Tawau Airport welcomed its GBA’s first charter flight from Hong Kong on Tuesday, 20 January, with the Boeing 737-800 aircraft receiving a water salute on touchdown.

It is Tawau’s first charter this month and enhances regional connectivity, following previous charter series by Loong Air from Shenzhen and AirAsia from Shanghai in December 2025, as well as scheduled flights by Juneyao Airlines from Shanghai.

Sabah’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, YB Datuk Jafry Bin Ariffin, said the additional flight is a great start to the Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

“Hong Kong travellers now have a direct gateway to Tawau’s natural wonders, such as the Tawau Hills Park, world-class seafood, and the breathtaking islands of Semporna. It is a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and the opportunity to support our local products.

“The charter flight is a great avenue to test the market interest and may pave the way for potential permanent scheduled flights.

“I urge Tawau tourism players to seize this opportunity by offering travel packages specially tailored for this market, ensuring our guests experience the very best of the district,” he concluded.

GBA operates the charter series twice a week on Tuesday and Saturday through to 28 March 2026. Flight time is three hours and 15 minutes.

Flight schedule

HB2539 departs Hong Kong (HKG) at 1645 and arrives in Tawau (TWU) at 2000.
HB2540 departs Tawau (TWU) at 2100 and arrives in Hong Kong (HKG) at 0020, plus a day.

Gateway to Semporna 

Most travellers arriving via the Greater Bay Airlines charter will join a 90-minute overland transfer north to Semporna to access the islands.

Sipadan Island: Consistently ranked as one of the top 10 dive sites in the world.

Mabul & Kapalai: Famous for “muck diving” and luxury overwater bungalows.

Tun Sakaran Marine Park: Includes the iconic hike up Bohey Dulang for that famous postcard view of the turquoise lagoon.

Flights via Kota Kinabalu

Since 1 January 2026,  two airlines have served the Hong Kong- Kota Kinabalu route — Hong Kong Express (five weekly) and AirAsia (daily) flights. Travellers heading for Semporna can transfer to AirAsia flights from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau. AirAsia schedules 53 flights weekly on the domestic route. (50-minute flight on an AirAsia A320neo aircraft). 

For more information on Sabah, visit: Sabah Tourism Board. 

(Source: Your Stories — Sabah Tourism Board).

The post Sabah welcomes Tawau charter flights appeared first on TTR Weekly.

Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister cum Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the introduction of the module is timely, as birdwatching is fast becoming a promising segment in Sabah’s tourism landscape.

“According to birding experts, the UK alone has around six million active birders, while the number across Europe is estimated to be close to 10 million.

“If we can attract even 1% of that market, it would be a strong start for Sabah,” he said after witnessing the signing ceremony last Wednesday.

“The figures show clear potential and that Sabah is moving in the right direction to tap into this growing niche,” he added.

UCSF Vice-Chancellor Datuk Dr Rafiq Idris and Sabah Birdwatchers Association president Ronald Pudin signed the MoU, which also marked the launch of the module titled “Discover the Birds of Borneo: Sabah’s Feathered Jewel”, which aims to train and certify local birding enthusiasts and tour guides.

Supported by the Sabah Tourism Board, the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to develop birdwatching into a structured and sustainable nature-based tourism product.

Joniston said this reflects a shared commitment to strengthen eco-tourism while creating job opportunities and boosting rural economies through birdwatchers who tend to spend more, stay longer, and visit lesser-known areas.

“I hope that the module will encourage more rural youth to explore birding and gain valuable skills that could lead to meaningful livelihood opportunities.

“By training locals to become bird guides, we are helping them discover new income streams and encouraging long-term stewardship of the environment.

“When communities see value in protecting their forests and wetlands, they are more likely to participate in conservation efforts, and that’s the kind of sustainable tourism we want to encourage,” he said.

For more information, visit the Sabah Tourism Board.

