Sandakan and Sukau, Nature’s Hidden Gems Unite Sabah’s Tourism Trail
23 March 2026
KOTA KINABALU: A delegation led by Lai King Hang, Founder and Chairman of the Sandakan Heritage Trail, extended festive Hari Raya greetings to Datuk Jafry Ariffin, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah, at his residence in Sandakan today.
Lai also took the opportunity to emphasise the importance of promoting Sandakan and Sukau as a single destination for the rich nature, wildlife, and heritage of Sabah.
According to tourism statistics provided by Sabah Tourism Board (STB) for 2025, an estimated 50% or more of visitors, primarily from Europe and Australia, are heading to the Sandakan and Sukau region. It has become increasingly common to see foreign travellers exploring the popular Sandakan Heritage Trail in recent years.
Although the current Gulf crisis has posed challenges, it has also created new opportunities.
Lai hopes that the Ministry will take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of this conflict, which may encourage travellers to seek alternative routes and discover hidden gems like Sandakan.
Present at the event were Teo Chee Kim, President of the Sandakan Tourism Association (STAN), along with other members.
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