Inspired by Spain’s famed Camino de Santiago, Catholics in Sabah have begun walking their own version of the pilgrimage — a spiritual journey between parishes marked by prayer, reflection, and renewal.
Though unofficial, two local trails — one in Penampang and another spanning Limbahau and Papar — have drawn growing interest among the faithful, especially ahead of the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year.
“Camino Walk may be a new thing for the Catholics in Sabah, but it has been long in practice in Spain,” Catholic Sabah reported.
On June 14, a group of pilgrims launched what they called Camino de San Miguel (Path of St. Michael), walking more than 20 kilometers and visiting five churches. “My husband Henry, two friends, Melisa and Koh, and I walked our own Camino right here in Penampang,” one participant shared. “The idea was inspired by the Catholic Church’s celebration of the Jubilee Year 2025, a special time to renew our faith and walk together in hope.”
Their journey began at Divine Mercy Church in Kg Maang and continued through Assumption of Our Lady Church in Sugud, St Aloysius Church in Limbanak, and Sacred Heart Church in Inobong, before ending at St Michael Church in Penampang.
“This stretch was more challenging, with uphill trails and overgrown bushes,” the pilgrim said. “It was tiring but meaningful. Every step was a reminder of gratitude, faith, and the beauty of journeying together. We may not have been in Spain walking the famous Camino de Santiago, but this journey felt just as special — a local pilgrimage full of purpose and prayer.”
While not formally recognized, these local Caminos reflect a growing movement among Sabah Catholics to deepen their faith through physical and communal pilgrimage — rooted in their own landscape, yet inspired by a global tradition.
