Bangkuai (right) mingling with Dowman (second left), Christina (second right) and Bridgwater.
KOTA KINABALU: Kiulu’s quest to be a beacon of rural tourism in Malaysia has been given a boost after wowing a group of students from the United Kingdom with its rustic charm and warm hospitality.
Efforts are also being made to turn the sub-district, some 50km from here, into a top destination for summer camps and youth programmes.
The group was in the sub-district, some 50km from here, on Friday (July 26) to experience its natural beauty and friendly locals, and they were not disappointed.
Their five-hour trek took them through Kampung Lokub, Kampung Talantang, and Kampung Ratau.
Olivia Jane Christian, 16, was struck by Kiulu’s stunning scenery, describing it as breathtaking and ideal for both educational and adventurous trips.
“Kiulu is amazing ... everyone is so nice, always smiling, and very hospitable,” she said, noting they felt genuinely welcomed by the villagers.
Freddie Hugo Dowman, 16, echoed the same feelings.
"I love it here in Kiulu. The locals are friendly and brilliant.
“After a long day of trekking, taking a dip in the cool river is just amazing.
"I also learned about local fruits along the trek, which I’m not used to because of the smell, but the scenery is incredible,” Dowman said.
Neil Bridgwater, the school leader, said the school could have picked a different country for them to visit but they were glad it was Malaysia.
“The school had several options, including South America and Cambodia, but chose Sabah for its orangutans, wildlife, and jungle experiences.
“Having visited Sarawak before, I knew Borneo was a great destination - Kiulu is stunning, and while we haven’t seen much wildlife yet, we’ve spotted various birds,” he said.
Bridgwater said the trip was an opportunity for them to experience things they never would otherwise, adding the students just finished their exams back home.
"In fact, two of them had never boarded a plane before.
"It’s a fantastic opportunity for students to engage with the local community and contribute to environmental projects.
“We’ll continue this as we explore Sepilok (in Sandakan) for orangutans, sun bears, and other wildlife,” he said, praising the local guides for their support.
Sabah Tourism Board Chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said Kiulu has been hosting student groups from Europe, Australia, Dubai, and other countries for years.
“We are dedicated to transforming Kiulu into a rural tourism hub that encompasses all aspects of tourism, from adventure and eco-tourism to cultural and community-based experiences.
"The influx of visitors to Kiulu aligns perfectly with the objective of using tourism as a means of economically empowering the rural community,” he said.
Bangkuai, who is also the Kiulu assemblyman, said the aim was to provide visitors with a holistic experience to showcase the unique charm and hospitality of the local communities while promoting sustainable tourism practices.
Kiulu Tourism Association president Meijin Maginggow noted that while the influx of youth campers was solid, numbers dwindled during the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, the trend is reversing, with 24 groups expected between June this year and next January.
“These groups will arrive in two waves, with the first wave, from June to July, will mainly include students from the United Kingdom, other European countries, and Dubai.
"The second wave, from September to January, will feature students from Australia, Hong Kong, and other places,” Maginggow said, adding that each group comprises between 10 to 25 people.
In Kiulu, students participate in a variety of activities, including hiking, trekking, white water rafting, and other outdoor adventures.
