Camping and Glamping Highlighted as Sabah’s New Tourism Segment

Haryanty (right) with Saffary after launching the Event

30 August 2025

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is positioning itself as a leading destination for camping and glamping, capitalising on its diverse geographical landscape that extends beyond beaches and islands.

Haryanty Abu Bakar director of Tourism Malaysia Sabah said Tourism Malaysia, in collaboration with local organisers, is actively promoting niche segments such as outdoor adventure and community-based tourism.

Tuaran, located about 90 minutes from Kota Kinabalu, has been identified as a district with strong potential to host such activities, she said.

During a camping and glamping gathering in Tuaran, nearly 131 participants took part, of which 70 per cent were domestic tourists from Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia. Other participants were 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 said.

The camping and glamping segment has also created opportunities for local communities. Boat operators, caterers and service providers benefit directly from visitors, while more than 10 operators have already established campsites in the Kota Kinabalu area.

To support the growing interest, Tourism Malaysia has published a Camping and Glamping Directory, signalling strong demand for this tourism niche.

Sabah’s natural assets, from beaches to mountains and rivers, make it well suited to this segment.

Popular camping spots include Melangkap while new sites in the Highland are emerging as attractive destinations.

With the state’s 2026 tourism campaign approaching, camping and glamping are set to be promoted alongside Sabah’s established attractions, including island-hopping, culture and heritage, she said.

She later visited the campsites, near the beach as well as the walkways in the mangrove.

She was accompanied by Saffary Dino Othman Owner of Borneo Beautiful managing the site, and organisers of the 5KM Merdeka Beach Run which would be held on August 31 around the campsites.