Maludam International Explorace to boost community-based tourism

KUCHING: Maludam International Explorace 2026 aims to strengthen Sarawak’s ecotourism potential while promoting community-based tourism and peat swamp forest conservation.

Organised by Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) in collaboration with Sustainable Management of Peatland Ecosystem in Malaysia (SMPEM), the three-day event will run from October 23 to 25 at Dataran Budaya Maludam.

Formerly known as Maludam Explorace Series 3, 2026, the event has been rebranded to expand Maludam’s appeal as an international ecotourism and community-based tourism destination.

Inspired by The Amazing Race, the competition will challenge participants to explore areas surrounding Maludam National Park and nearby villages through activities testing agility, strategic thinking and teamwork.

SFC is targeting 35 participating teams, with 25 already registered, including one international team, reflecting growing interest in the upcoming competition.

Beyond the main race, the three-day programme will feature agency exhibitions, cultural performances, community competitions, traditional sports and activities raising awareness of peat swamp forest conservation.

The event is also expected to stimulate the local economy by creating opportunities for accommodation providers, food businesses, transport operators and local product sellers.

At the same time, the programme seeks to highlight the importance of conserving the peat swamp forest ecosystem within Maludam National Park, which supports Sarawak’s biodiversity and environmental sustainability efforts.

Through the initiative, SFC aims to strengthen strategic collaboration with various stakeholders in advancing biodiversity conservation, community participation and sustainable ecotourism development across Sarawak.

The organisers hope the international explorace will help position Maludam as an attractive destination for visitors while encouraging greater community involvement in tourism and environmental conservation.