Sosodikon Hill, October 24, 2025 – For the first time, Sosodikon Hill welcomed an official visit from two major tourism agencies, Tourism Malaysia and the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), to experience firsthand the community-based tourism product, Akou Mamanau Sosodikon.

The six-member delegation was led by Puan Azimah binti Aziz, Deputy Director of the Package Development Division (BPP) at Tourism Malaysia, together with Mr. Dexter Randy, the District Tourism Officer of Ranau representing Sabah Tourism Board.

The visit provided both agencies an opportunity to observe how Koperasi Sosodikon Ranau Berhad has developed a sustainable model of community-based tourism that highlights local culture and traditions while empowering the surrounding community.

Among the experiences featured were traditional food demonstrations such as linopot, sayur losun, bambangan, tuhau, and bosou, all prepared by local villagers. The guests also had the chance to try their hands at crafting local beadwork and dalai handicrafts, guided by community artisans. Although time constraints prevented them from witnessing the traditional dances and cultural games, the warm hospitality of the community made the visit memorable.

Representatives from Tourism Malaysia expressed that the trip opened opportunities for future collaboration in promoting Sosodikon as a nationally recognized community tourism destination. The program also strengthened networking ties with key national tourism agencies and paved the way for potential international promotion.

Overall, the Famtrip program was a great success, receiving enthusiastic support from the local community. It not only fostered closer relations between the cooperative and government tourism bodies but also reinforced Sosodikon Hill’s position as a leading model for community-based tourism in Sabah.