Joniston Hailed As Kiulu's Father Of Tourism

By Arthur Edward TUARAN (Sabah, Malaysia) April 17 (Bernama) -- Kiulu located near the foot of Crocker Range in Sabah received more than 50,000 visitors last year. Residents in the sub-district that is rich in flora and fauna when met were full of praise for Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chairman Joniston Bangkuai who they said was instrumental in developing Kiulu as a thriving rural ecotourism centre. Lasmin Lopog, 42, said Joniston was very qualified to be given recognition as Kiulu’s father of tourism for his numerous efforts in developing ecotourism and tourism in Kiulu. "We can see his efforts in spurring the economy of the rural community in Kiulu. The development in Kiulu has given opportunities to residents in participating and venturing into the industry to improve their economic status,” he told Bernama. Lasmin is also the owner of a tourism centre, 'Kondis Point Kiulu' located about two kilometres from Kiulu town. Kiulu Tourism Association president Dr Edmon Guntis said Joniston’s contribution to the development of tourism in the area could not be denied. “He was also the one who introduced the Visit Kiulu Month, which would be included in Sabah’s tourism calendar. “Because of his efforts, Kiulu has been chosen as a pilot project for ecotourism development, as announced by Chief Minister Musa Aman while presenting the Sabah State Budget 2018 last year,” he said. Unus Limun, 43, owns a tourism centre, ‘Oniting Camp’ in his village Kampung Lokub, which was launched by Joniston in April last year. “I attended a number of talks organised by STB in Kiulu, which inspired me to open the centre,” he said, adding various activities were available including jungle trekking. He regarded Joniston as Kiulu’s father of tourism for his contribution to the industry in Kiulu which has about 50,000 residents. Unus said Kampung Malangang, Rangalau Lama, Poturidong, Gamut in Kiulu and a number of areas in Ulu Kiulu such as Kampung Mantob, Sinorut and Kampung Pinagon Baru have become popular tourist destinations. -- BERNAMA