Sabah Unveils Hidden Gem for Malaysia’s 2026 Tourism Boom – Discover the Untouched Beauty of Tambunan!

Published on December 10, 2025

The district of Tambunan, often referred to as “The Switzerland of the East” for its breathtaking natural landscapes, has become an increasingly popular destination for domestic tourism. In a recent move to highlight this growth, Tourism Malaysia Sabah organized a two-day familiarization trip to the region, which took place recently. This initiative aims to showcase the area’s rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty while boosting its appeal as a key domestic tourism destination.

Tourism Malaysia’s Familiarization Trip to Tambunan

The familiarization trip, now in its third edition, was attended by representatives from travel agencies and local media outlets. The goal of the initiative was to immerse participants in the unique experiences that Tambunan offers to visitors. The trip centered on rural tourism experiences, particularly at Kampung Sunsuron Homestay, where visitors were treated to traditional Kadazan Dusun cuisine and were given the opportunity to stay with the Dusun community.

During the trip, participants were also introduced to various cultural landmarks, including the famous ‘Skull House’, a traditional building that holds historical and cultural significance. The itinerary also featured visits to Mahua Waterfall in the Crocker Range Forest Reserve, the Rafflesia Information Centre, and the Sinurambi Viewing Point, where guests could enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area from the 14-meter tall wakid tower.

Nature-Based Tourism at Kawang-Kawang Canyon

A highlight of the trip was the visit to Kawang-Kawang Canyon, which underscored the growing potential of Kampung Tiong as a prominent player in nature-based tourism in Sabah’s interior. The canyon, known for its rugged beauty, offers tourists a chance to engage in adventure activities while immersing themselves in the natural environment. This aligns with the increasing demand for eco-tourism and adventure tourism in Sabah, which is renowned for its rich biodiversity and dramatic landscapes.

Promoting Cultural and Experiential Tourism in Sabah

Haryanty Abu Bakar, the Director of Tourism Malaysia Sabah, explained that the trip was designed to immerse media and travel industry players in experiential tourism. This type of tourism emphasizes hands-on experiences that allow visitors to connect with the local culture and heritage. By showcasing rural tourism opportunities in Tambunan, the initiative aims to enhance visitors’ understanding and appreciation of Sabah’s cultural heritage.

She highlighted the importance of Community-Based Tourism (CBT) in Sabah, a model that focuses on integrating local communities into the tourism experience, allowing tourists to interact with local cultures and traditions. The program is also intended to provide visitors with an authentic and immersive experience of the everyday lives of the Dusun people, who have long been the stewards of the region’s culture and land.

Enhancing Digital Reach for Greater Visibility

As part of the ongoing efforts to promote Sabah’s tourism, Tourism Malaysia has made it a priority to enhance its digital reach. This is especially important in light of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026), which aims to attract 47 million international visitors. According to Haryanty, media practitioners play a crucial role as storytellers who can effectively promote tourism in Malaysia. The trip to Tambunan was part of a broader effort to create compelling tourism content that could inspire both domestic and international travelers to explore the lesser-known regions of the country.

Tambunan and Its Role in Visit Malaysia Year 2026

The Mansau-Ansau Borneo Trail program, which highlights Tambunan, is one of several initiatives designed to increase the visibility of domestic destinations as part of the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026) campaign. The campaign’s goal is to position Malaysia as a top global travel destination by emphasizing its distinctive cultural and natural attractions. With a particular focus on rural tourism and eco-tourism, Sabah is expected to play a pivotal role in this national campaign, with Tambunan acting as a flagship destination.

Tourism Malaysia Sabah expressed confidence that the 47 million international visitors target for VM2026 is attainable, particularly with strong cooperation from tourism industry stakeholders. Sabah’s unique combination of cultural, natural, and adventure tourism offerings is expected to be central to the success of the campaign, and initiatives like the Mansau-Ansau Borneo Trail will be critical in bringing these attractions to the forefront.

Supporting Rural Tourism in Sabah

The focus on rural tourism is not just about promoting specific locations but also about supporting the broader development of Sabah’s interior. By highlighting Tambunan and other rural areas, Tourism Malaysia aims to encourage investment in local communities, creating sustainable opportunities for growth. Rural tourism in Sabah offers economic benefits for local communities, promotes cultural preservation, and helps distribute the benefits of tourism across the region.

Through initiatives like the Mansau-Ansau Borneo Trail, Tourism Malaysia is working to ensure that Sabah’s rural destinations become more accessible and appealing to both local and international travelers. By offering a combination of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and adventure, Tambunan is positioned to become a key destination within Sabah and contribute significantly to Malaysia’s broader tourism goals.

Looking Forward to Visit Malaysia Year 2026

As Visit Malaysia Year 2026 approaches, Sabah is poised to showcase its rich cultural and natural offerings to a global audience. With initiatives like the Mansau-Ansau Borneo Trail, the region is set to attract more visitors, particularly those seeking authentic cultural experiences and nature-based tourism. Tambunan, with its unique blend of culture, history, and nature, will play a vital role in this effort, further elevating Sabah’s status as a must-visit destination for travelers seeking both adventure and cultural enrichment.