The post Sabah rolls out birding certification  appeared first on TTR Weekly.

Many of these accommodations, some built on stilts over the water, show that more tourists will continue to visit the region, driven by improved security.

Among the new developments are Seafest Regency and Pearl Bohey Dulang Resorts, both of which officially opened this year to meet the rising demand for accommodations in Semporna.

Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who joined Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and foreign delegates on a site visit to the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) last week, said Sabah’s tourism sector continues to show healthy growth.

The state recorded 1.44 million visitor arrivals between January and May this year, generating an estimated RM3.3 billion in tourism receipts.

Joniston said the steady increase in visitor arrivals, particularly from international markets, is closely linked to Sabah’s strong security framework, which is diligently maintained by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom).

“The fact that Sabah has reported zero kidnapping-for-ransom incidents over the past several years reflects ESSCom’s commitment to keeping our waters and communities safe.

“This complements the ongoing efforts of the Sabah Tourism Board to promote Sabah as a safe and welcoming destination,” he said.

Joniston was speaking at a dinner held in conjunction with the security site visit, which involved 15 diplomatic representatives and officials from 10 countries, namely the US, Australia, Belgium, Ireland, Germany, Canada, New Zealand, China, South Korea, and Spain.

Present were Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Awang Alik Jeman; Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai; Joint Forces commander Datuk Zahani Zainal Abidin; and ESSCom Commander  Datuk Victor Sanjos.

The delegation also visited Pulau Omadal, Pulau Sibuan, Pulau Bohey Dulang, and Pulau Mataking.

“We are seeing the positive results of these close collaborations. Tourists feel safe to explore Sabah, even in the ESSZone, and investors are also confident of continuing to invest here,” said Joniston, who chairs the Sabah Tourism Board.

According to the latest figures from the Sabah Tourism Board, international visitors accounted for 559,150 arrivals, while domestic tourists made up 879,420 arrivals. China (243,688) remains Sabah’s top international market, followed by South Korea (76,685).

Joniston also highlighted a strong increase in tourist arrivals from Europe, which recorded 35,240 visitors from January to May, a 25.6 per cent growth compared to the same period last year.

The top European source markets include the UK and Ireland (13,910 arrivals), Germany (3,854), and France (2,750).

Meanwhile, the United States contributed 9,356 arrivals, while Canada recorded 2,949 arrivals.

Joniston expressed confidence that Sabah’s tourism sector will continue on its positive path, supported by the joint commitment of security agencies, local communities, and tourism industry players.

“We consistently maintain a positive outlook on the growth of tourist arrivals to Sabah. With ESSCom’s strong support and the growing trust of our visitors, we are well-positioned to welcome even more tourists in the coming months,” he said.

For more information on Sabah, visit the website: www.sabahtourism.com

The post Tourist confidence grows in Sabah’s East Coast appeared first on TTR Weekly.

He said the participation of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) would further strengthen efforts to promote rural and community-based tourism in Sabah.

“With the participation of UNWTO and UNESCO, we can gain valuable global perspectives, build stronger networks, and bring greater recognition to our communities,” he said.

Joniston, who is also the chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board, made the suggestion during the closing ceremony of the Community-Based Tourism Conference and Expo at Suria Sabah Mall, held last week.

The suggestion aligns with the Sabah Tourism Board’s call during the UNWTO Affiliate Members Plenary Session in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in 2023, emphasising the need to advance rural and community tourism.

Joniston added that UNESCO’s participation would bring added value, as Sabah holds the prestigious Triple Crown UNESCO recognition.

Organised by the Sabah Tourism Board, this year’s event featured an international conference for the first time, co-organised with UNDP and joined by speakers from Thailand, Indonesia, and Taiwan.

“The conference has raised the bar with the inclusion of international participation, which provided a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, learning, and collaboration that directly benefits our rural communities,” he said.

Joniston stressed that the success of Sabah’s community-based tourism is made possible through the active involvement of rural communities.

