Kiulu Farmstay: Empowering communities and sustainable tourism

Kiulu Farmstay, a community-based tourism project in Sabah, has embarked on a journey towards community empowerment and sustainable tourism. After being under the management of Borneo Eco Tours for eight years, the project has transitioned into the capable hands of the local communities.

This shift aims to give the communities greater control over their products and foster cultural preservation.

A transformative occasion at Kiulu Farmstay

A significant milestone was achieved with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Sabah Tourism Board office. The MOU, signed by Borneo Eco Tours managing director Albert Teo and villagers Sikong Moringo and Tuwin Gumporoh

Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai and CEO Noredah Othman witnessed this transformative occasion, which marked the transfer of ownership to the villagers, who are the rightful landowners of Kiulu Farmstay.

Joniston, also serving as Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment, commended Borneo Eco Tours for its visionary project. He highlighted how Kiulu Farmstay has served as a trailblazing model for community-based tourism in Kiulu.

The transition to local ownership positions Kiulu Farmstay to offer enhanced tourism experiences while allowing the communities to showcase their unique products authentically and sustainably.

Economic benefits and community empowerment

The transition of ownership is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the local communities. They will directly benefit from tourism revenue, which can be reinvested in community projects and create new employment opportunities. Borneo Eco Tours established Kiulu Farmstay in 2015 as a community-based ecotourism project, aiming to unlock the tourism potential of the Kiulu area.

Teo emphasized the importance of empowering the communities to successfully manage their products and seek business opportunities from other tour companies. As the initiator, Borneo Eco Tours handed over Kiulu Farmstay assets worth more than RM270,000 to the community. The company will continue to support Kiulu Farmstay in promoting and marketing tourism products.

Over the years, Borneo Eco Tours has actively created new tourism products in Kiulu, including the Kiulu Farmstay, Bamboo Hut Village, Borneo Quad Biking, Kiulu Homestays, guided tours, and an Obstacle Course. Local community leaders were employed and trained to handle daily operations, ensuring their active involvement.

Through capacity building, operational support, and resource provision, Borneo Eco Tours has successfully paved the way for the transition of Kiulu Farmstay into the hands of the local communities. This transfer of ownership ensures their empowerment and long-term sustainability in the tourism industry.

The transition represents a significant step towards community-driven tourism, allowing the local communities to control their products, preserve their culture, and directly benefit from tourism activities. As Kiulu Farmstay continues to grow under local ownership, it will contribute to the economic development of the Kiulu area while offering authentic and sustainable tourism experiences.