Sabah Fest 2026 Strengthens Promotion of Sabah’s Culture and Tourism in Kuala Lumpur
KUALA LUMPUR, 10 September 2026 — The staging of Sabah Fest 2026 in Kuala Lumpur is strengthening efforts to promote Sabah’s cultural diversity, heritage, gastronomy and tourism destinations to domestic and international markets.
Sabah Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Jafry Ariffin said Kuala Lumpur, as one of Malaysia’s key gateways, plays an important role in connecting Sabah with visitors from Malaysia and abroad.
He said Sabah Fest provided a platform to showcase the state’s uniqueness and diversity to tourism industry players, the media and prospective visitors.
“Kuala Lumpur is one of the key gateways connecting Sabah with visitors from Malaysia and around the world, making it an ideal location to bring the Sabah experience closer to our tourism partners and guests,” he said.
Sabah Fest 2026 was launched on 29 August for a month-long celebration, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Sabah Tourism.
This year’s edition has also expanded beyond Kota Kinabalu to include Kudat, Sandakan, Tawau, and Kuala Lumpur, alongside about 50 tourism-, cultural-, and community-related events and activities across Sabah.
The programme at ibis Kuala Lumpur City Centre featured traditional cuisine, cultural performances, music, arts and crafts, and presentations on Sabah’s tourist destinations.
ibis Kuala Lumpur City Centre general manager Dennis Seng said the collaboration with Sabah Tourism enabled the hotel to provide a platform for guests, strategic partners and the tourism community to discover Sabah through its food, culture, music and stories.
He said the collaboration also reflected the hospitality sector’s role in promoting destinations and encouraging travel.
The staging of Sabah Fest 2026 is part of wider efforts to build momentum towards Visit Sabah 2027, which presents an opportunity to strengthen Sabah’s position as a preferred tourism destination in the region.
Sabah offers a diverse range of attractions, including natural wonders, biodiversity, indigenous cultures, gastronomy, arts and crafts, and adventure experiences.
Collaboration between Sabah’s tourism industry players and Kuala Lumpur’s hospitality sector is expected to raise awareness of the destination and encourage more visitors to explore Sabah.
About The Author
Ed Junaidi is a seasoned Online Editor at Gaya Travel Magazine, where he has been sharing his passion for travel for over 15 years. A dedicated globetrotter, Ed cherishes the chance to explore the world, uncovering new experiences and insights with every journey. His compelling contributions to Gaya Travel Magazine earned him a prestigious residency grant from the Mexican government in 2015 through Media Residency Program. Through his work, Ed continues to inspire readers with stories that capture the essence of travel and cultural discovery.
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