Sabah: A trending haven for Korean travellers

By Misya Natasha Binti Abdullah

In recent years, Sabah has emerged as a captivating destination for Korean travellers seeking a unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural richness.

This Malaysian state, located on the mystical island of Borneo, has become a popular tourist destination, attracting a growing number of Korean visitors eager to explore its diverse landscapes and vibrant local culture.

Sabah’s breathtaking landscapes are one of its main draws. The state is a haven for lovers of the natural world, with its pristine beaches in Sipadan and its lush rainforests in Danum Valley.

The map of Sabah’s islands.

The view of Manukan Island with banana boats.

Sejin parasailing.

The emergence of social media platforms has dramatically influenced the popularity of Sabah among Korean travellers.

A virtual allure created by amazing photos and tales from people who have experienced the state’s beauty encourages others to start their Sabah adventures.

Travellers from Korea, frequently captivated by the gorgeous landscapes portrayed in K-dramas and films, discover a real-life landscape that exceeds their most optimistic expectations.

The varied ecosystems include the magnificent Mount Kinabalu, a stunning background for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Sejin Park, 31, a Korean traveller, shared about his time in Sabah. During the interview, he mentioned that this was his second visit to Sabah. When asked why he decided to return to Sabah rather than another country or state, he said that he needed more time to explore Sabah thoroughly.

“Sabah is the talk of the town in Korea, especially Kota Kinabalu. Now, Sabah is considered a must-visit place for us Korean people. You can say Sabah is our new healing place from the number of Korean people travelling there. This is ironic, but Sabah has already become a Korean town. Everywhere you go, you will see Korean people. At your front, back, left, and right, everyone is Korean,” said Sejin.

Sejin enjoys his time on the boat.

Tourists snorkelling at Manukan Island.

Beyond its nature, Sabah is a cultural melting pot, making it an intriguing travel destination for people who love variety. Many indigenous communities, each with distinct traditions and customs, can be found throughout the state. Indulging in local customs and eating authentic Sabahan cuisine beckons Korean tourists who want to experience the local way of life fully. With a choice of handcrafted items and local specialities, the bustling markets, like Kota Kinabalu’s Gaya Street, provide a sensory experience.

Sejin said, “The diversity of races and cultures in Malaysia intrigues me. The Sabahan people taught me some of the languages of Sabah. Their ability to communicate despite their different racial backgrounds is amazing. It is something that Korea doesn’t have.”

In addition, the kindness and hospitality of the Sabahan people contribute to its allure to Korean travellers. Travellers are made to feel at home by the genuine friendliness and openness of the locals, which creates a positive memory-making atmosphere and motivates them to tell friends and family back home about their experiences.

Sejin emphasises the importance of being multilingual. Deepening one’s understanding of the places visited can be facilitated, as well as communication with locals and cultural immersion are enhanced. Furthermore, it can significantly simplify and enhance the experience of navigating strange places by helping with tasks like reading signs and getting directions.

When asked about his favourite place in Sabah, Sejin said, “It was and always will be the islands.”

“The islands in Sabah captivate me. I want to explore the island’s depths and savour its tranquillity because of its alluring beauty and constantly shifting landscape. I had tried a lot of island activities and water sports, and they were all worthwhile,” he said.

Above all others, he cherished a trip to Manukan Island. He went to Manukan Island to go island hopping and play water sports, starting from Jesselton Point.

The Sabah Ocean was absolutely breathtaking to see for the first time when he set out on this nautical journey. The blue waves extended in all directions, beckoning discovery and hinting at undiscovered tales hidden beneath the surface. Every wave whispered stories of the varied marine life in this ocean, from the colourful coral reefs to the secluded coves.

Koreans’ affection for Sabah is evidence of the persistent cultural ties that cross national borders. A connection is formed between people transcending the typical tourist destination because of their shared love of the outdoors, culture, hospitality, and delicious food. Sabah’s allure to the Korean soul is a captivating story of mutual admiration and cross-cultural enrichment.

Beyond moving from one location to another, travel is a complex journey with many facets. Personal development, cultural awareness, and global awareness are all accelerated by it. We explore new places and peel back the layers of our identities as we travel, making a lasting impression on both the environment and our own lives.

• This article was written by a student from the Strategic Communication Programme at the Faculty of Education, Language and Communication, UNIMAS.