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PENAMPANG: Tourism Malaysia Sabah Director, Haryanty Abu Bakar, praised the Cultural Walk campaign as a meaningful initiative to revive tourism. She highlighted its potential to bring tourists closer to the local Kadazan community and showcase the district’s rich cultural heritage.

“As we gear up for the Visit Malaysia 2026 Campaign, initiatives like this help strengthen our tourism narrative by promoting authentic experiences that connect visitors with local culture and communities,” she said.

She added that given Penampang’s close proximity to both the airport and the city, there’s no reason international visitors shouldn’t include the district in their travel plans, provided that local stakeholders are committed in promoting it effectively.

The launch of the Donggongon Cultural Walk was hailed as a promising step toward deepening community-based tourism in the area. 

She highlighted the walk’s accessibility and health benefits, saying that many of Penampang’s key attractions are within walking distance. 

“There’s always a starting point in tourism, and this Cultural Walk is not only a great idea, it’s a healthy way to explore the area,” she said, while praising Penampang Tourism Association (PTA) President Benjamin Golimbi for his efforts in reviving tourism in the district.

She noted that tourism in the area is gaining momentum, thanks to the community’s active efforts to showcase its cultural heritage. 

A clear example is the Tamu event, a traditional flea market on every Thursday where locals present homemade delicacies such as “Sambal Tuhau” and other unique offerings.

“This is a major draw for visitors who value authentic local cuisine and are curious to explore different cultures,” she said.

During the Cultural Walk, participants were guided by Grace Leong from the Sabah Tourist Guides Association (STGA) through the Tamu market. 

There, Haryanty was especially interested in the wide variety of “sambal” local condiments that show the district’s creative cooking and rich culture.

She said that even with simple local ingredients, the food made by the community can attract tourists. That’s why we shouldn’t underestimate the value of what local people are doing.

The event is part of a broader initiative to energize Penampang’s tourism landscape, blending history, food, and community engagement into visitor experience.