Datuk Joniston Bangkuai showing Malaysia’s top 5 highest mountains, all located in Sabah. Pictured are STB chief executive office Julinus Jeffrey Jimit (left) and MATTA Fair organising chairman Datuk Tan Kok Liang (right).
Datuk Joniston Bangkuai launching STB’s promotion initiatives at MATTA Fair. Pictured are STB chief executive office Julinus Jeffrey Jimit (4th right), STB deputy chief executive officer Tay Shu Lan (2nd right), and MATTA Fair organising chairman Datuk Tan Kok Liang (3rd left).
KUALA LUMPUR : – The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) is spotlighting Malaysia’s top five highest peaks, all located in Sabah, at this year’s MATTA Fair, promoting the state’s diverse mountaineering destinations.
The initiative, launched by Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Environment Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, is part of STB’s ongoing efforts to showcase the diversity of Sabah’s adventure tourism offerings.
“With the ‘Top 5 Mountains in Sabah’ campaign, we aim to showcase that Sabah offers a multitude of mountaineering experiences.
“Whether you’re a seasoned climber or a beginner, there’s a mountain waiting for everyone in Sabah,” said Joniston, who is also chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board.
Also present at the launch on Friday was STB chief executive officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit, deputy chief executive officer Tay Shu Lan, and MATTA Fair organising chairman Datuk Tan Kok Liang.
While the iconic Mount Kinabalu, standing at 4,095 meters in the highland district of Ranau, remains the top attraction, the campaign also highlights alternative climbing experiences.
These include Mount Trus Madi in Tambunan, Malaysia’s second-highest peak at 2,642 meters.
It is categorised as moderate-to-hard difficulty and can take climbers 2-4 days to hike.
Mount Sinsing, also in Tambunan, stands at 2,586 meters and is known for its moderate to hard difficulty.
This relatively new trail was only discovered in 2018.
Also featured is Mount Tambuyukon, with an altitude of 2,579 meters.
It is considered one of the most challenging climbs in Sabah, sitting between the boundaries of Kinabalu Park.
Climbers can expect to encounter the rare pitcher plants Nepenthes edwardsiana and Nepenthes villosa, both endemic to Mount Kinabalu and Mount Tambuyukon.
Meanwhile, Mount Kaingaran (2,468m) offers a distinct climbing experience with its trails linking to Mount Sinsing.
During the event, Joniston also launched the Sabah CAN (Culture, Adventure, Nature) packages with and new brochures promoting attractions in various districts.
Sabah tour agents are offering special CAN-themed packages starting at RM149.
STB has funded the production of district brochures to support the District Tourism Action Council and promote community-based tourism across Sabah.
The 3-day MATTA Fair, which starts on September 6, is held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur.