Kiulu River Festival Showcases Eco-Tourism, Tradition and Community Spirit

1 September 2025

KIULU: With rising interest in nature-based tourism, Kiulu is cementing its reputation as Sabah’s leading destination for traditional river sports and eco-adventures, said Kiulu Assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.

He noted that the district’s rivers, scenic landscapes, and cultural heritage make it an ideal location for events that blend sport, recreation, and environmental awareness, as demonstrated by the 5M Bombon Tagal River Festival.

Speaking at the festival’s opening ceremony today, Joniston said the event not only promotes unity and harmony within the community but also underscores the importance of protecting the Kiulu River and gravity-fed water catchments.

The festival highlights five traditional river-based activities: Minrambot (netting), Manampatau (body rafting with bamboo poles), Minrulun (tubing), Magapon (traditional angling), and Mamarampanau (walking on bamboo stilts).

Joniston, who is also the Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, said the festival showcases Kiulu as a destination where visitors can enjoy fishing, traditional water sports, and family-friendly recreation while supporting rural tourism that directly benefits local communities.

“Kiulu has so much to offer. We are blessed with a river and natural surroundings that allow us to highlight both our traditions and our environment.

“By combining sport, culture, and eco-tourism, we are creating a sustainable future for our communities while giving visitors an experience that is uniquely Sabahan,” he said.

Also present was Tuaran MP Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau.

Joniston added that the Kiulu 5M Bombon Tagal River Festival could potentially be included as part of Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2026, in line with Sabah’s tourism focus on culture, adventure, and nature under the Explore Sabah tagline.

Kiulu has hosted several high-profile sporting events in recent years to boost its tourism profile, including the Borneo Ultra Trail Marathon (BUTM) and the upcoming Kiulu Adventure Challenge this December.

“These events complement Kiulu’s eco-tourism offerings, strengthening its appeal as a destination for sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike,” he said.

He also highlighted ongoing community development initiatives that align with eco-tourism growth, such as a recent collaboration between the Kiulu Tourism Association and Nanhua University of Taiwan.

Through this partnership, 15 villagers are undergoing a three-year training programme in pineapple cultivation, product processing, and agro-tourism development, with opportunities to visit Taiwan and learn from its globally recognised agricultural technologies.

“This is another proud achievement for Kiulu. By working with international partners, we are equipping our communities with the knowledge and skills to diversify their income sources.

“Pineapple-based agro-tourism has great potential, and we want Kiulu to set an example for other rural districts,” Joniston said.