BusinessTravel Guide
SABAH
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Malaysia's Best Kept Secret
S A B A H
Sabah Of all Malaysia’s rich tapestry, Sabah perhaps epitomises the country’s most attractive qualities best Writer: Matthew Staff | Project Manager: Joe Palliser F O R A L L O F Kuala Lumpur’s urban modernity, and Penang’s cultural prevalence, Sabah represents ‘team nature’ and for that alone, it will forever remain one of the nation’s foremost hotspots. The State has recognised this appeal too. Every strategic investment, infrastructural development and tourism-driven improvement is made with a view to capitalise on the natural delights that grace the likes of Borneo, Kinabalu, Sepilok and Tawau. As a result, Sabah is now one of the world’s leading areas for wildlife conservation on the nature side, and for island diving from a more adventurous perspective. These two elements are reason enough to explore the region once business has been concluded. And it’s only going to get better in the years to come. The Sabah Tourism Board continues to work tirelessly to diversify Sabah’s offering, without diluting the authenticity and organic traits
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FACTS & FIGURES
Languages: Area: Population (2017): Currency: Time zone: Dialling code: Climate:
Malay, English 73,904 km2 3.87 million Ringgit (RM) UTC +8 +604 Equatorial
that are already so popular. Rather, it is focusing on enhancing people’s stay once there - addressing areas of hospitality as evidenced by Hyatt Regency Kinabalu and Ming Garden Hotel & Residences; and accessibility as epitomised by the 19 different domestic and international routes that connect to Sabah. Areas of nightlife and the food & drink scene are also being developed to attract a younger demographic of visitors, and in the years to come it will come as no surprise to see Sabah every bit as popular as its neighbouring counterparts.
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S A B A H
Association - Sabah Tourism Board T H E S A B A H T O U R I S M Board (STB) was formerly known as Sabah Tourism Promotion Corporation (STPC) and is an agency of the Sabah State Government. It is primarily responsible for marketing and promoting tourism for the State. First established in 1976, STB was re-established as a statutory agency in November, 1985 and now comes under the remit of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Environment, Sabah. Today, STB constitutes five major operational areas: Marketing Division, Research Division, Product Division, Finance & Corporate Services Division, and Support Services Division. The reactivation of its wholly-owned subsidiary company, Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn. Bhd. has enabled STB to reorganise and focus its main activities on tourism marketing, promotion and research. Christina Liew of the Sabah Tourism Board introduced the Association, its aims, and its initiative in line with the State’s overriding missions. Christina Liew (CL): Since the beginning, Sabah Tourism’s aim was to promote Sabah as a premier destination for nature and adventure in the region. The State has an abundance of attractions that are nature-based, and the Ministry under Sabah Parks (established in 1964) is responsible for developing these hotspots as conservation centres that would attract tourism in the long run. We are very proud to say that Sabah is at the forefront of conservation policies for the country. For example, Kinabalu Park, Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, was gazetted in 1964, the same year Sabah Parks was set up. The Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is the first marine park in Malaysia set up in 1974. Newer products were introduced
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over the years, however both the marine and Kinabalu parks are the most frequented attractions for foreign and local tourists until today. Conservation remains the key theme for Sabah. Recently, Sabah Tourism introduced the Rural Tourism programme, an extension of nature-based tourism focusing on communities in rural areas and their lifestyles. Rural Tourism coined the tagline ‘lung-cleansing’ to suggest activities and tours done at lush areas where the air is clean and rejuvenating. Sabah is also known for fresh seafood for Northern Asia markets. Food is slowly becoming the main attraction for younger travellers.
Kinabalu are now operational with Marriott joining the market very soon. The business sector is eagerly waiting the completion of the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) due in early 2019. Sabah is already receiving large incentive groups, and with the SICC, Sabah will be able to formerly hold business tourism events.
