In the heart of Sabah’s tourism scene, one woman is challenging norms and redefining what it means to be a tour guide. Meet Diana Isdain, the only female Tour Guide at Amazing Borneo Tours, a role she never envisioned for herself but has since embraced wholeheartedly. Her journey is one of courage, growth, and proving that passion transcends gender barriers. 

Diana’s career didn’t begin in tourism. After graduating from college, she worked as a sales consultant, but a desire to learn more about Sabah’s rich culture and landscapes led her to an unexpected calling – becoming a tour guide. “At first, I had no idea I would become a tour guide. But I realised I wanted to understand Sabah’s treasures more deeply, and that curiosity brought me here. Turns out, guiding is not just a job – it's a journey of personal growth,” she shares. 

As the only female guide at Amazing Borneo, Diana is breaking barriers in an industry where male guides are the norm. However, she is quick to emphasise that guiding is not about competition between genders. “This job is not determined by whether you’re male or female. I’ve proven to myself and to others that I can do this job just as well,” she says. 

While the job presents physical challenges, particularly for someone of her petite stature, Diana embraces them with determination. “It’s not about competing for the job – it's about challenging myself. What they can do, I can do,” she states with confidence. 

Diana believes that being a woman in this role brings unique advantages. She highlights how her natural empathy and emotional intelligence help her connect with guests on a deeper level. “Sometimes, guests don’t express exactly what they need, but I can sense it. That extra awareness allows me to create a more meaningful experience for them,” she explains. 

Beyond just leading tours, Diana sees guiding as a means of self-discovery. “This job pushes you beyond your limits. I used to be terrified of snakes, but my job forces me to face my fears. Now, I can handle encounters with them, even though I’m still scared,” she laughs. “Being a tour guide builds your personality in ways you never expect.” 

For young women considering a career in tour guiding, Diana has one piece of advice: “Go for it! Anyone can be a tour guide, but to be a truly inspiring one, you have to put in the extra work. It’s not just about taking people from one place to another – it's about creating an experience they’ll never forget.”

As a trailblazer in her field, Diana is paving the way for more women to step into guiding roles. By breaking barriers and showing that women can excel in this industry, she is inspiring a new generation of female tour guides to follow in her footsteps. 

She leaves aspiring female guides with a powerful message: “If you’re scared of something, that fear is actually a sign of growth. It means you’re stepping into something bigger. There’s no right or wrong – just take the leap and love what you do.” 

On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate Diana – not just for the trails she blazes, but for inspiring others to embrace their own journeys with courage, passion, and authenticity.