Who says Kundasang lacks tourist attractions reflecting Sabah?

KOTA KINABALU – Who says that Kundasang, which is at the foot of Mount Kinabalu and has been dubbed as the New Zealand of Borneo, does not have attractions that are close to Sabah’s culture and heritage?

Three people – an academic, a minister and a cultural performer – have countered claims made by former Sabah Foundation deputy director Datuk Johan Ariffin Abdul Samad, who had said cartoon mascots and certain tourist attractions in Kundasang have nothing to do with the state’s culture.

Johan had added that there should be more attractions that reflect the state’s culture and heritage, seeing that Kundasang is the home for Kinabalu Park, Malaysia’s first Unesco World Heritage Site.

Mascots and attractions not just for international tourists, but also local visitors

However, Sabah Institute for Development Studies chief executive officer Assoc Prof Ramzah Dambul said Johan’s assertions about Kundasang are overstatements.

He added that the town’s attractions have created a blend of local culture, traditions and heritage for international and domestic tourists to enjoy.

“I am a Kundasang native – born and bred. I know exactly what type of culture and heritage the Dusun in Kundasang have. And I can positively say… our cultures and heritage have embedded well in the tourism industry in Kundasang,” he told The Vibes. 

Ramzah, who has extensive experience in academia and research, listed out existing attractions in the town, such as the Walai Tokou homestay, which not only offers accommodation but cultural shows and traditional cuisine as well. 

He also highlighted the Kundasang Cultural and Innovation Park (Tabik), where visitors could enjoy its garden showcasing traditional herbs used by locals for medicinal purposes, as well as exhibitions of cultural items, traditional costumes and music. 

We also have the ‘tamu’ (morning market), and we have hiking activities in popular spots such as Sosodikon Hill and Maragang Hill, where visitors get to learn how the local Kadazandusun-Murut community lives with nature.”

He added that there is nothing wrong with some diversity when it comes to creating tourist attractions, including the alpaca farm and strawberry garden, as these cater to domestic tourists.

He reminded Johan that not everyone in Sabah or the rest of the country is financially privileged enough to afford an international holiday to enjoy foreign attractions similar to what is being offered in Kundasang.

Ramzah admitted that heritage attractions reflecting Sabah’s identity may be scattered all over Kundasang at the moment, and this in turn, leads to visitors losing out on the opportunity to appreciate and take in the local customs, history and culture.

“We need to mobilise a team where we can look into that and try to repackage it; make it more presentable, more solid. For example, maybe we could set a day in a month to have stalls selling only traditional food.”

Commercial decisions

Sabah Local Government and Housing minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun observed that local attractions such as the alpaca farm are merely commercial decisions of the owners. 

The Ranau native, who once held the state’s Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry portfolio, told The Vibes that local entrepreneurs want to make a living by catering mainly to local tourists. 

“It all boils down to dollars and cents. They do what they think will earn them money.”

At the same time, Suara Buluh Perindu Kinabalu Cultural and Art Association member Nur Shahirah Jamaludin said the cartoon mascots are innocent in the matter, as they contribute to the local economy and do a good job in entertaining local and foreign visitors. 

As a local (from Kundasang), I am also entertained by them (cartoon mascots). I hope these local Kundasang youth will continue this effort,” said the performer, whose association also manages Tabik.

Nur Shahirah said she wishes to inform the public that her organisation and Tabik have been actively promoting Kundasang’s local culture through traditional-music busking. 

This includes plans for a performance in Bata Merah, Kundasang, which is still awaiting approval from the authorities. – The Vibes, August 7, 2022