TM and STAN launch brochure directory on Sandakan

Khairul Firdaus with Sandakan Tourism Association members

13 April 2025

SANDAKAN: Tourism Malaysia, in collaboration with the Sandakan Tourism Association (STAN), has recently launched its latest brochure directory, “A Guide to Sandakan,” as part of its robust efforts to promote interstate travel to Sabah and in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.

The "A Guide to Sandakan" brochure presents an array of attractions, showcasing an enticing blend of breathtaking natural landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, thrilling adventure activities, rich cultural experiences, and delectable cuisine found in Sandakan.

The launch ceremony was honoured by the presence of Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and attended by Dato Shaharuddin Abu Sohot, Secretary General of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture,  Haryanty Abu Bakar, Director of Tourism Malaysia Sabah, and  Chee Kim Teo, President of the Sandakan Tourism Association.

Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan expressed that the Sandakan directory brochure is an essential promotional tool aimed at encouraging both domestic and international visitors to plan their holidays or weekend getaways in Sandakan.

“From the thrill of cosying up to orangutans in the wild to the exhilarating experience of coming face to face with the Bornean Sun Bears, the mascot of Visit Malaysia Year 2026, Sandakan offers a perfect blend of wildlife, adventure, unique local delicacies, and fresh seafood, making it an ideal destination for exploring the wonders of Sabah,” he stated.

Malaysia's tourism sector continues to witness strong recovery and growth. In 2024, Malaysia recorded 38 million visitor arrivals, marking a remarkable 31.1% increase compared to 29 million arrivals in 2023. This figure also surpassed the pre-pandemic record of 35 million arrivals in 2019 by 8.3%. The primary visitor-generating markets were Singapore, Indonesia, China, Thailand, Brunei, India, the Philippines, South Korea, Australia, and Chinese Taipei. Total visitor receipts reached RM106.78 billion in 2024, reflecting a substantial growth of 43.7% compared to 2023 and exceeding 2019 levels by 20%.

This positive momentum continued into January and February 2025, with visitor arrivals surging by 31.3% to 6.7 million compared to the same period in 2024, and up 14.5% from pre-pandemic levels in 2019. Singapore remained the leading source market, contributing 3.1 million arrivals, followed by China, Indonesia, Thailand, and Brunei.