KUCHING: Travellers seeking meaningful Harvest Festival getaways can now experience Malaysian Borneo’s natural beauty through unique accommodation offerings across Sabah and Sarawak this Kaamatan and Gawai season.
As festive celebrations approach, Airbnb is highlighting distinctive stays that combine cultural experiences, scenic landscapes, and tranquil surroundings, encouraging domestic and international visitors to explore the region’s diverse attractions.
According to a press statement by Archetype, the harvest festivals create a vibrant atmosphere filled with traditional music, dance, local delicacies, and strong community hospitality throughout Sabah and Sarawak.
It said these seasonal celebrations offer visitors opportunities to immerse themselves in authentic cultural experiences while discovering destinations beyond conventional tourism attractions across Malaysian Borneo’s rural and urban landscapes.
Among the featured accommodations in Sabah is Secret Villa Kudat, a countryside retreat designed for couples and families seeking peaceful surroundings away from busy city environments and commercial districts.
Located in Kudat, the villa features a loft-inspired setting, hidden garden spaces, nearby all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trails, and comfortable spaces suitable for relaxing festive gatherings and quiet countryside escapes.
In Sarawak, Pinggir Siak near Kuching offers travellers an off-grid experience surrounded by jungle scenery and the calming sounds of the Adis River flowing beside the riverside cabin property.
Accessible through a 15-minute jungle trek, the cabin provides visitors with barbecue facilities, outdoor decks, and a fully equipped kitchen suitable for festive family retreats immersed within natural surroundings.
Airbnb also highlighted Durian Burung House in Kuching, an award-winning property blending tropical architecture, landscaped greenery, fish ponds, and modern interiors within a comfortable urban environment for guests.
Another featured property, LintangCorner, offers visitors spacious accommodation with rooftop views and indoor greenery, making it suitable for larger groups celebrating together during the festive holiday season.
Meanwhile, Sabah’s Kundasang highlands continue attracting tourists through scenic mountain accommodations, including W Villa 8 and Paphio Villa, both offering direct views overlooking Mount Kinabalu and surrounding valleys.
The villas feature spacious living areas, private decks, barbecue spaces, indoor and outdoor kitchens, and gathering areas designed for families or friends celebrating Kaamatan and Gawai festivities together.
Airbnb said unique stays and experiences help travellers connect more authentically with local communities while appreciating regional cultures, traditions, and environments during their journeys.
The company noted that hosts across the platform continue offering distinctive accommodation experiences that encourage meaningful travel while supporting local tourism economies and community-based hospitality initiatives throughout the region.
Along Sabah’s west coast, Hibiscus Villa provides guests with a tropical seaside escape featuring landscaped gardens, gazebos, open living spaces, and an 18-metre infinity pool overlooking lush surroundings.
A rugged jungle pathway connecting the villa to a secluded white sandy beach facing the South China Sea further enhances the property’s sense of privacy and tranquillity for visitors.
Airbnb clarified that all homes featured in the campaign are intended purely for inspiration purposes and should not be considered direct endorsements of specific listings available on the platform.
