TUARAN, Sept 15 – The inaugural Sabah International Kite Festival is being held at Shangri-La Rasa Ria, transforming Tuaran’s skies into a spectacular celebration of culture, creativity, and community in conjunction with Malaysia Day.
Twenty-one Malaysian kiters including four from Beaufort, Sabah as well as four from United Kingdom, Germany, China and Taiwan, are taking part in the festival.
As Sabah’s first-ever international kite festival, Our Sky, Our Story was launched with a clear vision: to establish Tuaran as a world-class cultural destination, boost tourism and economic activity, and engage both local communities and international collaborators.
The festival from September 13–16, also set out to create an artistic legacy that will continue to flourish in 2026 and beyond.
The event marked a new chapter in Sabah’s annual tourism calendar, underscoring Shangri-La Rasa Ria’s role as a luxury destination where heritage meets hospitality.
With participation from international kite teams and Malaysian masters, the festival welcomed both local and overseas guests, many who travelled to attend this inaugural event.
More than a kite festival, Our Sky, Our Story was a living expression of Sabah’s identity and unity. Visitors were immersed in traditions through storytelling, music, dance, and cuisine, while local artisans and businesses gained opportunities to showcase their craft.
Shangri-La Rasa Ria complemented the festivities by curating experiences that blended luxury with authentic Sabahan culture — from family kite-making workshops to sunset picnics and culinary journeys inspired by local flavours.
“At Shangri-La Rasa Ria, we believe true luxury is about connection — connection to culture, community, and place. Hosting Our Sky, Our Story, Sabah’s inaugural international kite festival, allowed us to share the rich traditions of Sabah with the world while offering our guests an experience that combined the beauty of kites with world-class hospitality and authentic local heritage. We are proud to have set this festival in Tuaran’s skies as a symbol of unity and celebration,” said Fiona Hagan, General Manager, Shangri-La Rasa Ria.
By blending heritage, hospitality, and international collaboration, Our Sky, Our Story has laid the foundation for a new cultural tradition in Sabah. With plans already under way for 2026, the festival is poised to grow in scale and impact — cementing its place as a cultural landmark for Sabah, a signature event for Shangri-La Rasa Ria, and a shining example of how tourism can unite communities while enriching the visitor experience.
Malaysia–China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah president Datuk Dexter Lau, one of the guests at the launching ceremony of the Kite Festival, said Sabah must constantly develop and innovate diverse tourism products to continue driving tourism growth.
He remarked that tourism is not only a vital pillar of Sabah’s economy but also a key driver of employment, infrastructure development, and SME growth. He observed that cultural festivals like the Kite Festival are among the most effective ways to diversify tourism, as they combine cultural heritage with experiential activities to create added value.
“The Kite Festival not only enhances Sabah’s appeal in the international tourism market but also builds a new bridge for collaboration between the business and tourism sectors,” he said.
He added that in today’s competitive global tourism landscape, Sabah must continue to leverage its unique natural resources and cultural strengths to introduce differentiated and attractive tourism products in order to maintain international competitiveness.
As an organization long dedicated to promoting Malaysia–China economic and cultural exchanges, MCCC Sabah will continue to act as a bridge and platform, encouraging cross-sector cooperation and working with government and society to strengthen Sabah’s tourism and economy. – Borneo Post
