Hey 👋🏻 all, this time SiennyLovesDrawing 👩🏻 would like to share about her media attendance to witness the rebranding launch of Sabah’s Tourism Destination 🆕 Tagline ~ ✨ Feel Sabah, North Borneo ✨ ~ by YB Datuk Christina Liew 👩🏻💼, Minister of Tourism, Culture & Environment Sabah on the 1️⃣st day of MATTA Travel Fair 2023 (1️⃣ of the largest & most anticipated travel fairs by consumers in Malaysia) at Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC), KL 🇲🇾
“What better venue than this leading Travel Fair for Sabah Tourism Board (STB) to launch Sabah’s 🆕 destination rebranding ~ ✨ Feel Sabah, North Borneo✨ ~
This motto is punchy enough to capture people’sattention. Malaysians in other parts of the country will get to embrace this 🆕 promotional theme. I believe many among the younger generation may not be aware of Sabah’s historical & colourful past. So, while they feel Sabah’s beautiful nature, warm hospitality, cultural heritage & iconic wildlife, they also get to experience treasures of yesteryear such as antiques dating back to the North Borneo era. Furthermore, this emphasized our geographic location as a Malaysian State on theNorthern part of Borneo Island.” YB Datuk Christina Liew 👩🏻💼 remarked
This launch at the MATTA Travel Fair here will give a huge impetus to the growth of domestic tourism, said YB Datuk Christina Liew 👩🏻💼 after the flagged off 🔟 of 💯 e-hailing cars 🚗🚘🚖 which highlighted the Sabah’s 🆕 identity at MITEC, KL. According to her, all these vehicles bearing the ✨ Feel Sabah, North Borneo ✨ sticker will be around the Klang Valley area for 3️⃣ months as a promotion strategy
✨ Feel Sabah, North Borneo ✨
🆓 admission to the MATTA Fair, 17 to 19 March 2023 from 10am to 9pm. Very frequent 🆓 shuttle bus 🚌 available to MITEC KL is provided from KL Sentral & Sunway Putra Mall, easy convenient for all to visit it to support travel local #cuticutiMalaysia ya 🇲🇾💯👍🏻
Ohh ya …STB is also participating in the MATTA Travel Fair with 45 holiday-makers & accommodation providers from Sabah are offering holiday packages in Sabah at attractive prices. Do pay a visit to the Sabah Tourism booth which located at Booth no. 1E01, 1F01-1F16 & 1G01-1G08 at the Domestic Hall, Level 1
Do check out SiennyLovesDrawing ‘s LinkedIn photos album captured from the rebranding launch via 👩🏻📸📸 https://www.linkedin.com/posts/siennylovesdrawing_cuticutimalaysia-cuticutimalaysia-travellokal-activity-7042359626318704640-AM6r
Actually STB under the purview of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Environment Sabah, Malaysia 🇲🇾 has already launched the rebranding of Sabah’s tourism destination 🆕 tagline ~ ✨ ‘Feel Sabah, North Borneo’ ~ ✨ on 7 March 2023 at ITB Berlin 2023 (Internationale Tourismus-Borse Berlin), the world’s largest tourism trade fair at the Messe Berlin in Germany 🇩🇪 by YB Datuk Christina Liew 👩🏻💼, Assistant Minister cum STB Chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Datuk Mohd Yusrie Abdullah, STB Chief Executive Officer Noredah Othman as well as ministry & STB officials 💯👍🏻
“The name ~ North Borneo ~ (now Sabah) sounds exotic & evokes nostalgic feelings of yearning for this destination. It is also of historical significance as the state was then known as ‘North Borneo’ prior to gaining our Independence in 1963. People in many parts of the world (reportedly) haven’t heard about Sabah, despite decades of promoting this Land Below The Wind to the outside world, let alone know about our diverse natural attractions & iconic wildlife
However, we are aware that at the mention of Borneo or North Borneo, it rings a bell. Europeans in particular associate Sabah with Borneo. Hence, we are determined to rebrand this tourist destination with ✨ Feel Sabah, North Borneo ✨ to create a 🆕 identity in the travel marketplace. Sabah is home to spectacular natural wonders such as Mount Kinabalu, Maliau Basin & Tip of Borneo.” YB Datuk Christina Liew 👩🏻💼 has emphasized that STB wants the international community to know that Sabah is located in the northern part of Borneo Island in the hope of fascinating & wooing more European tourists, among others
Citing statistics from STB’s Research Division, YB Datuk Christina Liew 👩🏻💼 has shared that domestic travellers contributed two-thirds of the total tourism arrivals in Sabah prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. “For the pre-pandemic scenario, the total tourism arrivals in Sabah was 4.19 million visitors in 2019. That year, domestic tourism contributed 2.72 million arrivals while the figure for international arrivals stood at 1.47 million visitors. Last year, 80% of the 1.72 million arrivals to Sabah constituted domestic visitors. Based on the Domestic Visitors Profile survey in 2019, 1️⃣ finding is that for domestic visitors, shopping 🛍️🎁 activity is considered high ⬆️ compared with international visitors.” YB Datuk Christina Liew 👩🏻💼 further elaborated right after the launch of ✨ Feel Sabah, North Borneo ✨
With the recent resumption of international direct flights, cruise tourism & optimism about mounting regular or chartered flights from 🆕 destinations, Datuk Christina Liew informed that Sabah targets 2.2 million arrivals for 2023 & will work towards attaining 2.5 million arrivals. “If we succeed in hitting the 2.5 million mark, this would indicate an increase ⬆️ by 45.35% compared with 1.72 million arrivals in 2022.”
