About 80 cyclists from Ranau, Kota Marudu, and Kota Belud started the 185-km Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark Cycling Tour 2024 in Ranau on Thursday (Jan 18). The event will conclude in Kota Belud on Saturday (Jan 20).
The Sabah Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew stated that the event aims to introduce a new attraction in inland tourism, specifically cycling sports tourism. Jointly organized by Sabah Parks and Sri Pelancongan Sabah, participants from the three districts will make six pit stops to engage with the local community.
Liew flagged off the tour from Poring Hotspring Sub-Station in Ranau. She mentioned that the scenic route offers a captivating experience with the beauty of nature, including the iconic Mount Kinabalu in the background, and she believes this tourism product will appeal to cycling sports fans worldwide.
“Today’s happening will make a positive impact on tourism development and sustainability of nature in Sabah,” Liew said. She also highlighted that Ranau, Kota Marudu, and Kota Belud districts are not only rich in nature tourism attractions but also have a wealth of culture, heritage, and other charms.
Liew expressed her belief that community-based tourism in these three districts can provide great returns to the state government. She added that the cycling tour was held in conjunction with the Declaration ceremony of Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark (KUGGp) in 2023, and the Sabah Parks’ diamond jubilee celebration at Dataran Kota Belud. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor is expected to launch the ceremony on Saturday.
Liew was accompanied by Sabah Parks chairman Peter Lintar and Sabah Parks director Dr Maklarin Lakim at the flag-off.
