SANDAKAN: Kampung Bambangan in Batu Sapi has been selected as the first community-based tourism destination in the district under the Malaysian Homestay Experience Programme (PPHM) by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac).
Deputy Minister Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan said the initiative offers visitors a glimpse into the daily life of local villagers while experiencing unique attractions such as picnicking at Jeti Lagenda, visiting soft crab farms, fishing, and cruising through the mangroves of the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve.
He praised the strong hospitality and unity shown by the Kampung Bambangan community and its cooperative, which he said embodies the spirit of inclusion and shared growth central to community-based tourism.
Khairul, who is also the Batu Sapi MP, said Motac plans to expand the initiative to Kampung Segaliud, which is known for its wildlife and other tourism attractions, while also exploring direct flight routes from Singapore to Sandakan by next year.
He added that Sabah’s homestay clusters continue to grow, with 39 clusters across 135 villages involving 525 participants, generating RM13.1 million from 161,318 visitors as of August this year.