Kinabatangan-Corridor of Life, Tourism Operators Assocation, Sabah

18/05/2026

KiTA is pleased to share that 4 units of rubbish bins have been successfully delivered for Rumah Sampah Bilit as part of our ongoing efforts to support better waste management and environmental cleanliness within the community.

This initiative is important in encouraging proper waste disposal practices while helping to maintain a cleaner and healthier environment for both local residents and visitors. Small actions like these can create a positive long-term impact on our villages and tourism destinations.

We would like to thank all parties involved for the support and cooperation in making this initiative possible.

Together, we can continue to strengthen community awareness on environmental conservation and sustainable tourism practices in Kinabatangan.

Let us all play our part in keeping Bilit clean, green, and beautiful for future generations.

15/05/2026

KiTA would like to express our appreciation and pride in being one of the strategic partners in the successful organisation of the recent Pesta Kaamatan Kinabatangan.

The event brought together the local community, tourism industry players, cultural groups, and visitors in celebrating the rich traditions and heritage of Sabah.

We are honoured to have played a role in supporting this meaningful celebration, which not only strengthens cultural appreciation but also promotes unity and cooperation among all stakeholders in Kinabatangan. Events such as this continue to showcase the beauty of our local identity and community spirit.

KiTA believes that collaborations like these are important in promoting sustainable tourism, preserving cultural values, and creating more opportunities for local communities. The success of this year’s celebration reflects the strong teamwork and dedication shown by all parties involved.

Congratulations and thank you to the organising committee, participating agencies, community leaders, performers, and everyone who contributed towards making Pesta Kaamatan Kinabatangan a memorable and successful event.

We look forward to continuing our support for future community and tourism initiatives in Kinabatangan.

18/04/2026

The 37th Executive Committee (EXCO) Meeting of KiTA was successfully held, bringing together committee members to discuss key updates, ongoing initiatives, and future plans for the association.

The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration among members, addressing current industry challenges, and enhancing efforts towards sustainable tourism and wildlife conservation in Kinabatangan.

We appreciate the commitment and active participation of all EXCO members in ensuring the continued growth and progress of KiTA.

Together, we move forward stronger.

07/04/2026

KiTA successfully conducted the Mat Terhad Course – 2nd Edition on 31 March & 1 April 2026 at Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge, Sukau with a full participation of 25 participants.

The two-day programme brought together guides and tourism stakeholders for an engaging and insightful learning experience.

Participants had the opportunity to enhance their guiding skills, exchange knowledge, and deepen their understanding of responsible and effective interpretation in the field.

The sessions were interactive, with meaningful discussions, practical sharing, and strong participation from all attendees.

It was encouraging to see such commitment towards improving guiding standards and promoting sustainable tourism practices in Kinabatangan.

KiTA would like to thank all participants and partners involved for making this programme a success. We look forward to organizing more impactful training sessions in the future.

05/04/2026

🌿 TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR WILDLIFE GUIDES – SANDAKAN 🌿

We are pleased to share that the Wildlife Guide Training Programme organised by KiTA was successfully conducted in Sandakan, recently.

The session was led by Dr Rhonda Green (Australia), who brought valuable insights and international expertise to our local guiding community.

Held at STWA Office, Sandakan, the programme was open to all wildlife guides, bringing together participants from across the Sandakan area.

Training Highlights:
✨ Minimal-impact wildlife viewing practices
✨ Understanding and appreciating overall biodiversity
✨ Strengthening interpretation skills for wildlife guides
✨ Exploring animal–plant interactions in local ecosystems
✨ Engaging PowerPoint sessions, open discussions & Q&A
The training emphasised active participation, knowledge sharing, and meaningful discussions — creating a dynamic learning environment for all attendees.

A big thank you to all participants for your enthusiasm and commitment, and to Dr Rhonda Green for sharing her expertise and inspiring our guides.

Together, we continue to raise the standards of wildlife guiding and promote responsible, sustainable tourism in Sabah. 🌱🐾

06/03/2026

Respect Wildlife – Responsible Viewing Matters

Kinabatangan is one of Sabah’s most important wildlife corridors and a globally recognised destination for nature tourism. Visitors travel from around the world hoping to see iconic species such as orangutans, proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and the Bornean elephant in their natural habitat.

