KOTA BELUD: Since early this year, locals and foreign tourists have made a beeline for a staycation destination near the coast here, which offers a one-of-a-kind seaside experience.
The Cabana Retreat offers visitors a taste of staying in a tent-like shelter which sits on a one-and-a-half acre open space overlooking the beach of Kampung Rampayan.
Since its opening in April, owner Jamaika Kisau and her family said that the number of visitors keeps rising, and guests include local celebrities and social media influencers.
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"Many come for either a day trip or a sleepover. They come here because this place is unique and there is no accommodation like this anywhere in Sabah," she said, adding that their international guests include Europeans, Taiwanese, Chinese, and Koreans.
Jamaika said that the idea of the Cabana Retreat was first mooted by her daughters, who studied in Australia.
Her children, who studied the culinary arts and design, were inspired after visiting the Australian countryside and staying in a cabana.
"They really loved it and were toying with the idea of possibility bringing such a holiday concept to Sabah. They approached us (parents) and discussed the idea.
"At first, I hesitated, but I eventually followed through as my other children were also very supportive of the idea. And little did I know, they had already bought tents," she added.
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The Cabana Retreat caters for individual travellers, families and small groups with 24 tents comprising four-bed, double-queen, and double-single queen rooms.
The premises also provide barbecue facilities for in-house guests. Other amenities available within the compound are a cinema, bar, swimming pool and volleyball field by the beach, among others.
As for activities outside the Cabana Retreat, Jamaika said they help handle booking for river cruises for guests wanting to observe Kota Belud’s wildlife – especially its fireflies.