Villagers from five water villages on Gaya Island, about a 10-minute boat ride from Kota Kinabalu, are participating in a community-based tourism initiative to turn their homes into vibrant tourism attractions.

Sabah Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Joniston Bangkuai said the Meraki Daat Initiative is spearheading the efforts.

He commended the organisation for actively engaging locals to transform their living spaces into potential community tourism spots.

Joniston said the NGO, led by its president Michelle De La Harpe, briefed him on Monday on the progress of its ongoing project at Pulau Gaya, and that the villages are now working towards formal registration to form a community-based tourism on Gaya Island.

“This is a positive step forward. Gaya is a unique settlement with its own story to tell.

“Developing community-based tourism on the Island will create value for the villagers, especially given its proximity to the city centre,” he said in a statement yesterday.

It was also crucial to foster a cleaner, safer and more sustainable tourism environment where local participation and ownership are key to this effort, he added.

Michelle said the NGO’s goal is to transform public spaces into vibrant, community-owned tourism attractions, adding that the project combines youth development, art and environmental sustainability.

- Bernama

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