Back to Nature at Bakun

MODERN LOOK : The Uma Belor Longhouse has a
look of modernity about it.

by Conny Banji

FANCY a trip to Sarawak’s frontier and indulge in day or two of colourful native cultures and famed hospitality and nature adventure in the vicinity of the world’s second tallest rock-filled hydro-electric dam at Bakun and catch lunch and dinner in its greenish blue lake.

The Sungai Asap Bakun Homestay programme seeks to cater to the visitors’ needs for a perfect get-back-to-nature weekend escapade.

According to Nora Igang, the homestay contact person, it is a tourist programme of Uma Belor Leo Dian, one of the 15 longhouses, affected by the construction of the RM7 billion dam.

There are several packages to choose from.

“The day trip is basically to learn about the Orang Ulu lifestyle. This includes exploring the 101 door-longhouse where guests are received with the Parap traditional welcome,” she said.

She added that guests would also get to enjoy cultural performances besides a visit to a pepper garden, and the send-off would be accompanied by the ‘Badi’ farewell song.

The package starts with RM66 per person. And a highly recommended package is the three-day, two-night stay at a homestay house.

On day two, visitors will be brought on a Kuman bahek outing or picnic to scenic spots.

Nora said the picnic offered a chance to enjoy traditional food, swim or fish in the Bakun lake.

“There are spectacular waterfalls in the area like the Belanum and Besungei which also teem with the Baong fish.”

On the last day, visitors can opt for aerobic exercise or participate in traditional games.

“We can arrange for traditional wrestling, top spinning and blowpipe competition. This package begins at RM218 per person, including all meals, sightseeing, accommodation, local guide and longhouse souvenirs,” she added.

A licensed tour guide from Uma Belor, Kenneth Jarit Awing said extra programmes like jungle trekking, traditional massage, staying on jelatong or floating house on the Bakun lake and others could also be arranged.

“So far our homestay programme has been doing quite okay. But we hope to be better known to outside visitors seeking something different.

“Besides local tourists, we also had visitors from France and Germany,” he added.

Meanwhile, Luhat Tugau, 45, who operates a jelatong in the lake, said most visitors enjoyed fishing for the Baong catfish at recommended spots in the lake for lunch and dinner and to take home.

“The recommended time for fishing is early morning till 11am and then in the afternoon from three till dusk.”

Luhat who set up the jelatong, about 30 minutes speedboat ride from the Bakun project with some friends, operates a 200HP speedboat to ferry visitors from the Bakun public jetty to the jelatong and the fishing spots.

The jelatong provides ample space for those wishing to experience a night or two stay in the lake. It has four rooms plus a kitchen and a separate toilet and bathroom.

The floating house sits on steel drums secured together, and so far, Luhat has received guests from throughout the state during weekends and public holidays.

He charges RM500 for transport from the Bakun public jetty to the floating house and back. There will be extra for fishing trips.

Visitors, he said, preferably in a group of 10, had to pay RM200 per night in the floating house plus simple meals.

He added that if they wanted to do their own cooking, they would be charged RM100.

“We are prepared to supply even the Empurau but it must be remembered this is a very expensive fish in the market.”

Luhat who started his business in January this year, said the must-visit spots within the lake included the spectacular Belanam and Besungai waterfalls.

These, he noted, were also very good fishing grounds, adding that the river too teemed with the Baong fish.

“We are planning to come up with jet skiing, kayaking and leisure cruise along the lake area,” he said.

Nora can be contacted at 012-8736840 and Jarit at 013-5662925 or via email liashra@yahoo.com. Those interested can also contact Connie at 012-8982797.

BELAGA HOMESTAY

Belaga Homestay is monitoring closely all the tourism activities in Bakun Lake. We work closely with all tourism agencies and any related body that deal and support the sustainability of tourism development in Bakun and Belaga. For further inquiry, contact us at +6010 5956582 or e-mail us at belagahomestay@gmail.com

Casino Classic

   

Source : Borneo Post