After many years, nautical tourism in Sabah has gotten some attention after State Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai brought this topic up in the media.
Sabah is blessed with abundant waterways, which should be tapped for the recreational activities of nautical tourism.
Nautical Tourism in Sabah
After a courtesy call from Sail Malaysia at the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) office in Kota Kinabalu, Joniston was positive that any event held in the state would have the potential to bring visitors to Sabah.
Sabah's picturesque coastline has fantastic potential for nautical tourists to prolong their stay in the state, which can generate an economic spillover for Kota Kinabalu.
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| Datuk Joniston Bangkua with Sail Malaysia. |
Joniston has also suggested that Sail Malaysia make Sabah a benchmark to organise their future sailing events and make the state a destination of choice for sailors worldwide. He said;
"We should develop Sabah into a vibrant boating culture because we have received many locals and foreigners participating in recreational boating activities.
Sabah's picturesque coastline, pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning landscapes, combined with good marines for boat docking, provide a visually appealing sailing experience,
The state's niche appeal to host sailing and boating exposition can draw boating enthusiasts and create revenue for local shops, restaurants, hotels, and other service industries.
The success in hosting the events can enhance Sabah's reputation as a nautical tourism destination and also generate temporary and permanent employment opportunities for the local community,"
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| The East Yacht Rally Passage passes through Sabah in 2023. |
Joniston believed the events could also spur investment in local infrastructure like marinas, piers, and boating facilities.
Sail Malaysia managing director Sazli Kamal Basha mentioned that Sabah offers stunning bays on par with other well-known sailing destinations for mooring boats or yachts.
According to statistics provided by Sail Malaysia, 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.
The East Yacht Rally participants were from Australia, Norway, New Zealand, the Netherlands, the United States, France, Sweden, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland.
According to statistics, the average tourist stays for a week, but those participating in the Sail Malaysia programme typically stay for two years.
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| The route for the 2023 East Yacht Rally. |
Conclusion
Nautical Tourism has been around in Malaysia for a long time now, and in most cases, it is primarily on Langkawi Island, where the infrastructure is yacht-friendly.
Sabah also has impressive facilities but has never embarked on this unique genre of tourism. Since January 2023, after Sail Malaysia's visit and presentation, Nautical Tourism in Sabah is now something that could be added to the niche tourism genre.