AsO: What is in store for Sabah over the course of 2018 and beyond to continue the good work already commenced and to enhance its reputation as a tourism and business travel hub further in the future? CL: For 2018 we will look into new areas. We have plans for developing tourism products for Tawau, which has Asia Outlook (AsO): How would been a stopover town all these years you say Sabah Tourism Board has for visitors to go to Semporna and developed in recent years as a business the islands for diving. We will also be travel hub and what are the key looking at maintenance or upgrading reasons behind its growing appeal? of our basic facilities in public areas, CL: Up to today, air travel especially airports. We would like to accessibility has increased, especially give a very good first impression for connecting to Kota Kinabalu. There are visitors when they land. more than 180 flights connecting the We would also be focusing on Kota Kinabalu International Airport to conservation issues such as the status 19 international destinations. Sandakan and long-term planning of our large and Tawau are also receiving direct Bornean mammals. After all, Sabah is flights from Kuala Lumpur for visitors known for conservation since the very who are keen to visit places like Sepilok beginning. and Kinabatangan as well as diving off the islands of Semporna. AsO: Finally, what progress and Sabah as a cruise destination is being development would you hope slowly recognised although the cruise and expect to be able to report back in terminal port has not been renovated the future, both in regard to the Sabah and modernised. Tourism Board as an entity, and to the Today, the tourism industry is the business travel industry in Sabah as a third biggest income earner for Sabah. whole? In 2017, total arrivals grew 10 percent CL: I would like to see growth in to 3.684 million or an estimated the markets, especially the long-haul RM7.829 billion in receipts. markets, so they grow alongside the A number of chain hotels are arrivals coming from China. I would opening in Sabah due to the stable also like to see the creation of newer Government and investor-friendly tourism hotspots, especially on the East environment. Hilton and Mecure Kota Coast of Sabah.
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Waterfall at Tawau Hills Park, Sabah, Malaysia
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S A B A H
Outlook Recommends "We are very proud to say that Sabah is at the forefront of conservation policies for the country." – Christina Liew, Sabah Tourism Board
HOSPITALITY
NATURE
LEISURE TOURS
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
Danum Valley Conservation Area
Diverse Borneo
Maliau Basin Conservation Area Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre Ming Garden Hotel & Residences
Sungai Kinabatangan
Mari Mari Cultural Village
Gomatong Caves MUSEUMS
RETAIL
Sabah State Museum
Tamu Market of Kota Belud
Labuan Museum
Imago Shopping Mall
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OM_Hyatt Regency Kinabalu in Outlook Magazine_16 July 2017.pdf 1 20/7/2018 11:08:26 AM
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Experience The Magic of Borneo Explore the majestic scenery of Mount Kinabalu and embrace the stunning sunset over the South China Sea at Hyatt Regency Kinabalu. For more information, contact us at +60 88 22 1234 or www.kinabalu.regency.hyatt.com HYATT REGENCY KINABALU Jalan Datuk Salleh Sulong, 88991 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia PHONE : +60 88 22 1234 kinabalu.regency.hyatt.com The HYATT trademark and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation or its affiliates. Š 2015 Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved.
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SM AA BL AA H Y S I A
Landmark Attractions
Semporna Archipelago
“The stunning sapphire waters and emerald isles of the Semporna Archipelago, home to Bajau sea gypsies in Crayolacoloured boats, are plucked from your most vivid dreams of tropical paradise. Of course few visitors come this way for the islands – rather, it is the ocean and the lure of what lies beneath its surface. This is first and foremost a diving destination – one of the best in the world.” – Lonely Planet
Kota Kinabalu
“Kota Kinabalu is a very nice city to stay for a few days. There are many nice sights and attractions. Of course you can shop until you drop in the huge shopping malls. You can enjoy fabulous meals at one of the many hawkers. At the Signal Hill Lookout point you can enjoy fantastic panoramic views over the city. The city also serves as gateway to visitors that are on their way to visit the amazing Tunku Abdul Rahman marine park, padas river for white water rafting, or Mount Kinabalu.” – Wonderful Malaysia
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Mount Kinabalu
“Mount Kinabalu’s specialty lies in its location at a renowned World Heritage Site – Kinabalu Park. Nature lovers will be delighted to be able to witness the many variations of flora and fauna that are to be found on the mountain at different altitudes… Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain between the Himalayas and New Guinea. Mount Kinabalu derives its name from the Kadazan word, ‘Aki Nabalu’, meaning ‘the revered place of the dead’. It is one of the safest and most conquerable peaks in the world – provided that you’re reasonably healthy and physically fit.” – MountKinabalu.com
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BusinessTravel Guide joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com
+44 (0)1603 959 676
ryan.gray@outlookpublishing.com
+44 (0)1603 959 672
jordan.levey@outlookpublishing.com
+44 (0)1603 959 668
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