STB Highlights Sabah’s Top 5 Highest Mountains at MATTA Fair

6 September 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) is showcasing Malaysia’s five tallest peaks, all situated in Sabah, at this year’s MATTA Fair, emphasising the state's rich mountaineering opportunities.

Launched by Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, this initiative is part of STB's commitment to promoting Sabah’s diverse adventure tourism offerings.

“With the ‘Top 5 Mountains in Sabah’ campaign, we aim to demonstrate that Sabah provides a wide range of mountaineering experiences. Whether you’re an experienced climber or a novice, there’s a mountain for everyone in Sabah,” stated Joniston, who also chairs the Sabah Tourism Board.

Joining him at the launch were STB CEO Julinus Jeffrey Jimit, Deputy CEO Tay Shu Lan and MATTA Fair organizing chairman Datuk Tan Kok Liang.

While the iconic Mount Kinabalu—standing at 4,095 meters in the Ranau highlands—remains the primary attraction, the campaign also highlights alternative climbing adventures.

These include Mount Trus Madi, Malaysia’s second-highest peak at 2,642 meters, categorized as moderate-to-hard difficulty and taking climbers 2-4 days to summit.

Mount Sinsing, also in Tambunan, rises to 2,586 meters and is known for its moderate to hard difficulty. This relatively new trail was discovered in 2018.

Another featured peak is Mount Tambuyukon, at 2,579 meters, recognized as one of the most challenging climbs in Sabah, located within the boundaries of Kinabalu Park.

Climbers can expect to encounter rare pitcher plants, Nepenthes edwardsiana and Nepenthes villosa, both endemic to Mount Kinabalu and Mount Tambuyukon.

Lastly, Mount Kaingaran, standing at 2,468 meters, offers a unique climbing experience with trails that connect to Mount Sinsing.

During the event, Joniston also introduced the Sabah CAN (Culture, Adventure, Nature) packages, accompanied by new brochures highlighting attractions across various districts.

Sabah tour operators are offering special CAN-themed packages starting at RM149.

To support the District Tourism Action Council and promote community-based tourism throughout Sabah, STB has funded the production of district brochures.

The three-day MATTA Fair, which begins on September 6, is being held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur.