United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Visitor cap being considered for Sabah islands
Another island group in Southeast Asia is mulling a limit on visitor numbers to fight overtourism.
Officials want to manage the carrying capacity of the five islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, situated off the East Malaysia coast near Kota Kinabalu.
Sabah Parks director Dr Jamili Nais said current daily visitation is about 2,000 and a visitor cap is being looked at.
"We are going to limit the numbers but that can only be done once we go online to sell entrance tickets," he said.
"We have yet to discuss the exact figure but a study has been done according to the space available, the facilities and the volume of clean water."
Officials will discuss next steps with local tourism operators as well as representatives from the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) and Sabah Association of Tour and Travel Agents (SATTA).
The park comprises the five islands of Pulau Sapi, Pulau Mamutik, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Gaya and Pulau Sulug which are noted for snorkelling and scuba diving.
However its credibility is being challenged by high park entrance fees, the poor condition of facilities and growing levels of trash, mostly washing ashore from the mainland.
"Sabah Parks have increased its manpower to do beach clean-ups every morning before tourists arrive, Nais added.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Woman dies after going overboard in English Channel