Sabah village stays added to Kota Kinabalu itineraries for 2027 tourism campaign
Travelers can now incorporate an overnight village stay into a Kota Kinabalu city break, starting with Tanak Nabalu Homestay. The proposal is slated for Sabah's 2027 tourism campaign and targets visitors looking to extend their stay beyond the city.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Village homestays can be booked as part of a Kota Kinabalu trip
- Timing
- Planned for the 2027 Sabah tourism campaign
- Who is affected
- Visitors to Kota Kinabalu interested in rural overnight stays
The details
- Announced by
- Sabah Tourism Board
Proposal overview
The Sabah Tourism Board has highlighted Tanak Nabalu Homestay in Kota Belud as a pilot option for travellers wishing to add a rural night to a Kota Kinabalu city break. The homestay is listed on the board’s website with location details, elevation, and basic accommodation description.
The initiative is part of the state’s broader 2027 tourism campaign, which aims to spread visitor spending to rural hosts and showcase community‑based tourism across Malaysian Borneo.
Logistics for travellers
Visitors should contact the homestay directly to confirm room availability, meal inclusion, and pickup points. For car‑free guests, arranging a driver or a shared transfer with the host is essential, as the journey from Kota Kinabalu to Kota Belud takes about 43 kilometres via the Tamparuli–Ranau road.
When booking, guests are advised to obtain a written price covering accommodation, meals, and any optional activities, and to verify the latest check‑in time and exact meeting location.
- Confirm pickup point and return time with the host before altering any city hotel reservation
- Ask about private bathrooms, steps, and distance from drop‑off if accessibility matters
Supporting infrastructure
Sabah’s 2026 budget plans to raise Kota Kinabalu International Airport’s annual capacity from nine to twelve million passengers, supporting higher visitor numbers for the upcoming campaign. The increased capacity is expected to feed demand for both city hotels and rural homestays.
Invest Sabah reports 3.8 million visitors in 2025 and strong growth in early 2026, providing a sizable market for village hosts who can earn from accommodation, meals, and guided activities.
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Existing city‑hotel bookings can be extended by contacting a homestay before changing hotel reservations
- Car‑free travellers must arrange a driver or shared pickup with the host prior to departure
Cost and documents
- Travelers need a written price quote covering room, meals and any activities
- No additional visa or entry fees are introduced by the village‑stay option
What you need to do
- Contact Tanak Nabalu Homestay (or other listed hosts) to confirm availability and rates
- Arrange a pickup point and return transport with the host before leaving Kota Kinabalu
- Keep a copy of the written price and itinerary for reference during the trip
Who this affects
-
Kota Kinabalu city‑hotel guests
They may wish to add a rural night to their existing city stay
What to do Contact a listed homestay to confirm room and transport before altering hotel plans
-
Car‑free travellers
They need a driver or shared pickup to reach the village
What to do Negotiate pickup and return arrangements directly with the homestay host
-
Tour operators in Sabah
They can incorporate village stays into packaged itineraries
What to do Price transfers and coordinate schedules with homestay hosts for client bookings
Frequently asked questions
Can I book a village stay from Kota Kinabalu now?
Yes, the Sabah Tourism Board lists contact details for Tanak Nabalu Homestay and other rural hosts, allowing travellers to confirm availability, rates and meal options directly with the host.
Do I need a car to stay in a Sabah village homestay?
No, you can arrange a driver or shared pickup with the host. Confirm the pickup point, price and return timing before departing Kota Kinabalu.
What is included in the price for a homestay night?
The price should cover the room, meals and any agreed‑upon activities. Ask the host for a written breakdown so you can budget accurately.
Will the new village‑stay option affect my airport arrival plans?
The airport capacity increase is planned for 2026, but it does not change entry requirements. It simply allows more passengers, which may increase the availability of rural accommodation options.
Is there a special card or programme needed to reserve a homestay?
The proposed Magebs Smart Card is not yet verified for homestay reservations. Contact the homestay directly for confirmed booking procedures.
