Tourism Malaysia Chennai Promotes Sabah as a Cycling & Niche Tourism Destination through “Sabah Cycling Paradise”

Chennai : Tourism Malaysia Chennai, in collaboration with the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), with the support of Royal Brunei Airlines as the Official Airline Partner, and Trek Finder Tours Sdn Bhd as the Sabah-based Destination Management Company (DMC) and ground handler, successfully organised the Sabah North Borneo Cycling FAM Tour – “Sabah Cycling Paradise” from 24 to 29 January 2026.

This initiative marks a first-of-its-kind cycling-focused familiarisation programme from India to Sabah, reinforcing Malaysia’s commitment to promoting niche tourism segments such as cycling, eco-tourism and adventure travel in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2026.

The six-day programme hosted cycling enthusiasts from Chennai, India, featuring immersive cycling routes across Kota Kinabalu, Kota Belud, Kota Marudu, Kudat, Kundasang and Tamparuli. Participants experienced a mix of coastal landscapes, highlands and cultural towns, positioning Sabah as a premier cycling destination for the Indian market.

The tour was officially flagged off at the Sabah Tourism Board office by Mr. Julinus Jeffery Jimit, Chief Executive Officer of Sabah Tourism Board, in the presence of Mr. Hishamuddin Mustafa, Director of Tourism Malaysia Chennai, and senior tourism stakeholders.

Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Hishamuddin Mustafa said the programme reflects Tourism Malaysia Chennai’s strategic focus on promoting Sabah through experiential and niche tourism products, while highlighting cycling tourism’s potential to attract high-value travellers and support sustainable tourism.

Royal Brunei Airlines, the Official Airline Partner, connects Chennai to Sabah via Brunei with three weekly flights from Chennai and nine weekly flights onward to Sabah, ensuring seamless access to East Malaysia. Through the Royal Skies programme, registered members receive an additional 12 kg free sports equipment allowance, supporting cycling and sports tourism.

The initiative supports Sabah Tourism Board’s efforts to enhance Sabah’s visibility in India, in line with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and Visit Sabah 2027, positioning Sabah as a leading destination for cycling and eco-tourism.

Tourism Malaysia Chennai invites Indian cycling communities, adventure travellers and tour operators to discover Sabah as a premier cycling destination. With scenic routes, rich biodiversity and warm hospitality, Sabah offers an immersive cycling experience for both the Indian and global markets.

Tourism Malaysia Chennai will continue collaborating with State Tourism and Airline Partners to develop niche tourism products, strengthening Malaysia’s appeal in the Indian outbound travel market under Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

Sabah Cycling Paradise — ride the beauty of Borneo.
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