Kota Kinabalu: Sabah aims to become one of the durian tourism spots in Malaysia to help farmers and entrepreneurs boost their economy.
The Sabah Durian and Tropical Fruit Planters Association (MaSDA) hoped that Sabah would be included in the 2024 durian tourism packages by Tourism Malaysia.
To date, the durian packages were highlighted in various destinations in Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Selangor, Pahang, and Johor.
MaSDA President Duane Evans said Sabah’s durian capability remained hidden due to a lack of promotion.
SPONSORED CONTENT Mengalum for world’s first net zero carbon island resort Taiwan’s Sinyi Group is on track to unveil the world’s first unique net zero carbon island resort on Mengalum Island. . Read more “To make us visible, we organised the Durian and Coffee Festival in Keningau last year to help raise awareness and attract visitors,” said Duane.
The festival was a success drawing about 5,000 to 6,000 visitors, including foreign tourists, he added.
Following this, MaSDA has invited Tourism Malaysia Director of Package Development Mohd Roslan Abdullah and his team to conduct an inspection of the durian and fruit farms in Keningau, Tenom, Papar and Tamparuli.
“We’ve been advocating for durian tourism for three years, aligning with MaSDA’s mission to assist members in marketing farm products,” said Duane.
The team inspected Bukit Durian in Kampung Ponindukan, offering a stunning view of Keningau, providing a unique experience of enjoying durian, he said.
For the Durian Valley managed by Tracey Liew, it offers landscaping views of the durian farm and other tropical fruits, he said.
“During the durian season, they will offer a package combined with a stay at Juta Hotel to visit and dine at the farm’s rest house,” he added.
In Tenom, they have the newly-opened premium cabin Naluyan Jungle Lodge to be combined with a visit to Baxter Farm that boasts a modern agricultural concept, he said.
“Notably, durian trees are fertilised using drones and all the trees are meticulously aligned using the service of a surveyor.
“All the durian trees are planted on the embankment, crucial as durian trees are sensitive to waterlogged conditions. The farm’s irrigation system draws water from underground, showcased to visitors,” said Duane.
The main durian varieties include Musang King and Black Thorn, with the addition of the collection of Borneo’s durian species alongside Borneo indigenous fruits, offering visitors an educational experience on tropical fruits, he said.
The team also visited the Tenom Tropical Fruits Farm belonging to Victor Lim, who in recent years diversified his fruit plantation, including the latest addition of durians.
Victor supplies watermelon, papaya, banana and pomelo to the market, including exporting to Brunei, Singapore and the peninsula, he said.
The Sugar Hill Farm in Papar offers a traditional lifestyle experience, combining a fruit orchard with a farmhouse, he said.
“Booking this place includes access to fruit trees, and if durians fall, it’s a bonus for visitors,” said Duane.
The Tamparuli Durian Farm at Kampung Ruhiang is a hilly terrain farm requiring visitors to hike to witness the breathtaking Mount Kinabalu.
“The farm offers the Kinabalu King, a unique durian variant with a taste like coffee,” he said.
MaSDA, also known as “Make Sabah Durian Amazing”, aims not only to support farms but also to boost the local economy through community development.
“We hope that Tourism Malaysia will choose Sabah to launch the durian packages this year, so that we can showcase the state’s uniqueness,” said Duane.
Tourism Malaysia Sabah Deputy Director Trecey J Tojuka said the familiarisation trip shows the good synergy fostered among MaSDA, Tourism Malaysia, Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Sabah Chapter, Sabah Tourist Guide Association and Sabah Tourism Board in promoting Sabah as the next prominent durian tourism destination in Malaysia.
“Establishing partnerships with local tour operators and other tourism organisations enhances the development of specialised agro-tourism packages, contributing to attracting tourists to Sabah both locally and globally,” she said.
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