'Mansau-Ansau' Trail showcases hidden treasures of North Borneo
KOTA KINABALU (July 9): A five-day familiarisation trip themed 'Mansau-Ansau North Borneo Trail: Culture, Adventure & Nature' has shed light on Sabah's lesser-known northern corridor, unveiling its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage to a select group of media and tourism players.
Organised by Tourism Malaysia Sabah from July 4 to 8, the initiative aimed to spotlight Tamparuli, Tuaran, Kota Belud, Kota Marudu and Kudat as untapped gems within the state's rural tourism landscape.
Derived from the Kadazan Dusun language, 'Mansau Ansau' simply means 'jalan-jalan' or to stroll. True to its name, the programme took participants on an immersive journey that blends nature, culture and off-the-beaten-path adventure, offering experiences often overlooked by mainstream tourists.
The initiative supports the Cuti-Cuti Malaysia campaign and Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (TMM2026), targeting increased footfall to rural destinations while promoting community-led tourism.
A total of nine participants, including local media, social media influencers and tourism industry partners from Kuala Lumpur, Sarawak and Brunei joined the trail. Among the highlights were visits to iconic attractions such as the Tip of Borneo in Kudat and the stunning Floating Coral Bar in Pitas.
The group also had the rare opportunity to experience traditional rituals at Walai Tobilung, including a bobolian ceremony, cultural dance performances, local musical instruments and ancestral dishes cooked with native techniques.
Handcrafted excellence took centre stage in visits to community-based craft hubs: Sulaman Pis in Kudat, Corn Husk Crafts in Kota Marudu and Sulaman Serdang as well as traditional parang forging in Kota Belud, all showcasing the exceptional creativity and skills of local artisans.
One of the trip's standout moments was the hike up Aura Montoria in Kota Belud, hailed as one of Sabah's premier trekking routes for its scenic but challenging trail.
Meanwhile, a village cycling tour in Kg Sangkir, Kota Belud allowed participants to soak in the serenity of lush paddy fields, offering a taste of kampung life. At Tembara River Cruise in Tuaran, they cruised through mangrove-fringed waterways, catching glimpses of mesmerising fireflies under the twilight sky, an enchanting end to the day's adventure.
Tourism Malaysia Sabah director Haryanty Abu Bakar said the programme supports Tourism Malaysia's broader mission to diversify Sabah's tourism portfolio by promoting lesser-explored destinations.
'This initiative also aligns with our digital engagement strategies. Through travel storytelling, the media plays a vital role in capturing and conveying authentic experiences that resonate deeply with today's audience,' she said.
She added that community engagement and environmental conservation remain at the heart of rural tourism development, key components being driven by Sabah's own tourism operators.
Tourism Malaysia expressed its appreciation to all partners involved and reiterated its commitment to strengthening strategic collaborations in anticipation of a successful Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign.
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