BAKUN

Introduction

Nature's Landscape in Bakun Dam's Site

When one talks about Bakun, naturally what comes to mind is the Bakun Hydro Dam, the size of which is 13 times larger than the whole of Singapore island. Bakun is located in Belaga and the second biggest hydro dam in the world which is located right in central Borneo island. The hydro is projected to supply cheap electricity power for the country and even being proposed to be exported to neighbouring countries such like Brunei, Indonesia and even to Thailand. Bakun is part of Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE), which encompassing an area of  70,000 sq km.

BAKUN, A FRESH NEW TOURISM DESTINATION IN BELAGA

Explore The Heart of Sarawak, Borneo! People living in Belaga, which is one of the most remote districts in Malaysia, are looking forward to the completion of Bakun hydroelectric project to generate a new economic activity – the tourism industry. Belaga is the pillar and the heart of Sarawak, Borneo.

Two Kelabit Ladies With a Tourist

Tourism industry or the Bakun hydro dam particularly is now in processing of impoundment, and expected to be completed in few months, would change the landscape in the district. Once the impoundment complete, there will be a lot of new islands created, and this will provide new potential for the people here to promote them to anglers and eco-tourists. Hence, more people are expected to involve in the tourism industry.

The 205m-high Bakun hydroelectric dam, which creates a reservoir of water measuring 695 sq km, is the second tallest concrete rock-filled dam in the world. It will have the capacity to generate 2,400MW of power. The entire Bakun catchment area, situated at the Balui River, few kilometres upstream of Belaga town, measures about 14,759 sq km, and that is equivalent in size of 12% of the state of Sarawak, putting it the largest inland man made lake in South East Asia. 

Homestay in Longhouse with Nature's Rain-forest Surrounding

Belaga Homestay Sarawak, which is actively involved in tourism in the little town of Belaga, has started promoting homestay programmes in recent years. We are offering homestay within the vicinity of Sungai Asap Resettlement Scheme, homestay in the man made lake (Bakun Reservoir) and traditional longhouse homestay surrounding Belaga town.

Sungai Asap resettlement scheme was established in 1998 to accommodate some 15,000 people from 15 longhouses, who had to be relocated from their original villages in Balui River, to make way for the Bakun Hydro project, whilst Belaga little town is the administrative centre for the whole district.

Belaga as an Administrative District

Belaga stands as a district status on its own with a top administrator of the district is a District Officer with its headquarters at the little town of Belaga. A sub-district within the district is Sungai Asap Sub-district which directly responsible to Belaga District Officer. A Sarawak Administrative Officer is in-charges of Sungai Asap Sub-District. Bakun Hydro electric power is situated in this remote district which bordering East Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Indigenous With Their Traditional Costumes, Tattoo and Long Earlobe

Little town of Belaga is situated at confluence of Belaga River and Balui River. About 37 km beyond and up river of Balui is Bakun Hydro Dam. Bakun Hydro Dam is located rights at the confluence of Bintulu-Bakun Highway and Sibu-Kapit-Belaga-Bakun express boat ply route along Rejang River. This location gives Belaga and Bakun an advantage as a very strategic point as an ecotourism centre in the heart of Sarawak, Borneo.

As we offer longhouse homestay packages, jungle tracking, longhouses’ exploring and various related activities, we are offering the utmost fascinating scenic environments together with old traditional longhouses and experiencing the customary  practices of the various indigenous in the heart of Sarawak, Borneo.  The folk dance and music such as sape is where you definitely come to admire the heart of Sarawak with it diverse societies.  Come and feel free to Contact Us !