Cluster tourism package for Mambong in the offing

KUCHING: A cluster tourism package is in the works for Mambong constituency to tap into its potential in eco-tourism, said Deputy Tourism Minister Datuk Dr James Dawos Mamit.

STRONG AND STURDY: The new RM900,000 Kampung Giam suspension bridge now can withstand anything mother nature cares to throw at it.

The package, which will link nature and culture to attract tourists, will be promoted next year, said Dawos, who is Mambong MP, after declaring open the new Kampung Giam suspension bridge, about 40km from here, yesterday.

He revealed that the cluster package would include the Semenggok Wildlife Centre, the Giam Waterfall, the Garden of Eden in Kampung Timurang, cultural attractions in Anah Rais, and a spa at the hot springs.

Local folk can promote these places by means of their own, thus generating income for themselves and promoting tourism in the area, he suggested.

“In fact the SME Bank is offering RM200 million of loan for those interested in tourism industry entrepreneurship like homestay programmes, being tour guides, improving the infrastructure at the attractions, and many more tourism-related products, especially for the Bumiputeras,” pointed out Dawos.

Those interested should also apply for a licence from the Tourism Ministry, he reminded.

Dawos stressed that with the government’s effort in increasing the per capita income, villagers within the constituency, especially along the Borneo Heights road, must utilise the various nature attractions and include them in tourism packages.

Citing  Kampung Giam, he said: “Giam in Bidayuh means waterfall. Kampung Giam is famous for its waterfalls and waterfall is the icon for this village. But why haven’t we promoted it as a tourist attraction yet?”

Apart from the Giam Waterfall, there are several unique eco-tourism attractions in Kampung Giam like the limestone formations of Gunung Sibayat, Gunung Stimur, Gunung Brenas and Gunung Sewak, Dawos pointed out.

The location of the village is also considered unique because it is situated at the meeting point of Sungai Sewak and Sungai Sarawak Kiri, where the suspension bridge crosses.

“Last year, the tourism industry is the second highest contributor for the country’s economy after industrial  — RM54 billion. Therefore this year I am setting a higher target,” said the deputy minister.

Construction of the new Kampung Giam suspension bridge, an important link between Kampung Giam Lama and Kampung Giam Baru which are separated by Sungai Sarawak Kiri, began in October 2007 and it was completed in February 2009, at a total cost of RM900,000 allocated by the Federal government.

The old suspension bridge was rendered unfit for use because it was prone to flood destruction.

Also present at the officiating ceremony were Bengoh assemblyman Dr Jerip Susil, Kampung Giam chief Sab Sambat, Padawan Municipal Council deputy chairman Hasyim Yap, Bidayuh Pemanca Austin Dimin, Mambong Penghulu Roland Sibu, Penrissen Penghulu Rimong Sutur, Siburan Penghulu Bakeh Sidek and other community leaders.