Tourism Malaysia is highlighting 12 camping and glamping sites across Sabah as part of its strategy to promote niche tourism segments ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026.
The initiative responds to growing interest in outdoor stays and aims to position Sabah as a destination for nature-based accommodations.
One of the featured destinations, River Bay Beach, recently welcomed nearly 300 campers from Sabah, Brunei, and Peninsular Malaysia during the long weekend holidays marking the Sabah Day celebration.
The site is one of several identified for development under the campaign to attract visitors seeking outdoor experiences.
“We are developing this into a niche segment like camping near the beach, the mountain and the highland,” said Tourism Malaysia Sabah Director Haryanty Abu Bakar during the launch of the outdoor event at River Bay Beach.
Other camping areas mentioned include sites in Kota Belud near the Panataran and Wariu Rivers, Nohuto Eco Tourism, Polumpang Melangkap View Camp Site, and Tegudon Tourism Village.
In addition, the Kundasang region features several glamping options such as Tullynaw Glamping, Mongolian Yurt Wind Paradise Lodge, Umea Glam Kundasang, and Rundum Highlands in Tenom.
Tourism Malaysia is also promoting Tuaran as a potential stopover for travelers heading toward Kota Belud and other northern areas of Sabah.
“We want to make Tuaran not just a pass-by district, but a place to explore its products and experience its tourist spots,” Haryanty told the Daily Express.
She added that camping remains an accessible recreational activity, supported by more than ten camping gear providers around Kota Kinabalu. “So, if you want a different experience of getting back to nature and enjoying the beach, camping and glamping are part of it,” she said.
According to Haryanty, private operators play a role in developing the sector, with camping sites established by companies contributing to local economies through services such as boat transport, equipment rentals, and catering.
Tourism Malaysia has also produced a nationwide directory of camping and glamping sites to meet increasing demand.
“So, once we produced the directory, it means there is a demand. We are blessed in Sabah with its geographical offerings, not only by the beach but also near the mountains and rivers,” she added.
For outdoor hospitality operators, Sabah’s tourism push reflects expanding opportunities in Malaysia’s glamping and eco-camping market.
As interest in nature-based travel continues to rise ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026, private sector involvement is expected to be key in meeting evolving visitor preferences.