By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: Sailors from 31 yachts will be heading to Sabah’s “land of the cowboys of the east” in Kota Belud in July 2025.
The annual sailing rally organised by Sail Malaysia, which begins in April, will see them arriving in Sabah with 70 participants from 15 countries.
They are planning to explore coastal and inland attractions from July 18 to September 1.
Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said Kota Belud’s inclusion is a fitting addition to promote the Bajau heritage, horse-riding tradition, and the growing community-based tourism sector.
This year’s rally saw new participating countries including Lebanon, Turkey, Kuwait, Tunisia, and India.
The growing list of new names reflects the keen global interest in Malaysia’s sailing route and Sabah’s diverse tourism offerings.
Joniston, who serves as the patron of Sail Malaysia Borneo, said the event exposes Sabah to international travellers and strengthens its position as a culture, adventure, and nature destination.
He added that the inclusion of new countries and Kota Belud is a promising sign for Sabah ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
Sabah’s growing popularity as a yachting destination is also supported by ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure, with several new berthing areas including in Tuaran being identified to cater to the increasing interest from international sailors.
Joniston encouraged organisers to enhance collaboration with the Sabah Tourism Board to highlight the Sabah leg in the entire rally.
He recently chaired a Sail Malaysia coordination meeting attended by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) and key tourism stakeholders to ensure smooth operations and safety throughout the Sabah segment.
Sail Malaysia Managing Director Sazli Kamal Basha said the rally follows the familiar eastern route starting in Langkawi, with Sabah stops including Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran, Kudat, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Kinabatangan, Sandakan, Tawau, and Semporna.
He noted that participants will also have the rare opportunity to sail inland along the Kinabatangan River, one of Sabah’s most iconic wildlife corridors known for its rich biodiversity and natural beauty.
Sazli said many sailors are drawn to Sabah for its natural beauty, safe harbours, and the warm welcome offered by local communities.
