Kiulu’s Adventure Challenge 2025 Draws Over 700 Participants , Boosting Rural Adventure Tourism
- nabalunews
- 3 minutes ago
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7 December 2025
KIULU : More than 700 participants took part in the 6th Kiulu Adventure Challenge (KAC) today, including international athletes from Brunei, the United Kingdom, and Indonesia, as well as participants from Peninsular Malaysia.
Kiulu Assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who officiated the event and presented prizes to the winners, said the strong turnout demonstrates Kiulu’s continued rise as a destination for outdoor and adventure sports.
“This event promotes domestic tourism by drawing local adventure enthusiasts into rural areas. It is also part of our ongoing effort to internationalise rural tourism in Kiulu and Sabah,” he said.
Joniston, who also serves as Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, added that Kiulu has increasingly gained recognition as a hub for adventure sports, supported by its natural landscape and the district’s active participation in rural tourism development.
He noted that events such as the KAC help elevate Kiulu’s profile, complement existing community-based tourism initiatives, and stimulate the local economy. Homestays, campsites, and chalets were fully booked, while food outlets reported brisk business throughout the event period.
This year’s challenge featured several disciplines, including mountain biking, trail running, and rafting, offered in both individual and team formats.
The programme also included a range of community activities such as traditional games, local craft showcases, and mural-painting sessions, among others.
Also present at the event, which was jointly organised by Seri Pelancongan Sabah (SPS) in collaboration with the Kiulu Tourism Association (KTA), was Sabah Tourism Board (STB) Chief Executive Officer, Julinus Jimit.