He also expressed hope that Sabah would soon be able to support and bring its community-based tourism operators and entrepreneurs to international expos to showcase their offerings and expand their reach.

“We are still learning and growing, but the key is to continue supporting each other and scale up what we have started because the future of tourism lies in empowering the very communities it touches,” Joniston said.

Present for the closing event were Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit; UNDP (Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam) Programme Analyst, Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Management, Norhafiza Shafie; and Champion of the Tourism Productivity Nexus at the Malaysia Productivity Corporation under the Ministry of International Trade and Investment, Rohizam Md Yusoff.

For more information on Sabah visit Sabah Tourism Board.

The post Sabah calls on global partners to back expo appeared first on TTR Weekly.

Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai commended the Meraki Daat Initiative, a non-governmental organisation, for actively involving Gaya Island residents in transforming their living spaces into potential community tourism attractions.

This follows Joniston’s first meeting with the Meraki Daat Initiative in 2022, where he encouraged the group to incorporate a community-based tourism approach into their project to ensure greater local involvement and shared economic benefits.

Joniston, who chairs the Sabah Tourism Board, said such commitment aligns with the state’s vision to promote sustainable tourism, particularly through community-based attractions that showcase Sabah’s unique identity.

On Tuesday, the Meraki Daat Initiative team, led by its President Michelle De La Harpe, briefed Joniston on the progress of their ongoing Project Picasso, which aims to revitalise water villages and turn them into Instagram-worthy tourist spots.

The project focuses on creatively painting stilt houses and working closely with the Sabah Tourism Board to promote these water village destinations.

In June, the Sabah Tourism Board conducted a workshop that brought together five water villages on Gaya Island, namely Lok Urai, Torong Logong, Lobong, Kesuapan, and Kampung Pondoh.

Joniston was briefed that these villages are now working towards formal registration to form Community-Based Tourism Gaya Island.

“This is a positive step forward. Pulau Gaya is a unique settlement with its own story to tell. Developing community-based tourism on the island will create value for the villagers, especially given its proximity to the city centre. However, it is crucial to foster a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable tourism environment. Local participation and ownership are key to this effort,” he said.

During the meeting, Joniston launched the 2025 Project Picasso Art Competition, themed “Ocean Creatures,” as part of an initiative to encourage creative community participation in beautifying their villages further.

Michelle said the goal is to transform public spaces into vibrant community-owned tourism attractions, adding the project combines youth development, art, and environmental sustainability.

“We are currently building a 200-metre pathway towards the volleyball court using eco-bricks, made from recycled plastic waste. This innovation won the United Nations Development Programme’s Island Waste Innovation Challenge last year,” she said.

The art competition runs until 31 July. The judging period is scheduled from 1 to 7 August, followed by site painting from 20 to 27 August, and the official opening and mural launch on 31 August.

The public can follow updates on the Meraki Daat Initiative through their website at www.merakidaat.org and on social media platforms.

Follow updates on the Meraki Daat Initiative via the website www.merakidaat.org and social media platforms.

The post Paintings brighten Gaya Island Villages appeared first on TTR Weekly.

Over the next two months, nearly 500 families from across China will arrive in scheduled groups to participate in this 6-day, 5-night immersive journey through Sabah. Designed for children aged six and above, the programme offers experiential outdoor learning focused on nature, resilience, and cultural appreciation, encouraging deeper curiosity and personal growth through real-world experiences.

With 13 years of experience and over 390,000 families served, Hangzhou Mutong is a pioneer in parent-child educational travel. Sabah now joins the brand’s global portfolio of destinations, which includes Sri Lanka, Hokkaido, Malaysia-Singapore, Nepal, and the United Kingdom.

“We are delighted to welcome Hangzhou Mutong Travel Services and their Baby Walk the World programme to Sabah,” said Julinus Jeffrey Jimit, Chief Executive Officer of the Sabah Tourism Board.

