Mt Lesong park set to be a tourist attraction

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Mong (third right) presents a certificate of participation to one of the villagers.

KUCHING: Gunung Lesong National Park in Sri Aman is set to become another tourist attraction in the division.

According to Bukit Begunan assemblyman Datuk Mong Dagang, the national park is also a natural habitat for crocodiles and this can add to the attractions that Sri Aman is well-known for apart for its annual ‘Pesta benak’ (Tidal Bore festival).

“Gunung Lesong National Park also boasts some legendary tales, and it can become another attraction in Sri Aman for local and foreign tourists,” he told reporters after officiating at the closing of Gunung Lesong National Park’s ‘Community Based Eco-Tourism: Homestay and Crafts’ course at a hotel here on Thursday night.

Mong further said the tourism package for the national park could also include jungle-trekking and cycling expedition, without any risk of destructing the natural environment there.

Moreover, he said such tourism products and offerings would benefit the locals, enabling them to earn some extra incomes.

The assemblyman also called upon the locals, particularly the youths, to attend courses in order to takpe part in the eco-tourism activities related to Gunung Lesong National Park, pointing out that the involvement of the locals would be crucial.

“The provision of more courses and facilities will be carried out in stages because we want to build the skills and capabilities of the locals, and really promote the national park,” he said.

Ninety people from 31 villages within the vicinity of the national park attended the two-day course, among which the objectives were to create awareness of the importance of biodiversity and also to nurture in participants the commitment in tourism sector.