Sabah is seeking to strengthen its position as a destination for camping and glamping, with Tourism Malaysia highlighting the state’s varied landscapes as a foundation for outdoor-focused tourism growth.
Tourism Malaysia Sabah director Haryanty Abu Bakar said the agency is working with local organisers to promote niche tourism sectors such as outdoor adventure and community-based experiences.
She identified Tuaran, located about 90 minutes from Kota Kinabalu, as an area with strong potential for developing these activities.
Her comments came during a recent camping and glamping gathering in Tuaran, where 131 participants joined. About 70 percent of attendees were domestic tourists from Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia, while others traveled from Brunei, Singapore, and Indonesia.
“Tuaran is not just a place to pass through. Once visitors stop here, they will find activities to do, sights to see, and experiences to enjoy,” she told Nabalu News.
The growing interest in camping and glamping has opened new opportunities for local communities.
Boat operators, caterers, and service providers benefit from the influx of visitors, and more than 10 operators have already established campsites in the Kota Kinabalu area.
To further support this trend, Tourism Malaysia has released a Camping and Glamping Directory to meet demand and connect travelers with available options.
Sabah’s natural features, including beaches, mountains, and rivers, continue to be central to its tourism strategy.
Popular camping areas include Melangkap, while highland sites are emerging as new destinations.
With the state’s 2026 tourism campaign approaching, camping and glamping will be promoted alongside established activities such as island-hopping and cultural heritage tours.
As part of the recent program, Haryanty visited beachside campsites and mangrove walkways, accompanied by Saffary Dino Othman, owner of Borneo Beautiful, which manages the site.
For business owners in outdoor hospitality, the developments in Sabah provide an example of how destinations can leverage natural assets and niche tourism segments to create new revenue streams, diversify visitor experiences, and engage local communities in sustainable tourism growth.