KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s tourist spots such as Ranau and Kundasang were crowded during the weekend following the resumption of inter-district travel as well as improved vaccination rates and Covid-19 cases. For many Sabahans, this is the place to be for weekend getaways as Kundasang is cool and has fresh air.
Homestays are either fully or almost fully booked, with hotels like the Perkasa Hotel and Kinabalu Pine Resorts in Kundasang at 100% capacity.
The Kinabalu Park, which has been open to the public for quite some time, is livelier than usual, with crowds seen buying entrance tickets and souvenirs.
“It is busier than usual for us here in Kinabalu Park this weekend. But we are happy because when people come, income is generated,” said Sabah Parks employee Lee Keat Hou.
A large group of people had also gathered outside the Poring Hot Spring entrance after only a maximum of 100 people were allowed in at any one time.
Kasey Freddy, 35, who lives in Penampang, said he missed going to Kundasang during the movement restrictions.
“I miss going to Kundasang with my children, just to enjoy the cool mountainous air, and to relax in the homestays and unwind.
“But I will let the crowds go first and we’ll plan our short holiday there in the weeks ahead,” he said.
Ranau resident Clarence Dol said that while he welcomes the visitors, he is not looking forward to the traffic congestion and long lines at the supermarkets.
“So, I will stay home during the weekends and try to only go out for grocery shopping during the weekdays,” said the father of one.
At the Ranau Rabbit Farm, only 25 people are allowed inside the premises at any one time so that proper distancing can be maintained. “So if you come here and the park is already full with 25 people, you need to wait outside first,” said its operator when contacted.
However, the Desa Cattle Farm, dubbed the New Zealand of Sabah with its production of milk products, is still closed to the public.
It is learnt that it is still sorting out details on standard operating procedures, ways to maintain physical distancing and other related matters.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said returning visitors mean a positive improvement to the people’s livelihood.
“We are glad to see our tourism sector starting to slowly pick up, with more people allowed to travel around the state and helping to spur the economy.
“However, it is important to always adhere to the SOP so we can keep each other safe as we try to rebuild our social lives and economy once again,” he added.
Sabah lifted the district zoning system, allowing fully vaccinated adults and their children to travel from Oct 14. Interstate travel will be allowed in Sabah from Nov 1.