THE LOCAL COMMUNITY CHALLENGES TO DEVELOP THE HOMESTAY PROGRAMME IN GAYA ISLAND, KOTA KINABALU, SABAH, MALAYSIA

This study aims to identify the key challenges faced by the local community in developing a homestay program on Gaya Island, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The objective is to understand barriers that hinder effective community-based tourism development. This research applies quantitative approach using structured questionnaires administered to 150 respondents. The data analysis present in the table in statistic descriptive value such as frequency, percentage and mean. The findings reveal several significant challenges, including environmental pollution, lack of land ownership, inadequate financial capital, limited knowledge and skills, insufficient infrastructure, and weak cooperation both within the community and with tourism agencies. Despite these constraints, there is potential for homestay development if supported by structured financial aid, capacity-building programs, and collaborative efforts among stakeholders. These insights are vital for informing targeted policies and interventions that support rural tourism and sustainable community participation especially for homestay program as a unique marine based homestay development on the island in Sabah and Malaysia.