Participants competing in the mamarampanau (bamboo walking) competition.
KIULU : – With growing interest in nature-based tourism, Kiulu is strengthening its standing as Sabah’s go-to destination for traditional river sports and eco-adventures, said Kiulu Assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
He said the district’s rivers, scenic landscapes, and cultural heritage make it an ideal location to host events that blend sports, recreation, and environmental appreciation, as showcased through the 5M Bombon Tagal River Festival.
Speaking at the officiating ceremony of the festival today, Joniston said the event aims to strengthen community unity and harmony, foster environmental awareness, and highlight the importance of protecting the Kiulu River and gravity-fed water catchments.
The river festival features five native traditional river activities: Minrambot (netting), Manampatau (body rafting using bamboo poles), Minrulun (tubing), Magapon (traditional angling), and Mamarampanau (walking on bamboo stilts).
Joniston, who is the Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister, said the festival promotes Kiulu as a place where visitors can enjoy fishing, traditional water sports, recreational activities, and family-friendly experiences, while supporting rural tourism that benefits local communities.
“Kiulu has so much to offer, and we are blessed with a river and natural surroundings that allow us to highlight our traditions and our environment.
“By combining sports, culture, and eco-tourism, we are building a sustainable future for our communities while giving visitors something uniquely Sabahan,” he said.
Also present was Tuaran member of parliament Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau.
Noting that in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year next year, in which Sabah would be focusing on, among others, culture, adventure and nature under its “Explore Sabah” tagline, the Kiulu 5M Bombon Tagal Festival has the potential of being included as part of VMY 2026 activities.
Kiulu has hosted numerous sporting events in recent years to elevate its tourism profile, including the Borneo Ultra Trail Marathon (BUTM) and the upcoming Kiulu Adventure Challenge this December.
Joniston said these events complement the district’s eco-tourism offerings, helping position Kiulu as an attractive destination for sports enthusiasts and nature lovers.
He also highlighted ongoing community development efforts that go hand-in-hand with eco-tourism growth, including a recent collaboration between the Kiulu Tourism Association and Nanhua University of Taiwan.
This collaboration provides a three-year training programme for 15 local villagers on pineapple cultivation, product processing, and agro-tourism development.
Participants will also visit Taiwan to learn from its globally recognised agricultural technologies.
“This is another proud achievement for Kiulu. By working with international partners, we’re giving our communities the knowledge and skills to diversify their income sources.
“Pineapple-based agro-tourism has great potential, and we want Kiulu to lead by example for other rural districts,” said Joniston.
