Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister cum Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai meeting sailor David Anderson of Australia. Also in photo is Sail Malaysia managing director Sazli Kamal Basha (centre).
TUARAN : – Sail Malaysia rally participants have praised Tuaran as an excellent berthing spot, offering easy access to relaxation and the picturesque countryside.
David Anderson from Australia commended Tuaran’s coastal charm, describing it as a “nice location along the coast with a secure and relaxing environment.”
“It is a low-key marina berth and a perfect place for getting boats serviced and ready before continuing sailing further.”
“We also have had the opportunity to explore nearby villages, and many sailors come here to see the countryside. Surely, that is what I am here for.”
Anderson conveyed this to the Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, during a welcoming event at the Anjung Gayang Jetty on Friday.
Since Wednesday, a rally fleet of more than 20 yachts has arrived in Tuaran as part of the annual Sail Malaysia Passage to the East Yacht Rally 2024 programme.
Participants hail from Australia, New Zealand, the USA, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Hong Kong, South Africa, Indonesia, Thailand, Canada, and other Malaysian states.
Like most participants, this was Anderson’s first visit to Sabah, where he was also sailing with his wife and their two children, aged 3 and 6. He is also the group’s commodore.
Swiss sailor Stephan Chappuis, also travelling with his family, shared his positive experience, noting that Tuaran’s berthing spot offers excellent protection for boats against waves.
“Tuaran is a fantastic location for berthing, and the countryside views are simply breathtaking.
“This is my first time in Sabah, and I look forward to exploring the state,” he said, adding that Sabah is also an ideal family holiday destination.
Meanwhile, Sail Malaysia Managing Director Sazli Kamal Basha said the Tuaran protected harbour has enough natural depth to accommodate foreign yachts.
“This means that Tuaran harbour has huge potential to become a main yachting hub in Borneo and a new tourism product for Sabah.
“To realise this potential, the harbour’s entry needs to be deepened, and we are very certain that with the government’s plans to create a deeper entry, waterfront development and investment will flow into this area,” he said.
Joniston, who is also chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board, expressed the state’s commitment to promoting niche nautical tourism.
“Sabah is dedicated to enhancing the experience of sailors by offering unique berthing locations like Tuaran.
“We believe that developing this aspect of tourism adds significant value not only to the sailors but also to Sabah and our local communities.”
