The Return of the Sabah Tourism Awards A Celebration of Resilience, Renewal, and the Spirit of Sabah Hospitality

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Photo courtesy to Sri Pelancongan Sabah

After a meaningful pause since 2019, the Sabah Tourism Awards return with renewed significance—ushering in a new chapter for one of Malaysia’s most dynamic tourism destinations. More than an awards ceremony, this highly anticipated comeback is a celebration of resilience, reinvention, and the unwavering spirit that continues to define Sabah’s tourism community.

The past few years have reshaped the global travel landscape, and Sabah’s tourism industry has responded with adaptability, creativity, and quiet determination. From reimagined experiences to elevated service standards, industry players have worked tirelessly to ensure Sabah remains not just relevant, but remarkable.


The Sabah Tourism Awards shine a spotlight on these unsung heroes—individuals, organisations, and businesses that have gone above and beyond to uphold the essence of Sabah hospitality while embracing change. Their efforts have helped position Sabah once again as a destination of depth, diversity, and enduring appeal.


With nominations now open, the awards invite the industry to reflect on excellence and acknowledge those who have played a defining role in the sector’s revival. This year’s celebration honours not only success, but perseverance—the collective strength that has carried Sabah tourism through uncertainty and into renewal.


As the awards make their long-awaited return, they signal more than recognition. They represent optimism, confidence, and a shared vision for a sustainable, innovative, and thriving future—one where Sabah continues to inspire travellers and industry leaders alike.


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Sabah Tour Innovation Award

The award recognizes tour operators, guides, and agencies that demonstrate outstanding and memorable travel experiences, embodying deep knowledge of Sabah’s natural wonders, cultural heritage, and local traditions. The recipient is celebrated for their commitment to excellence, personalized service, and innovative approaches to tourism.


Gold - TREC & Supu Tour (KOPEL Kinabatangan)

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Sabah Best Practice in Tourism
(Community Based Tourism)

This award honors those who excel in sustainable tourism, enhance visitor experiences, and preserve Sabah’s cultural and natural heritage in Community Based Tourism category. The recipients set high standards in quality, creativity, and responsibility, serving as benchmarks for the industry.



Gold - Walai Tobilung, Kota Marudu

Silver - Kg.Tajau Laut, Kudat

Bronze - ⁠Tegudon Tourism Village, Kota Belud


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Sabah Hospitality Gem Award

This award recognizes and honors hospitality establishments or individuals in Sabah who exemplify a shining example of excellence, service, and dedication within the hospitality industry. This award celebrates those who consistently go above and beyond to provide exceptional experiences for guests, showcase outstanding customer service, and demonstrate a commitment to upholding the highest standards of hospitality.


Gold - Mari Mari Cultural Village

Silver - Sutera Sanctuary Lodges (Kinabalu Park)


Bronze - Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort


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Sabah Best Practice in Tourism
(Tourism Product)

This award honors those who excel in sustainable tourism, enhance visitor experiences, and preserve Sabah’s cultural and natural heritage in Tourism Product category. The recipients set high standards in quality, creativity, and responsibility, serving as benchmarks for the industry.


Gold -Borneo Rainforest Lodge

Silver -⁠Mari Mari Cultural Village

Bronze - ⁠Lankayan Island Dive Resort


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Sabah Best Practice in Tourism (Accommodation)

This award honors those who excel in sustainable tourism, enhance visitor experiences, and preserve Sabah’s cultural and natural heritage in Accommodation category. The recipients set high standards in quality, creativity, and responsibility, serving as benchmarks for the industry.

Gold -Borneo Rainforest Lodge

Silver -Sutera Sanctuary Lodges (Kinabalu Park)

Bronze -Hilton Kota Kinabalu


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Sabah Tourism Champion 
(Advocate Award)

This award celebrates individuals or organizations that have demonstrated exceptional efforts in promoting Sabah as a premier tourism destination.

Recipients serve as exemplary ambassadors, elevating the region’s profile through advocacy, marketing, and meaningful stakeholder engagement.

Gold -Jesus Cede Prudente

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Sabah Tourism Champion 
(Partnership Award)

This award celebrates the significance of successful collaborations and partnerships that have notably contributed to the growth and development of the tourism industry in Sabah.

Gold - Borneo Tourism Research Centre

Silver - Air Asia China

Bronze - Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

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Sabah Tourism Champion 
(Leadership - Individual)

The award is a prestigious honor bestowed upon individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, dedication, and impact within the Sabah community. This award recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the social, economic, cultural, or environmental well-being of Sabah.

Gold - Alexander Yee

Silver - Albert Teo Chin Kion

Bronze - Abdul Sail Jamaluddin

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Sabah Tourism Champion 
(Leadership - Organization)

The award is a prestigious honor bestowed upon organization who demonstrate exceptional leadership, dedication, and impact within the Sabah community. This award recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the social, economic, cultural, or environmental well-being of Sabah.

Gold - Borneo Rainforest Lodge

Silver - Friends of Sea Turtles Education & Research

Bronze - Sutera Sanctuary Lodges

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SABAH TOURISM CHAMPION 
(RESILIENCE - ORGANIZATION)

This award recognizes individuals or organizations within the tourism sector in Sabah who have demonstrated exceptional resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges or crises, showcasing strength and perseverance in overcoming obstacles. Their ability to overcome obstacles with strength and perseverance serves as an inspiration to others in the industry.

Gold - Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort

Silver - Rumah Terbalik

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SABAH TOURISM CHAMPION 
(RESILIENCE - INDIVIDUAL)

This award recognizes individuals within the tourism sector in Sabah who have demonstrated exceptional resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges or crises, showcasing strength and perseverance in overcoming obstacles.

Their ability to overcome obstacles with strength and perseverance serves as an inspiration to others in the industry.

Gold - Grace Leong

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Sabah Tourism Champion (Sustainability)

This award acknowledges efforts toward sustainable tourism practices in Sabah, honouring initiatives that prioritise environmental conservation, community engagement, and cultural preservation for the region’s long-term benefit.

Gold - Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort


Silver - Borneo Rainforest Lodge

Bronze - Sukau Rainforest Lodge

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SPECIAL APPRECIATION AWARDS

The Special Appreciation Awards acknowledge individuals or organisations exceptional commitment, collaboration, innovation, or service that may fall outside the standard award categories, but which merit special recognition for their contribution to strengthening the tourism ecosystem in Sabah.

Kinabalu Running Club (KRC)
Persatuan Malim Gunung Kinabalu
Persatuan Porter Gunung Kinabalu
Sutera Harbour
Though Gorilla

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LIFETIME RECOGNITION AWARDS

The Lifetime Recognition Awards are conferred upon individuals who have demonstrated exceptional, sustained, and transformative contributions to the tourism and hospitality industry in Sabah over the course of their careers

1. The late Datuk Irene Benggon Charuruks

2. YBhg. Dato' Seri Tengku Dr. Zainal Adlin Bin Tengku Mahamood



Photo courtesy to 
Location: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

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