“This meaningful collaboration supports our vision for educational tourism and strengthens people-to-people ties between Malaysia and China. We trust these families will return home with unforgettable memories of Sabah’s nature and hospitality.”

This initiative further positions Sabah as a premier destination for family-focused and educational tourism while deepening cultural connections with a new generation of globally minded Chinese travellers.
For more information on Sabah visit: Website | www.sabahtourism.com

The post Sabah welcomes Chinese families to nature camp appeared first on TTR Weekly.

Their short but meaningful stay included immersive activities such as jungle trekking on Gaya Island, a sunset cruise, cultural performances over dinner, and a visit to the iconic Mari Mari Cultural Village.

Many of them described the experience as insightful and said they were keen to return and explore more of what Sabah has to offer.

“Sabah is on the right path,” said one of the delegates, Andreas Gantenbein, who is the Managing Director of AERTiCKET for Belgium, France, and Switzerland.

“This trip gave us a good introduction to what Sabah can offer. We appreciated the hospitality as well as the effort to share the local culture with us,” he added.

Malaysia’s Ambassador to France, Datuk Eldeen Husaini, who accompanied the group, said the response from the French agents reaffirmed Sabah’s strong potential as a destination for the European market.

“Sabah has what it takes to attract more French travellers, and the embassy in Paris will continue to support efforts to promote Sabah, especially in highlighting its rich cultural heritage and natural wonders,” he said.

Last Tuesday, the Sabah Tourism Board hosted the group to a sunset cruise and dinner at the Gaya Island Resort, joined by Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.

In addressing the visiting agents, Joniston, who is also chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board, expressed optimism over the growing French market.

“We are seeing more visitors from France coming to Sabah. From January to April this year, we received 2,116 French visitors, and that’s an increase from 1,669 during the same period last year.

“In 2024, we recorded 5,921 French arrivals, and we want to see this grow as Sabah is slowly finding its place in the hearts of French and European travellers,” he said.

Joniston acknowledged that safety remains a top concern for many travellers, especially first-timers, and reaffirmed Sabah’s commitment to ensuring the state remains a safe and welcoming destination.

“Our security presence, especially on the east coast, is not because it’s unsafe, but to make sure it stays safe. This is how we protect our people, our visitors, and the places they come to see,” he said.

Joniston, who also serves as patron of Sail Malaysia Borneo, mentioned that events like Sail Malaysia show the confidence international travellers have in Sabah’s safety and hospitality.

This year, the sailing rally will bring over 30 yachts with participants from more than 15 countries. They will explore Sabah from July to early September.

“Sail Malaysia offers a unique way to explore the state from the sea, where participants will get the opportunity to discover Sabah’s coastal and inland attractions,” said Joniston, while inviting French agents to learn more about it.

Present were Tourism Malaysia Director of the International Promotion Division (AERO) Akbal Setia, Tourism Malaysia Paris Director Zalina Ahmad, and Sabah Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit.

For more information on Sabah, visit: Sabah Tourism Board

The post French travel agents discover Sabah’s appeal appeared first on TTR Weekly.

The welcome receptions focused on  27 flights bringing visitors from Seoul, Taipei, Singapore, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and destinations across Malaysia during the festival hosted in May. These included an estimated 930 international and 4,933 domestic travellers, all of whom were welcomed with festive cheer and cultural experiences upon arrival.

Guests were treated to a rich cultural experience featuring Magunatip (bamboo dance) and traditional KadazanDusun performances, along with a sampling of local traditional delicacies, including tapai (fermented glutinous rice). 

The event was launched with the resonating beat of a traditional gong by YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, accompanied by a symbolic winnowing of rice by distinguished guests together with Kulintangan music instrument traditional performance as a tribute to the spirit of the Kaamatan Festival.

