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Kota Kinabalu: Sabah has significant potential to further develop as a cruise tourism destination, particularly amid growing interest from international cruise operators.

This was highlighted to Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister and Sabah Tourism Board (STB) Chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai during a luncheon meeting with cruise industry representatives. 

The meeting followed a site visit by cruise players, including SATS-Creuers Cruise Services, the Singapore Tourism Board, and international cruise liners, to explore tourism offerings in the state capital.

SATS-Creuers Cruise Services Chief Executive Officer Gregory Tan noted that cruise operators are constantly seeking suitable day-excursion attractions for passengers, emphasizing that Mari-Mari Cultural Village and Kinabalu Park remain among the most popular destinations for cruise visitors.

“Cruise ships typically arrive early in the morning and depart by sunset. It is therefore important to have a wider range of accessible attractions within the city and surrounding areas to enhance the overall passenger experience,” he said.

Marella Cruises head of marine and operations Joel Christopher Hipple added that Sabah has the potential to attract more cruise ships, though port infrastructure, particularly berth depth, is a critical consideration. 

Currently, Kota Kinabalu Port has a depth of approximately nine metres, while Sandakan Port is about seven metres deep, with some areas affected by sandbanks. 

He noted, however, that Sandakan offers a strong nature-based tourism product, with attractions that are easily accessible for cruise passengers.

Joniston welcomed initiatives that bring visitors and generate tourism spending spillover, particularly benefiting the local economy and surrounding communities.

“Collaboration between STB and cruise industry players can be further strengthened to better understand how we can jointly promote cruise tourism and Sabah in general, particularly for short-stay and day visitors, by leveraging cruise ship arrivals,” he said.

The minister was also briefed on Suria Capital Holdings Bhd’s efforts to bring more cruise ships to Sabah, with 25 cruise ship calls confirmed this year, expected to bring in close to 30,000 passengers.

In 2025, Sabah recorded 23 cruise ship calls with 24,634 passengers, comprising 19 ships calling at Kota Kinabalu Port and four at Sandakan Port — nearly double compared with 2024, which recorded 14 ships and 16,727 passengers. 

Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, Sabah recorded 30 cruise ship calls in 2019, bringing in 36,183 passengers.