By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s tourism products continue to innovate, with the latest addition being the state’s first-ever Floating Club House @ Gaya Island, uniquely built atop the sea.
Capable of accommodating 110 people, this innovative facility combines sustainable design with luxurious amenities.
It offers thoughtfully curated spaces for relaxation, scenic appreciation, dining, and leisure—setting a new benchmark for marine-based tourism experiences in Sabah.
Lazy Cat International Travel Service Co Ltd, the company behind this latest product, has taken another significant step forward in the evolution of Sabah’s tourism offerings, said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew.
Speaking to reporters after officially launching the Floating Club House, she described the structure, which took one year to complete, as a new tourism product for Sabah.
“It exemplifies the power of strategic collaboration between the public and private sector in elevating high-value tourism in our state.
“With this new tourist destination, I hope more tourists from China, Korea, Japan, and other parts of the world will be drawn to Sabah. I understand a similar facility is also on the cards for Kota Kinabalu,” Liew said.
In her opening address, the Minister said that as global travellers increasingly seek premium, immersive experiences, Sabah continues to attract forward-thinking investors who are transforming natural assets into exceptional and distinctive tourism products.
“Among them, Lazy Cat has emerged as a key contributor to this transformation. Its commitment to Sabah is both substantial and multi-faceted.
“From curating a fleet of luxury yachts for island-hopping and sunset cruises to investing in food and beverage and cultural tourism ventures, their presence has brought vibrancy to our visitor economy,” Liew added.
She noted that Lazy Cat’s local subsidiary, Cheetah Transportation Sdn Bhd, plays a critical role in implementing these initiatives, adding that its contribution enhances Sabah’s marine transportation services and reinforces infrastructure that supports marine tourism across the state.
“As the Tourism Minister, I fully support and encourage bold, sustainable, and locally inclusive tourism development.
“We look forward to seeing more companies like Lazy Cat and Cheetah Transportation bring their ideas, commitment, and investments to Sabah, growing together with our communities in a spirit of shared success.
“On behalf of the Sabah State Government, I extend my warmest congratulations and sincere appreciation to Lazy Cat, Cheetah Transportation, and all their partners involved in this outstanding project,” said Liew.
The Minister also disclosed that Lazy Cat is currently working with local partners on a major integrated tourism development project in Semporna, which she said would further reinforce Sabah’s reputation as a world-class destination.
Liew was taken on a guided tour of the Floating Club House by the Chairman of Lazy Cat, Zhao Jun.
“It is the natural beauty of Sabah’s offshore islands that inspired me to build the facility at Pulau Gaya,” Zhao said.
Meanwhile, Cheetah Transportation Director Eric Yong said his company provides a luxury yacht, with a capacity of 35 passengers (built in China), to ferry visitors and tourists to the Floating Club House daily from now on.
Among the guests present were Sabah Tourism Board Deputy CEO Tay Shu Lan, Malaysian Tourism Federation President Datuk Tan Kok Liang, Sri Pelancongan Sabah Chairman Ken Pan Ying On and CEO Thonny Chee, Sabapak Eco CEO Remysta Jimmy Taylor, and Liew’s Political Secretary Vivien Lee Mee Peng.
