BA’KELALAN – The ecotourism sector in Ba’kelalan, well-known for its highland tourism products, is expected to continue expanding as the country shifts into the endemic phase of Covid-19.
The development of the sector will be supported and driven by the Sarawak government’s plan to build and upgrade roads in Ba’kelalan that will be integrated with the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road project and are expected to be completed in the next few years.
Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said through the new road infrastructure facilities, Ba’kelalan, famous for its beautiful mountain landscapes, hill padi, Adan rice cultivation, and hill salt wells will continue to be a popular tourist destination in the Land of Hornbills.
“Ba’kelalan’s hill salt, for instance, is of high quality and the unique and conventional art of producing salt by the Lun Bawang community here has also become an attraction.
“To further promote this ecotourism initiative, we will work on improving product packaging, preserving traditional elements that highlight the originality and significance of Lun Bawang ethnic art.
“We need to move with the times, but we must not run away from the traditional way of doing things, which adds to the uniqueness and beauty of the product,” he said following his recent visit to several ecotourism locations in Ba’kelalan, during which he was accompanied by Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Henry Sum Agong, who is also Lawas MP.
“Tourists who come here can have a hand in the salt production process. We also encourage salt producers here to display their products, which can be purchased by visitors as souvenirs or gifts,” he added.
Awang Tengah said that the state government through the Sarawak Forest Department would also continue to channel assistance, including infrastructure needs to improve production of hill salt.
Meanwhile, Liau Salutan, 76, a resident in the hill salt business, said 40 families of villagers have been taking turns working on salt extraction.
“To obtain 60kg of hill salt, the process of boiling salty water from wells until it evaporates to form a sandy texture takes between five and seven days,” said Liau, who has over 50 years of experience in salt-making.
Several villages in Ba’kelalan are also offering homestay facilities for visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the villages, padi fields, and buffaloes surrounded by mountains while experiencing cold and foggy weather in the morning or after it rains.
Ba’kelalan is the gateway to Sarawak’s highest mountain, Gunung Murud, and is also a popular destination for climbing enthusiasts and those interested to visit Pulong Tau National Park, besides the three waterfalls along Sg Kumap, an hour’s walk from Kg Buduk Nur here. – Bernama, November 10, 2021
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