
'The inclusion of new countries and destinations like Kota Belud is a promising sign as Sabah builds momentum toward Visit Malaysia Year 2026,' he said.
Sabah's growing popularity as a yachting destination is also supported by ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure, with several new berthing areas, including in Tuaran, being identified to cater to increasing interest from international sailors, he added.
Bangkuai encouraged organisers to enhance collaboration with the STB to further promote the Sabah leg as a key highlight of the entire rally.
He recently chaired a Sail Malaysia coordination meeting attended by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) and key tourism stakeholders to ensure smooth operations and safety throughout the Sabah segment.
Sail Malaysia managing director Sazli Kamal Basha said the rally follows the familiar eastern route starting in Langkawi, with Sabah stops including Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran, Kudat, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Kinabatangan, Sandakan, Tawau and Semporna.
'Participants will have the rare opportunity to sail inland along the Kinabatangan River, one of Sabah's most iconic wildlife corridors, known for its rich biodiversity and natural beauty,' he said.
He said many sailors are drawn to Sabah for its natural beauty, safe harbours and the warm welcome offered by local communities.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Star
5 hours ago
- The Star
Misuse of tourism licences will lead to firm consequences, warns Tiong
KUALA LUMPUR: Firm action will be taken against the misuse of licences, including dive permits, tour guide credentials, and travel agency approvals if found guilty, says Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. In a Facebook post Saturday (July 26), the Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister responded to a viral video showing a clash between a diving instructor and a foreign tourist in Semporna, Sabah, which has sparked public concern. Initial findings suggest that the incident began during a dive trip when an air tank was improperly placed on the boat deck and accidentally dropped, injuring the instructor's foot. A dispute ensued, which later escalated into a physical confrontation. "The case is now under formal investigation and the instructor has been arrested. Relevant enforcement agencies will work closely to uncover the full story and ensure the process is legal, fair, and transparent," he said. "While investigations continue, the ministry will monitor the case and address any non-compliance in tourism activities." Tiong urged tourism operators to strictly adhere to safety and operational guidelines to prevent similar incidents, while also stressing the importance of tourists cooperating with guides and instructors to ensure their safety and that of others. He also reminded operators to uphold professionalism and treat guests with respect, ensuring that there is no violence, insults, or intimidation involved, except in clear cases of self-defence, and to respond calmly and strive to resolve issues peacefully when faced with rude behaviour. "As Malaysia is known globally as a friendly and welcoming destination, we take pride in our natural beauty and cultural diversity, and we welcome travellers from around the world," he said. He added that with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 approaching, all parties must play their part in protecting the country's image, ensuring that every visitor better understands and respects Malaysia's laws, culture, and norms. "I call on all tourism players to work together to create a safe, respectful, and professional environment, so that both visitors and hosts can fully enjoy the best of Malaysia," he said. – Bernama


Borneo Post
11 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Bookings now open for AirAsia's new routes to Pontianak from Kuching, KL
Ria (front, fourth left) in a group photo with other distinguished guests during the launch of AirAsia's new travel routes in West Kalimantan. — Photo by Kentigern Minggu PONTIANAK (July 26): AirAsia's new flight routes between Kuching and Pontianak, as well as Kuala Lumpur and Pontianak, are now open for bookings from today until August 3, 2025, for travel between September 12, 2025 and March 28, 2026. Flights from Kuching to Pontianak are available from as low as RM149 one-way, while flights from Pontianak to Kuching start from IDR467,371. Meanwhile, flights from Kuala Lumpur to Pontianak start at RM159 one-way, with return flights from Pontianak priced from IDR499,000. According to West Kalimantan Governor Drs H Ria Norsan, these new routes serve the interests of all three cities as they not only facilitate easier access for travellers, but also boost trade, investment and tourism flows. 