According to YB Datuk Christina Liew 👩🏻💼, Sabah’s top feeder markets in the past (based on 2019 data) had represented a good mix from Taiwan 🇹🇼, China 🇨🇳, Brunei 🇧🇳, Singapore 🇸🇬 & South Korea 🇰🇷 “For Europe specifically, our top inbound tourism markets are from Germany 🇩🇪, France 🇫🇷, Netherlands 🇳🇱 & Italy 🇮🇹”
YB Datuk Christina Liew 👩🏻💼 further explained that plans are a foot to explore prospects of luring tourists from 🆕 tourism markets in America 🇺🇲, Australia 🇦🇺, Japan 🇯🇵 & India 🇮🇳 via tourism roadshows by STB. Borneo Eco Tours, Borneo Nature Tours, Borneo Trails, Rustic Borneo, Sepilok Tropical Wildlife Adventure & Tabin Wildlife Reserve from Sabah are participating in ITB Berlin 2023, rated as the world’s leading travel trade show
During this rebranding launch of ✨ Feel Sabah, North Borneo ✨ & while explored all the Sabah travel booths at the MATTA Fair, SiennyLovesDrawing 👩🏻 really missed her #cuticutiMalaysia at Sabah last year, gonna plan her trips again, yeah 😃😁
So, Let’s Re-Discover Sabah, Malaysia 🇲🇾
Sitting atop the world’s 3️⃣rd-largest island of Borneo, Sabah is a destination of timeless beauty where experiences await to take travellers on an authentic, memorable journey through its vibrant culture & natural wonders. Its unique blend of modern & rustic charms ensures there is always something to suit everyone’s needs, for 1️⃣st-time visitors or returning guests
Whether it’s a simple promenade along the beach ⛱️🏖️, a stroll through the countryside, a cruise 🛳️ down the river, a mountain ⛰️ exploration, or a plunge into the crystal-clear ocean water 🌊, Sabah is an absolute gem 💎 in the heart of Southeast Asia 🌏, waiting to be discovered and revisited. Given its diverse landscape, which includes tropical rainforests 🌳🌳, beaches 🏖️⛱️ & mountainous ⛰️ regions, the 2️⃣nd largest Malaysian state has become a popular getaway in recent years
Sabah’s Blues 💙
With more than 300 islands 🏝️🗾, Sabah has the highest concentration of small islands in Malaysia 🇲🇾 overlooking the South China Sea, Sulu Sea & the Celebes Sea. Positioned away from the hustle & bustle of the city 🏙️, visitors can enjoy a moment of seclusion on the tropical islands & indulge in a myriad of activities while on vacation
From the Pulau Tiga’s volcanic 🌋 mud bath to Pulau Dinawan’s beach glamping 🏕️, to Pulau Mantanani’s crystal-clear waters 🌊, to Kudat’s surfing 🏄🏻♀️ experience & Pulau Bohey Dulang’s panoramic view of the Celebes Sea, there is always an idyllic island & beach to explore along the west & east coasts. Wherever you go in Sabah, you will also be treated to a spectacular sunset 🌄🌅 view that is sure to create a positive impression
Sabah’s Culture 💛
There’s no better way to immerse yourself in a 🆕 culture than by attending one of Sabah’s many annual festivals. The state is known for its diverse population, with the Kadazan Dusun being the largest indigenous group, followed by the Bajaus & the Muruts
Kaamatan, or Harvest Festival, is the most important event in the Kadazan Dusun community’s calendar. It is held throughout the month of May to express gratitude for a good harvest 🙏🏻 The celebration usually features traditional rituals to appease the paddy spirit 🌾, offering outsiders a glimpse into the ancient religion
The Tamu Besar, which takes place in Oct or Nov in the Kota Belud district, allows visitors to see Bajau horsemen dressed in vibrant traditional clothing in action. Visit the interior for the annual Kalimaran Festival in March to learn about Murut’s craftmanship or participate in the Semporna’s unique water 💦 festival ‘Regetta Lepa’ in Apr to experience the Bajau Laut or Sea Gypsies’ traditions
Sabah’s Nature & Adventure 💚
