Limbang sees up to half a million visitors; RM50m Santaba Jetty plan to boost ecotourism, says Sarawak deputy minister

MIRI, June 28 — Tourism in Limbang continues to gain momentum, driven by rising visitor arrivals and the growing appeal of its unique mangrove ecosystem, with the Santaba Jetty area set for further development as a key ecotourism destination.

In stating this, State Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Abdul Rahman Ismail said Limbang has recorded about 500,000 visitor arrivals, mainly from Brunei, as of June this year.

Reaffirming Limbang’s role as one of Sarawak’s main northern gateways, the Bukit Kota assemblyman said the town welcomed about 1.5 million visitors in 2025 and is on track to exceed that figure this year.

“We have already recorded between 400,000 and 500,000 visitors this year, and I am confident that the total will surpass 1.5 million by year-end,” he said when officiating at the Santaba Jetty Festival 2026 at Santaba Jetty in Kampung Patiambun, Limbang yesterday.

Dr Abdul Rahman said the Santaba Jetty area, one of northern Sarawak’s emerging tourism attractions, will undergo further development to unlock its full potential.

He said consultants have been appointed to prepare a development plan estimated at RM50 million, while efforts are underway to secure funding from either the Sarawak government or the federal government.

“The area has tremendous potential based on the Limbang mangrove national park concept.

It offers experiences comparable to river tourism destinations in Vietnam and Thailand, where visitors can enjoy scenic boat rides, observe proboscis monkeys in their natural habitat and witness firefly displays at night,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the project would further enhance Limbang’s position as an attractive destination for both domestic and international visitors.

Also present were Limbang Resident’s Office representative Rozita Kulai; Limbang district officer Sulaiman Engal; Limbang district council chairman Sufian Mohat; and Kampung Patiambun headman Najib Osman. — The Borneo Post