By
Rebecca Gibson |
Up and coming cruise destination Sabah, in North Borneo, is anticipating exciting times as a new international cruise terminal is being built to complement the resort destination and its burgeoning tourism industry. Developed by the Government-linked Suria Capital Holdings, construction plans for the capital, Kota Kinabalu, include dedicated berths with ground-handling services and support, along with an air-conditioned arrivals hall and souvenir shops.
The new developments are welcomed by Sabah’s travel industry, which depends heavily on the more than 90 per cent of tourists who arrive by air and is supported by local carriers Malaysian Airlines and AirAsia, alongside seven international operators from around the region. Total arrivals were 2.84 million in 2011, up 13.8 per cent from 2010 and comprising 30 per cent international and 70 per cent domestic visitors, while tourism receipts brought in around US$1.66 billion for 2011.
“Sabah is a value-for-money destination. The harmony, high degree of tolerance and integration amongst the multi-religion and multi-ethnic people of Sabah reflects a delightful mix of over 30 indigenous communities and is true Malaysia,” says Sabah Tourism Board chairman Tengku Adlin.
Situated within easy reach of the rare flora and fauna found in the ancient rainforests of Borneo that are unique to the island, Kota Kinabalu offers an enormous advantage in terms of its location. Day excursions for passengers are easily organised, with exotic and adventurous offerings broadening the experience for cruise visitors. Tours that are within an hour of the city introduce visitors to the iconic Mount Kinabalu at Kinabalu Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – as well as cultural experiences and Borneo’s great ape, the orang-utan. For thrill-seekers and those keen to escape the crowd, whitewater rafting is another option.
“It is our relationship with the tour operators, port authorities and cruise liners that help us grow in the cruise industry. We can increase our cruise sector portfolio with continued international promotion,” Adlin says. “Sabah plans to be a major cruise player, with new facilities and our strength in natural attractions. We are ready.”