Exploring Community-Based Tourism In Sabah - "Let's Plan Your Vacation Now"

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As a form of tourism involving local communities in planning, developing, and operating tourism activities, CBT aims to empower locals, conserve natural and cultural resources, and distribute economic benefits more equitably.

In Sabah, CBT initiatives offer a unique and rewarding travel experience for those looking to experience Sabah authentically like a local. By supporting local communities, embracing cultural traditions, and respecting the natural environment, visitors can create lasting memories while contributing to the sustainable development of this remarkable destination.  

If you are looking for a Sabah CBT initiative that offers a variety of enriching experiences,  allows you to connect with local communities and be immersed in their culture, here are some of the popular suggestions for you:

This is a well-established CBT project in the Kiulu Valley. It offers farm stays, homestays, and outdoor activities like quad biking, hiking, and team building. It's a great place to experience rural life and learn about sustainable farming practices in the Kadazan-Dusun way.

At Kiulu Farmstay, you will be assigned to stay with a local family, providing a fantastic opportunity to interact with them and learn more about their custom and tradition, while experiencing warm Sabahan hospitality.

For more info, contact 088-438 300

Located at Kampung Kauluan, Kundasang, Sosodikon Hill is a recent tourism attraction that’s managed and maintained by Koperasi Sosodikon Ranau Berhad (KOPSODIK) – a cooperative that’s wholly managed by the villagers of Kampung Kauluan.

Beyond the hill, which provides a scenic and easy hiking trail for visitors, KOPSODIK also provides homestay packages for visitors looking to experience local cultural immersion, while learning how to plant flowers and harvest vegetables.

For more info, contact 013-8510302 / 017-8956192

Named after the renowned Kadazan-Dusun ancient warrior, Monsopiad, this village showcases a guided tour around the Kadazan-Dusun traditional houses, cultural performances, and opportunities to learn about local customs and traditions.

While this heritage village doesn’t offer a homestay experience like most CBT destinations in Sabah, it offers a wide range of activities for visitors, such as traditional cooking classes and team-building events, as well as a bookable venue for themed/corporate dinners.

For more info, contact 011-1419 6488

Situated in the interior of Sabah - straddling the border of Kalimantan - Orou Sapulot is a CBT project that’s tucked away deep in the heart of Borneo. Its location amid a village of the Murut community provides visitors with a unique opportunity to experience Murut culture and take part in their daily activities.

Adventure activities available include rapid shooting, river rafting, waterfall swimming, spelunking, fishing and rock climbing at Batu Punggul - a 600-metre-tall limestone pinnacle in the midst of the jungle.

Located circa 68 kilometres away from the Tenom district, visitors are recommended to stay at least two nights to truly experience what Orou Sapulot has to offer.

For more info, contact Borneo Outback Tours at 019-227 7077

KOPEL or Koperasi Pelancongan Mukim Batu Puteh Kinabatangan is a community-based tourism organisation located in the Kinabatangan district of Sandakan. This award-winning CBT organisation offers a range of eco-tourism activities, including wildlife viewing tours, homestays, and cultural experiences.

In addition to providing an enriching CBT experience amongst the Orang Sungai local communities, KOPEL also helps protect the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary through conservation and sustainable development.

For more info, visit www.kopelkinabatangan.com 

Situated at Kampung Darau in Menggatal, less than an hour’s drive from Kota Kinabalu, Darau Wetland Eco-Tourism is nestled within a wetland area that serves as a sanctuary for diverse wildlife.

Among the activities visitors can participate in are nature trail walks, birdwatching, cultural immersion with the local community, and environmental conservation activities such as river cleanups and mangrove tree planting.

For more info, contact 016-804 8667

Located in Penampang, Tagal Tinopikon Park, also known as Tagal Taman Tinopikon, is a unique and captivating destination nestled in the scenic Moyog River valley. It is a testament to the Kadazandusun community's commitment to sustainable resource management and cultural preservation.

The park is uniquely known for its ‘tagal’ system - a traditional conservation practice where fishing is restricted in designated areas. Thanks to this sustainable approach, the park’s aquatic ecosystem is thriving, making it a haven for diverse fish species.

Other than learning about the tagal system, visitors can also take part in nature activities such as jungle trekking, river swimming and birdwatching, while getting a glimpse into the Kadazandusun way of life. Of course, no visit to a tagal is complete without a ‘fish massage’ session by the river’s resident Pelian fish.

For more info, contact 019-505 4514 or +6011-13321274

​​Kolosunan Eco-Tourism is a CBT project located in Kampung Kolosunan, Inanam, Sabah. It's situated within the Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve, offering visitors a chance to experience the beauty of the rainforest and learn about the local Dusun community's traditional way of life.

Kampung Kolosunan boasts several well-maintained nature trails, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. These trails offer opportunities to observe diverse flora and fauna, including various bird species, insects, and unique plant life. Visitors can also learn about the Dusun community's traditions and customs through the homestay programme which also offers cultural performances and traditional craft workshops.

For more info, contact 016-307 9795

Visitors can stay with a local family and participate in a variety of cultural activities, such as traditional dance performances, weaving demonstrations, and bamboo music lessons. You can also learn how to prepare local food like Kuih Nurud and Linopot.

If you are looking to contribute more to the local community, you can also be a part of projects such as school-building and improving public infrastructure. This way, you will be making a positive impact on the lives of the villagers by way of voluntourism.

For more info, email [email protected] or contact +6018-9655281

Situated at Kampung Tikolod, Tambunan, the Kintup Recreational Park is a hidden gem popular among locals and tourists alike. It offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful flowers planted by the locals, enjoy camping or picnic outings here fronting the flowing Tikolod River. Huts are available for rent, and comfort facilities are provided to refresh after a fun swim.

In addition to its picturesque setting, Kintup Recreational Park also offers a sneak peek into the Kadazandusun culture, with traditional houses and handicraft shops showcasing local artistry.

For more info, contact 012-834 3234 (Sylvester)

Community-based tourism offers a rewarding way to make a positive impact on the communities you visit. By choosing this type of travel, you not only experience authentic cultural immersions beyond the reach of mass tourism but also contribute directly to the economic well-being of rural communities, often those who need it most.

Visit www.sabahtourism.com for more info about community-based tourism in Sabah!