Sabah aims to boost nautical tourism with yacht rallies

Sabah has the potential to become a nautical tourism destination, according to State Tourism, Culture, and Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.

Joniston believes that Sabah’s picturesque coastline, pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning landscapes, combined with good marines for boat docking, make it an ideal location for recreational boating.

Previous sailing events organized by Sail Malaysia could be a benchmark for the state to develop the potential of the boating sector and make Sabah a destination of choice for sailors.

Sail Malaysia Managing Director Sazli Kamal Basha and a group met with Joniston, who chairs Sabah Tourism Board, to discuss Sabah’s potential as a sailing destination.

Sazli stated that Sabah offers stunning bays on par with other well-known sailing destinations for mooring boats or yachts.

The Passage To The East yacht rally saw 386 participants between 2008 and 2022, including 24 repeat participants. The list of rally stops in Sabah includes Kota Kinabalu, Kudat, Karakit, Pulau Silingan, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Pulau Tambisan, Lahad Datu, Silam, Bohey Dulang, and Tawau.

Joniston suggests that Sabah could hold a sailing and boating exposition to draw boating enthusiasts and create revenue for local shops, restaurants, hotels, and other service industries.

He believes hosting successful sailing and boating events can enhance Sabah’s reputation as a nautical tourism destination, generating temporary and permanent employment opportunities for the local community. Moreover, such events could spur investment in local infrastructure like marinas, piers, and boating facilities.

Sazli mentioned that according to statistics gathered, the average tourist stays for a week, but those participating in the Sail Malaysia programme typically stay for two years. He remarked that the rally is a conduit to bring new arrivals to Sabah, and many wish to come here to sail or go boating.

The events could also bring attention to environmental concerns and bolster conservation efforts in Sabah. Rural destinations accessible via Marudu Bay offer sailors the opportunity to stay longer and explore the surrounding attractions and the local community.