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Sabah recorded 3,793,709 visitor arrivals in 2025, generating RM8.74 billion in tourism receipts and surpassing the 3.5 million visitors logged in 2024, according to the state’s Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister.
International arrivals totalled 1,498,709, about 2% above pre-pandemic levels, even though international flight connectivity has not yet fully recovered. China led international markets with 657,528 arrivals, followed by Singapore, Taiwan, the UK and Ireland, Australia and Japan. As of January 2026, Sabah connects to 15 international destinations via 157 weekly flights.
Domestic arrivals to the state also grew to almost 2.3 million, driven by Hari Raya Aidilfitri travel, the state election period and school holidays. Cruise tourism grew too, with 23 cruise ships bringing in 24,634 passengers. The state is now targeting 4 million arrivals in 2026 in support of both VM2026 and the state’s own Visit Sabah 2027 campaign.
Why it matters: Sabah’s rapid arrival growth, especially from China, signals rising demand for guides and tourism staff with Mandarin-language skills and East Malaysia route knowledge. Explore GIT Academy’s Tourist Guide Course to start your journey in Malaysia’s tourism industry.
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