80 embark on Kinabalu Geopark Cycling Tour
Published on: Friday, January 19, 2024
By: Clarence Dol
Liew (middle) flagging off the cycling tour to kick-start the Sabah Parks Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
RANAU: Some 80 cyclists have embarked on a three-day 185km journey from Ranau to Kota Marudu before ending it in Kota Belud tomorrow (Saturday), to kick-start the Sabah Parks’ Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew graced the flagging-off of the Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark Cycling Tour at Poring Hotsprings, here, on Thursday.
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“I am proud to be part of this exciting event involving some 80 cyclists who will explore the Geopark areas in Ranau, Kota Marudu and Kota Belud.
“This event organised by Sabah Parks, as part of the Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark (KUGGP) promotion, is also the launch event for the Sabah Parks’ Diamond Jubilee at Dataran Kota Belud tomorrow (Saturday), which will be officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor,” she said.
Liew said the tour would involve six stops along the way that feature various activities with the local community.
“The participants will rest at two different locations. On Jan 18, they will spend the night at Sorinsim Sub-Station, Kota Marudu, which is a conservation area under Sabah Parks.
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“The following night (Jan 19), they will stay at Paranauan Inn Kg Sangkir, Kota Belud, which is an interesting place with Mount Kinabalu as backdrop.
“This event will not only become history for Sabah Parks with the award of the Unesco Global Geopark status, but also completed the Unesco Triple Crown, alongside Kinabalu World Heritage Site and Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve.
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“In addition, it will become the main platform to introduce a new attraction in inland tourism - cycling sports tourism.
“The exciting route offers a mesmerising experience with the beauty of nature and the backdrop of Mount Kinabalu, making it an attraction for cycling enthusiasts around the world.
“While enjoying the beauty, the participants will also bring an important message about the sustainability of nature and the need for conservation efforts to maintain our natural beauty for future generations,” said Liew after the flag-off.
She said the Ranau, Kota Marudu and Kota Belud districts are not only rich in natural tourism attractions, but also have a wealth of culture, heritage and other attractions.
“We believe that community-based tourism in the districts can provide great returns to the State Government. Thank you to everyone involved in making this event a success, especially the Sabah Parks.
“I hope the 2024 Kinabalu Unesco Global Geopark Cycling Tour will be an event that not only amazes but also has a positive impact on the development of tourism and the sustainability of nature in Sabah,” she said.
On the celebrations, she said various programmes have been lined up, including exhibitions, entertainment events and stage performances by local artists as well as lucky draws with various attractive prizes provided by the organisers.
All Sabahans, especially those in Kota Belud, are invited to celebrate the event.
Those who have any questions regarding the event can contact Sabah Parks Corporate Communications at 088-523531/572 or email [email protected].
Also present at the event were Sabah Parks Chairman Peter Lintar, Sabah Parks Director Dr Maklarin Lakim, Sri Pelancongan Sabah CEO Thonny Chee and Sabapak Eco Sdn Bhd CEO Remysta Taylor.
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