Also in attendance were Haryanty Abu Bakar, Director of Tourism Malaysia Sabah; Jefry Ramli, Senior Airport Manager of KKIA; Bobby Alex William, Marketing Manager of Sabah Tourism Board;  Alex Chong, Deputy Chairman of MATTA Sabah Chapter;  Vincent Sia, Chairman of Malaysia Chinese Tourism Association (MCTA) Sabah Chapter; Melanie Chu, Chairman of Sabah Tourist Association (STA) and representatives from respective airlines.

The Kaamatan Festival, celebrated annually in May, honours the rice spirit “Bambaazon” and is a time of thanksgiving, unity, and cultural pride among Sabah’s Indigenous communities. This initiative aligns with Tourism Malaysia’s goals to boost cultural tourism and enhance visitor experiences in preparation for VM2026.

For more information on Sabah, visit: http://www.sabahtourism.com/ 

The post Sabah welcomes visitors to Kaamatan Festival appeared first on TTR Weekly.

The MoU was signed by KePKAS Deputy Permanent Secretary I Mary Malangking and Deputy Governor of Boseong County, Seo Hyung Bin.

Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister cum Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai and Director-General of the Culture and Tourism Bureau of Boseong County Rho Joung Yi witnessed the signing, which took place during a welcoming dinner in Kota Kinabalu held in conjunction with the Kaamatan Festival, on Friday.

Joniston said the MoU represents a step forward in building stronger ties and shared interest in learning about each other’s traditions.

“This partnership is about people. It’s about building understanding and sharing our stories. The timing of this MoU, held during our Kaamatan Festival, makes it even more meaningful.

“This year’s theme ‘, Kaamatan For All’, reflects our desire to share this celebration with the world, and we are honoured to welcome our friends from Boseong to experience the spirit of Kaamatan with us,” he said.

Joniston also highlighted the recent visit by Sabah representatives to Boseong during the Green Tea Festival.

He said the warm welcome and the opportunity to learn about Boseong’s tea culture were deeply appreciated, adding that such cultural exchange allows both sides to respect and enjoy each other’s heritage.

With direct flights connecting Kota Kinabalu and South Korea, Joniston believes more cultural and festival exchanges can happen.

As part of the cultural exchange, the Boseong cultural troupe is performing on the open stage at Hongkod Koisaan, KDCA in conjunction with the Kaamatan Festival finale today (31 May).

Johnston said the performance would give Sabahans a chance to experience the music and culture of Boseong.

He also expressed hope that Sabah will one day bring the Kaamatan Festival to Boseong.

The MoU is expected to lead to more cultural activities, exchange visits, and tourism promotions between the two regions.

Joniston said this is a good start and hopes the collaboration will grow stronger.

Also present at the signing ceremony were KePKAS Deputy Permanent Secretary II Alesia Sion; Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Kota Kinabalu, His Excellency Yoon Ockchae; Chief Executive Officer of the Jeollanamdo Tourism Organization Kim Young Sin; and Chairlady of the KDCA Women’s Council Datuk Joanna Kitingan.

For more information about Sabah tourism, visit http://www.sabahtourism.com/

The post Sabah and Boseong County promote festival exchange appeared first on TTR Weekly.

Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister cum Sabah Tourism Board Chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said Kota Belud’s inclusion is a fitting addition to the rally as the district is known for its strong Bajau heritage, horse riding tradition and growing reputation in community-based tourism.

The annual yacht 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 18 July to 1 September.

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.

Joniston, 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.

He added that the inclusion of new countries and destinations like Kota Belud is a promising sign as Sabah builds momentum toward Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

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

Joniston encouraged organisers to enhance collaboration with the Sabah Tourism Board to further promote the Sabah leg as a key highlight of the entire rally.

Joniston 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.

He noted that participants will also 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.

Sazli said many sailors are drawn to Sabah for its natural beauty, safe harbours, and the warm welcome local communities offer.

Website: www.sabahtourism.com

The post International yachts set course for Sabah appeared first on TTR Weekly.