A significant aspect of Sabah’s tourism is in the countryside, where extreme & laidback activities await visitors. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy forest 🌳🌳 bathing & lung-cleansing trips in the rural areas surrounded by lush greenery & serene river. Enjoy the sweat as you explore off the beaten trails 🥾 that lead to hidden gorges & spectacular waterfalls 🏞️, such as the Taralamas River Canyon in Ranau, the Merabung River in Lahad Datu & the Sinipung Hill in far-flung Long Pasia, just to name a few
For outdoor leisure activities, camping 🏕️ in Kiulu, Kadamaian & highland Ranau will guarantee visitors a spectacular view of the iconic Mount Kinabalu ⛰️, the tallest peak in Malaysia 🇲🇾 & Borneo
Sabah’s Wildlife 🐘🐻🐊 🐬
For the most part, this Land Below the Wind is a sanctuary for endangered & protected wildlife endemic to Borneo. It is home to 1️⃣ of the oldest rainforests 🌳🌳 in the world 🌎, dating back to 130 million years & 688 bird species 🐦🕊️🦜🦅🦉🪶
To observe wildlife in its natural habitat, take a trip to Sandakan & embark on a river cruise 🛳️ along the Kinabatangan River for an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime wildlife viewing experience. You may see Borneo pygmy elephants 🐘, proboscis monkeys, orangutans, sun bears 🐻, hornbills, crocodiles 🐊 & even Irrawaddy dolphins 🐬
Sabah’s commitment to conservation is 1️⃣ of its most valuable assets, making it an excellent example of educational tourism. Most of the established & world-renowned conservation centres, such as the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, the world’s only Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Danum Valley Conservation Centre, Imbak Canyon & Maliau Basin, are located in the Heart of Borneo ❤️
Sabah’s Seas 🌊💦
There is just as much to see underwater 🤿🥽 in Sabah as there is on the surface, which is a unique experience in itself. From the west to east coasts, Sabah waters have been the sites of numerous encounters with majestic marine creatures of various sizes. Its abundant marine biodiversity has enticed divers from all over the world to visit & experience Sabah’s underwater splendours 💯👍🏻
Divers have been treated to sightings of killer whales or Orca, hammerhead sharks 🦈 & thresher sharks in waters off Sipadan & Layang-Layang islands. Additionally, the Sabah Ocean is home to endangered dugongs, which have been spotted off Pulau Tiga & Mantanani Island. Whale sharks are also known to appear close to Kota Kinabalu city in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park islands 😲
Looking for the best muck diving spot in Sabah❓⁉️
Semporna is unquestionably the place to be, as it serves as the entryway to Mabul & Bum-Bum islands, which are teeming with exotic little marine critters & minuscule species that have never been seen before
More To Sabah
STB began amplifying its Community Based Tourism to add more cultural immersion into its travel options & indirectly, this has allowed the local community to be more involved in this thriving industry & to continue to preserve & share their culture with others
Not to forget Arts In Sabah as SiennyLovesDrawing has explored & sharing across ya 💯🤩✨ Read more via 🌐 https://siennylovesdrawing.wordpress.com/?s=Sabah&submit=Search
In terms of growth for MICE & Business Events, the Sabah International Convention Centre opened in Feb 2020 & is able to cater to 5K delegates per event. This adds to the already matured hotel facilities that continue to also host related events
Welcome to Sabah & 2013 returns to feel & re-discover Sabah’s tourism destinations, to treat all to a fun-filled & memorable travel experience
Yes ✅, SiennyLovesDrawing 👩🏻 just can’t wait 😃😁
siennylovesdrawing 