{"id":251550,"date":"2025-05-21T05:15:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-20T22:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ttrweekly.com\/site\/?p=251550"},"modified":"2025-05-21T06:05:56","modified_gmt":"2025-05-20T23:05:56","slug":"international-yachts-set-course-for-sabah","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ttrweekly.com\/site\/2025\/05\/international-yachts-set-course-for-sabah\/","title":{"rendered":"International yachts set course for Sabah"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

KOTA KINABALU, 21 MAY 2025: Kota Belud, known as the Land of the Cowboys of the East, is making its debut as a stopover in this year\u2019s Sail Malaysia Passage to the East, offering a fresh perspective for sailors exploring rural charm and cultural depth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister cum Sabah Tourism Board Chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said Kota Belud\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n

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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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New participating countries include Lebanon, Turkey, Kuwait, Tunisia, and India, reflecting the growing global interest in Malaysia\u2019s sailing route and Sabah\u2019s diverse tourism offerings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sabah\u2019s 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<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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