With a box-fresh conference centre and a government-backed convention bureau, Sabah wants the world to know it’s open for business.

The Malaysian state offers a stunning rainforest setting that’s bound to impress along with the infrastructure to host large-scale events – and conference planners are beginning to take notice.

At its heart is Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO Global Geopark that’s home to Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Southeast Asia. Packed with rainforest older than the Amazon, the area is one of Asia's best examples of protected wilderness, making it a spot of scientific importance.

On the coast lies Sabah’s capital Kota Kinabalu with direct connections to much of East Asia, including Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

With the jade-green jungle-covered slopes of Mount Kinabalu visible inland, and the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park just a short boat ride out to sea, KK has long been a tourist destination – but now it’s eying the global convention market in a big way. Home to around half a million people and boasting a sunset was ranked among the world’s best by Time magazine, KK has a steady pipeline of large-scale events, thanks in part to the presence of several international hotel brands, but it’s ready for more.

The jewel in its crown is the oceanside Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) which opened its doors in 2020. Its convention hall can host 7,000 delegates, or divide into three 1,200-strong rooms, with extensive space on a separate floor for exhibitions (which can host an additional 6,000 delegates).

The SICC’s recent BE in Sabah congress aimed to show the world it has the infrastructure and access in place to meet the demands of associations looking for something out of the ordinary. The region regularly hosts national conferences, particularly from medical or engineering-focused associations, and is building an ambassador programme with local academics as it scales up its offering.

The Sabah Convention Bureau, which has been running since 2024, has a range of support for events that fit the bill; they are more than happy to discuss subventions for multi-day conferences as well as corporate meetings and incentive groups.

Photo by Colin + Meg on Unsplash

Delegates register at the recent BE in SABAH 2026 congress at the SICC

Sabah map

New tourism offerings as region develops

With strengths in agriculture, the blue economy, and eco-tourism, the destination offers a unique combination of culture, safety and value with genuine warmth and hospitality. Investment in new industrial parks along Sabah’s 2,383km of coastline is set to help capitalise on its strategic location, rich marine biodiversity and expanding industrial and logistics sectors.

Companies like SEADling, a seaweed biotechnology company based to the north of KK, are getting in there early; the burgeoning firm is working closely with local communities as it develops fermented seaweed ingredients for applications across agriculture, pet nutrition, and human wellness.

Back in KK, a new floating hotel will arrive this summer at the jetty near the SICC. The ship hotel, which would be the first in East Asia, is part of a wider plan to transform the waterfront area into a marina and adds a further 200 bedrooms to the city’s total. The nearby Jesselton Docklands scheme also aims to breathe new life into the port area of Kota Kinabalu, including a proposed new ferry and cruise terminal.

Elsewhere, work is already underway in the city to create an 800-acre leisure resort at Tanjung Aru Beach which will include a new public performance space, canopy walkways and an eco-education centre in the existing Prince Philip Park.

Plans in place to boost connectivity

At a recent forum in Sabah, Yang Behormat Datuk Joniston Bankkuai, assistant minister to the chief minister of Sabah, pledged that the state government was ‘forging strategic partnerships with global airlines’ to further boost connectivity in the future.

Kota Kinabalu currently has direct connections across Asia, including Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Manila, Seoul, and Tokyo; those travelling from Europe will need to change at KL or Singapore. HK Express offers budget flights from Hong Kong while Scoot is Singapore Airlines’ no-frills sister company.

The view from the fifth floor of the SICC in Kota Kinabalu

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Where to stay – and meet

With 17 meeting rooms, The Hilton Kota Kinabalu is a popular venue for hosting events in KK. The Grand Ballroom can host a banquet for 670, and the rooftop pool deck can host 200 for drinks.

Sutera Harbour is a beautiful sprawling resort with two main hotels: the Pacific Sutera Hotel’s grand ballroom could host 1,000 for a reception while its sister venue, the Magellan Sutera Hotel, has capacity for 1,400 for dinner. One of Borneo’s biggest convention hotels, the five-star Magellan has 456 rooms and there is also a golf resort on site.

Dominating the city’s skyline is the Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu, with 222 generously proportioned rooms offering balconies with incredible views. Its event spaces are intimate and filled with light: the largest can hold 50 for a meeting. Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu has 396 modern and stylish serviced apartments; its key event space is the Coral Hall, suitable for 160 attendees theatre-style.

The 307-room Sheraton, which had a soft opening at the end of 2025, is nearing completion. Its grand ballroom on the sixth floor can host up to 580 dinner guests or 920 delegates theatre-style. Don’t miss the rooftop chapel with stunning views to Mount Kinabalu – it would make an ideal spot for an intimate reception for up to 130.

For five-star luxury overlooking the scenic coral islands of the marine park, the 288-room Hyatt Regency Kinabalu has a Kimanis Ballroom that can host 180 delegates theatre-style. Also offering views of the water is Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu with a ballroom that can host a banquet for 400; along with 412 rooms, it boasts six restaurants and a rooftop bar that’s ideal to watch the famous sunsets.

Off-site opportunities for exploration

The cluster of nearby islands at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park offer incredible tropical scenery; though it can get crowded, there are still quiet spots to explore.

Back on the mainland, delegates can explore Sabah’s culture at the Sabah Art Gallery where you can see the work of local artists. The population of Sabah is made up of more than 30 indigenous groups, and chef Sandra Paut celebrates their unique cuisine at The Native Café, a little gem at Hotel N5; she also caters for events, bringing locally grown ingredients and great flavours – as well as edible bugs for those brave enough!

The likes of Truly Borneo and Discovery Tours operate as DMCs in the area and can help with off-site exploration like cultural tours; bird lovers will love the wetlands which offer a calm oasis in KK, while further afield there is potential for memorable adventures at Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary and the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre.

The Hilton Kota Kinabalu

Hyatt centric building overlooking city lights at dusk

Photo by You Le on Unsplash

Who to contact

Noredah Othman, Chief Executive Officer
Sabah Convention Bureau
E: [email protected]
W: https://sabahconventionbureau.com/en/

A blue sky with clouds reflecting in the water

Photo by Avtar Singh Sandhu on Unsplash