By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: Hainanese culture in Sabah has long been closely associated with traditional coffee shops renowned for their signature coffee, toasted bread, and half-boiled eggs.
However, the ancestral land of the Hainanese is known for more than just its coffee culture.
Hainan is a place rich in history, culture, and heritage that complements Sabah’s own diverse ethnic traditions.
Located at the southernmost tip of China, Hainan boasts unique attractions waiting to be explored by Malaysian travellers, said Guan Xuehui, General Manager of Hainan Nanyang International Travel Service Co Ltd, during a dinner with local tour operators.
Among those present were Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Sabah Chapter Chairman Mohd Azlan Shah Abdul Salam, Funholiday Travel and Tour Managing Director Connie Chong, and several representatives from local travel agencies.
The gathering also discussed the possibility of launching a direct flight between Kota Kinabalu and Haikou.
“This will not only make it easier for Sabah travellers to visit Hainan but also attract more Hainan visitors to discover Sabah,” said Guan.
“It will strengthen cooperation and exchanges between the two destinations in tourism, culture, and the economy.
“The establishment of this new air route marks an important step in enhancing travel connectivity between Hainan and Sabah.”
He noted that the two destinations complement each other in terms of climate — Sabah has a tropical climate, while Hainan, due to its geographical latitude, experiences both tropical and subtropical conditions.
Hainan’s mild winter makes it an ideal winter getaway, with its peak tourist season running from late in the year until March.
Guan added that Sabah and Hainan share deep ancestral and cultural links, especially among the older generation of Chinese who maintain strong emotional ties to their homeland.
“This regular direct flight will not only provide convenience for travellers but also enable elderly Chinese descendants to return to their ancestral land and witness Hainan’s rapid development,” he said.
Sabah is home to about 250,000 ethnic Chinese, while Hainan has a significant population of returned overseas Chinese and their families, many of whom trace their roots to Southeast Asia, including Malaysia.
Guan particularly recommended the Xinglong Overseas Chinese Farm as a must-visit destination.
Many returning overseas Chinese brought back Southeast Asian coffee culture, architectural styles, and lifestyles, giving Xinglong a distinct Southeast Asian charm.
Travellers can also visit the Binglanggu Li and Miao Cultural Heritage Park to experience their diverse traditions and handicrafts.
Other main attractions include the Nanshan Buddhism Cultural Park, Sanya Romance Park, and Haikou Qilou Old Street.
Since being established as a Special Economic Zone, Hainan has undergone several phases of development and now boasts comprehensive international tourism facilities, major scenic attractions, and numerous world-class hotel brands, Guan added.
