Rebuilding Capernaum Garden: Michael Liman’s Journey of Resilience and Renewal

4 November 2025

PENAMPANG: Nestled amid the serene landscapes of Jln Taginambur Kamburaon, Kota Belud, Capernaum Garden has long been a tranquil escape for families and day-trippers seeking rest and leisure.

Despite facing extraordinary challenges over the past few years, proprietor Michael Liman has managed to revive and grow his beloved resort with determination and vision.

“Yes, Capernaum Garden is doing well,” Michael shared. “Even after going through the illness that affected us a year before COVID-19, and then being hit hard again during the Pandemic , we managed to bring it back.”

Though the recovery is ongoing, progress has been steady. “It’s not fully back to where it was, but at least things are moving. That’s what matters.”

When asked about the current state of the resort, Michael explained, “At the moment, we have two main buildings, one with three rooms and another with four. The next building, which will also have four rooms, is under construction and should be ready by December.”

Capernaum Garden attracts visitors from across Sabah and other parts of Malaysia. “Most of our customers are domestic travellers,” he said.

Michael Liman

“We do have a few international guests, but the majority are local families or groups coming for day trips and gatherings.”

Unlike many resorts that focus on team-building or corporate retreats, Michael’s focus is on family-oriented leisure.

“We find that people prefer to come here for family gatherings rather than formal programmes. It’s about relaxation and connection.”

In its early days, the resort featured two swimming pools, one being formed on the river.

“We had to close the river pool due to the earlier floods,” Michael recalled. “But we’ve since built a new pool, so now we have three pools in total. The riverside area isn’t operating formally anymore, but guests can still enjoy the natural surroundings.”

Capernaum Garden also offers a small eatery serving authentic local dishes. “We’re developing special meal packages for guests, especially those from outside the area or from overseas,” Michael shared. “We love introducing them to our local cuisine.”

However, dining services are not open daily. “At the moment, meals are provided by request. So if someone drops by unexpectedly, they might find only drinks available,” he added.

When asked about the future of tourism in Kota Belud, Michael’s enthusiasm was evident. “I’m really looking forward to what’s coming. People are gaining confidence again, and I think we have a lot to offer, especially to visitors from West Malaysia and beyond. There’s still so much to explore and experience here.”

During the fruiting season, Capernaum Garden offers a taste of Sabah’s best local produce. “We have durian, rambutan, bambangan, and sometimes langsat,” he said. “We still maintain a small pineapple plantation too, though it’s no longer a major project.”

Reflecting on the role of government support, Michael was appreciative. “Honestly, the previous Ministry for tourism did a great deal for us. We hope whoever takes over will continue the initiatives that have already been planned. There are many good programmes in place that shouldn’t be abandoned.”

One of Michael’s passions is agro-tourism, blending the beauty of farming with the experience of travel. “I’m really looking forward to seeing more integration between agriculture and tourism,” he said. “Many of us here come from agricultural backgrounds, it’s our strength. Unfortunately, the younger generation isn’t as interested in farming as before. If we can combine both sectors, maybe we can spark new interest among them.”

Michael has already begun transforming part of his land for educational purposes. “I’ve started developing about five hectares into what I call a ‘learning farm’ a kind of mini forest where visitors can experience tourism and agriculture together. Whatever is planted there can be harvested and enjoyed directly. We’ve already started by selling chillies, and that’s just the beginning.”

Through perseverance and creativity, Michael Liman has turned adversity into opportunity. Capernaum Garden stands today not only as a destination for rest and recreation but also as a testament to Sabah’s resilience and the enduring bond between its people, nature, and heritage.