However, wildlife encounters must always be conducted responsibly. The Kinabatangan–Corridor of Life Tourism Operators Association (KiTA) reminds all guides and boat operators to avoid crowding wildlife with too many boats and to maintain a respectful distance during sightings.

Responsible wildlife viewing is strongly encouraged by the Sabah Wildlife Department, which promotes ethical practices to ensure animals are not stressed, chased, or disturbed in their natural environment. These practices are also supported under the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997, which provides the legal framework for protecting wildlife and their habitats in Sabah.

When boats surround animals too closely, it can cause stress and disrupt their natural behaviour such as feeding, resting, or caring for their young. Responsible guiding means observing wildlife calmly, keeping noise levels low, and allowing space for animals to move freely.

As tourism operators, guides, and community members, we share the responsibility of protecting Kinabatangan’s wildlife. By following proper SOP and practicing ethical wildlife viewing, we ensure that future generations can continue to experience the beauty of our wildlife.

Great wildlife encounters come from patience, respect, and responsible guiding.

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07/02/2026

KiTA recently attended a coordination meeting with the Assistant District Officer (Administration) and relevant government agencies at the Kinabatangan District Office.

The meeting followed up on issues raised during the working visit of the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Culture & Environment Sabah to Sukau earlier this year.

Key matters discussed included waste management improvements in Sukau, actions to address the stray dog issue, and stronger collaboration between government agencies, lodge operators, and the local community.

Several constructive proposals were highlighted, including awareness initiatives, shared responsibility among lodges, and closer cooperation with authorities to ensure a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable tourism environment in Kinabatangan.

KiTA will continue to play an active role in information sharing, coordination, and community engagement, while also encouraging more lodges to be part of KiTA to strengthen collective action moving forward.

Together, we work towards a more responsible and sustainable Kinabatangan. 🌿💚

01/02/2026

KiTA was honoured to attend a truly memorable and auspicious evening at the 13th Sabah Tourism Awards with our heartfelt thanks to Sabah Tourism Board (STB) for the kind invitation.

It was wonderful reconnecting with many familiar faces and friends from the tourism industry—especially those who continue to champion nature-based and sustainable tourism.

Congratulations to all the award winners!
Your dedication and hard work continue to elevate Sabah as a world-class tourism destination.

That evening was extra special as it marked the first Sabah Tourism Awards since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019. A huge congratulations to STB on a strong and inspiring comeback!

KiTA looks forward to continuing our partnership in strengthening sustainable tourism along the Kinabatangan Corridor of Life and beyond.

27/01/2026

We are pleased to share that Kinabatangan – Corridor of Life Tourism Operators Association, Sabah (KiTA) conducted a courtesy visit today to the new Executive Officer of Kinabatangan District Council, Mr Ali Adam Hamjah.

The visit was attended by the President of KiTA and the Treasurer of KiTA, with the aim of strengthening strategic relations, fostering mutual understanding, and exploring potential collaborations for the sustainable development of tourism in Kinabatangan.

Key discussion points included:
🔹 Current issues and challenges faced by the tourism industry in Kinabatangan
🔹 The development of Rumah Sampah initiatives and addressing waste management challenges
🔹 Improving river cleanliness and environmental conservation efforts in Kinabatangan
🔹 Guidance and advice on licensing management, operational matters, and regulatory compliance
🔹 Opportunities for strategic collaboration to enhance sustainable tourism development
🔹 Strengthening partnerships between KiTA and Kinabatangan District Council

KiTA would like to express its sincere appreciation to Mr Adam for the warm welcome and valuable insights shared. We look forward to building a strong and productive collaboration in support of environmental protection, sustainable tourism, and community well-being in Kinabatangan.

12/01/2026

The Mate Course

12/01/2026

The Basic Emergency Care Course was successfully conducted on 10–11 January 2026 at Kg. Bilit, Tanini Kinabatangan - Sabah, Borneo, through a collaboration between KiTA, Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd, and Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia.

The programme involved staff members from KiTA member lodges and aimed to strengthen emergency response skills, preparedness, and safety awareness within the tourism and hospitality sector

KiTA extends its sincere appreciation to all partners, trainers, and participants for their strong cooperation and commitment, which contributed to the success of this programme.

Together, we continue to build capacity towards a safer and more responsible tourism industry.