Marcel Simok
Indian golf tour experts recently embarked on a four-day familiarisation trip to Sabah, Malaysia, to witness its breathtaking golf courses and explore the state’s natural beauty.
Hosted by Tourism Malaysia, the visit aimed to showcase Sabah’s diverse offerings for vacationers and highlight its potential as a world-class golfing destination.
The trip began with a warm dinner reception hosted by Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board, where the experts shared their insights on Sabah’s unique attractions and golfing opportunities.
Sabah’s golfing potential shines bright
During the dinner event, the group of golf tour experts expressed their enthusiasm for Sabah’s golfing potential and its ability to captivate golfers from around the world. Romit Bose, India’s leading golf educator and Managing Director of The Golfing Hub, emphasized the remarkable opportunities that Sabah presents.
He highlighted the presence of golf courses within resorts, excellent hotel facilities, and the ideal weather for year-round golfing. Bose envisioned Sabah as a tournament destination, suggesting that it could attract hundreds of junior golfers and their families, offering an unforgettable experience for all.
Mahender Pal Khanna, Managing Director of Diplomatic Travels, praised Sabah’s natural beauty and wellness spas, making it an attractive destination beyond golfing. He noted that the stunning landscapes of Sabah’s state capital alone draw visitors, and the wedding industry holds significant potential for Indian tourists. Khanna further suggested that direct flights from India to Sabah would greatly facilitate travel and attract a multitude of guests, supporting the growth of tourism between the two regions.
Strengthening connections and collaboration
The familiarisation trip to Sabah was the result of a successful meeting between golf operators and Khairul Firdaus bin Akbar Khan, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia, at the South Asia Travel & Tourism Exchange (SATTE) 2023 in India.
Khairul expressed excitement about showcasing Sabah’s golf courses and attractions to position the state as a premier golfing destination for Indian travellers. The luncheon meeting provided an opportunity to discuss collaborations with industry players and enhance connectivity to ensure the appeal of Sabah to Indian golfers.
Joniston, expressed his hopes of offering a truly unique golfing experience in Sabah. With approximately 20 golf courses surrounded by lush rainforests, mountains, and pristine beaches, Sabah provides an exceptional backdrop for golf enthusiasts.
As a new market for Indian golfers, Sabah aims to attract more visitors who can enjoy not only golfing but also delve into the rich cultural heritage that the state offers. The fusion of sport, nature, and cultural exploration makes Sabah a well-rounded experience for golfers and their families.
During their familiarisation trip, the group of experts had the opportunity to play golf at renowned courses such as the Sutera Habour and Country Club and the Dalit Bay Golf and Country Club. Additionally, they inspected the Nexus Golf Karambunai Resort, further exploring the facilities available for golf enthusiasts in Sabah.
The dinner event witnessed the presence of notable figures from Sabah’s tourism sector, including Datuk Sr Mohd. Yusrie Abdullah, the Permanent Secretary of Sabah’s Tourism, Culture, and Environment Ministry, and representatives from Tourism Malaysia and the Sabah Tourism
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