'West Kalimantan stands ready to welcome more Malaysian visitors, while providing convenient access for Indonesians seeking business opportunities, leisure travel and medical services in Sarawak and Kuala Lumpur,' he said when launching the AirAsia flight routes in conjunction with the Sarawak Travel Fair by Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) at Ayani Megamall here today. He added that the route is especially important as many Indonesians, particularly from Pontianak, seek medical treatment in Kuching, as well as in Penang and Kuala Lumpur. This expansion follows AirAsia's rapid growth in Indonesia, including the recent launch of the Kuala Lumpur–Palembang route in July and the upcoming Kuala Lumpur–Semarang route in September. With the addition of Pontianak, AirAsia Malaysia will serve a total of 17 destinations in Indonesia, operating 223 weekly flights between Malaysia and Indonesia, solidifying its position as the airline with the widest network serving the archipelago. The launch of these routes also enhances regional connectivity and supports both governments' tourism targets, Malaysia's goal of attracting 4.3 million Indonesian visitors in 2025, and Sarawak's target of five million visitor arrivals by year-end. It also contributes to Indonesia's national goal of recording 16 million international tourist arrivals, with Malaysia remaining one of its top source markets. In March 2020, the flights between Kuching and Pontianak, as well as Kuala Lumpur and Pontianak, were fully suspended, following the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, compounded by the temporary reclassification of Supadio Airport to domestic status. This year, the route has resumed following the reinstatement of Supadio Airport in Pontianak as an international airport, as stated by Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin in a recent statement. Previously, former Consul-General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching, Raden Sigit Witjaksono, had commented that direct flights between Kuching and Pontianak would greatly benefit both regions—particularly in view of Indonesia's capital relocation from Jakarta to Nusantara in East Kalimantan. Lee also acknowledged Raden's vital role, noting that his support and coordination were instrumental in the route's reinstatement. Bookings are now available on the AirAsia MOVE app and at Also present at the event were Consul of Malaysia in Pontianak Azizul Zekri Abd Rahim, STB's marketing director Barbara Benjamin Atan, AirAsia's head of commercial Liyana Mahizzan, and other distinguished guests. Airasia bookings kuala lumpur Kuching lead Pontianak flights


Daily Express
19 hours ago
- Daily Express
Sabah welcomes new T'way charter service from Daegu
Published on: Saturday, July 26, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jul 26, 2025 Text Size: STB Deputy CEO Tay Shu Lan (sixth from right), STB Senior Marketing Manager Humphrey Ginibun (fifth from right) and T'way Air Regional Manager KK Airport Station Kim Minkeun (fourth from right) with T'way Air pilots and crew at KKIA. Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) welcomed a new direct charter service by T'way Air from Daegu, South Korea, to Kota Kinabalu. Operating four times a week - every Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday – this seasonal route runs from July 24 to Aug 24. The first flight, which landed at Kota Kinabalu International Airport at 9.35pm on Thursday, received a strong response with 182 passengers on board. This seasonal route marks a key development in enhancing international air connectivity to Sabah and is expected to significantly boost inbound tourism from South Korea, one of the State's key markets. 'We are thrilled to welcome T'way Air and its passengers to Sabah,' said Julinus Jeffery Jimit, CEO of the Sabah Tourism Board. 'This new charter flight service reflects Sabah's position as a key destination for South Korean travellers, known for their love of tropical nature and cultural discovery. We are confident this will be an important step in revitalising tourism flows and offering South Koreans easier access to the incredible experiences Sabah has to offer.' As of May 2025, Sabah received 76,685 South Korean visitors, reflecting a growing demand for the State's unique natural and cultural offerings. This seasonal charter complements T'way Air's existing daily service between Incheon and Kota Kinabalu, further reinforcing the airline's commitment to the Sabah market. Sabah offers a range of attractions perfect for South Korean tourists, including world-class diving, pristine islands, lush jungles, indigenous heritage and Mount Kinabalu – a Unesco World Heritage site. Known for their love of eco-tourism and tropical escapes, South Korean travellers will find Sabah an ideal destination for nature and adventure. This charter initiative is a result of close collaboration between Sabah Tourism Board, T'way Air and local tourism operators, further strengthening Sabah's position as a must-visit destination for travellers from South Korea. The Board is confident that this service will not only drive more immediate tourism growth but also set the stage for expanded air services in the future. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia