KUCHING: Tasik Biru in Bau has undergone a significant transformation from a quiet gold mine to a popular recreational area and tourist destination.
Initially an open-cast gold mine that flooded in 1921, the Blue Lake has been developed with various modern facilities, including a suspension bridge, floating bridge, viewing platforms, a modern business environment and recreational activities.
Whenever I go to the transitioned Tasik Biru, my old memories on what it used to be decades ago, always become alive.
In 1981 when I was in Form Four, my school football team from KTAR then went to SMK Bau for the inter-rural school sports carnival. One afternoon, when we don’t have any match to play, we went to Tasik Biru by foot. Aside from a small canteen operating at the scene, the lake side was still covered with both secondary and primary forest.
To go to the other side of the lake, we have to walk over the red bridge. Along the side of Tasik Biru then, there were a few spring boards for visitors to dive into the lake water.
The water then was still considered safe for swimming and bathing.
As a teenager, I have the courage to even swim across the lake from the springboard bank to the other bank, and swim back.
That was some of my fond memories on my first visit to Tasik Biru 44 years ago.
Tasik Biru now
Then and now, the scenic view of Tasik Biru never fails to captivate its visitors. But what makes the difference between then and now is that visitors can take a stroll along the lake or feed the fishes there and watch as the fishes swim up close to the surface playfully.
Visitors can also take a walk on the Floating Bridge, which is one of the main attractions there, providing visitors the experience of how it feels like walking on water.
At the same time visitors can even proceed to the Fu De Temple, a 200-year old Taoist temple, at the hill of Tasik Biru. Renovated and officially open in 2023, the temple offers panoramic views of Tasik Biru area.
For those who want to fully explore the lake, they can do so by taking the boat ride tour.
There are two types of boat ride available; one is the self paddle boat ride while the other is the guided speed boat ride which brings visitors around the lake and the hidden natural waterfall at one end of the lake. All these are paid activities though.
Beside the lake, there are food courts, where visitors can have a quick meal or drinks before heading back to Kuching. There are a variety of stalls at the both food courts, including the latest one at the Tasik Biru Resort City, for visitors to choose from. So finding food at Tasik Biru is easy and convenient.
Today, Tasik Biru is a true hidden gem waiting to be discovered by travellers seeking a unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, culture, and tranquility.
“What are happening now in Tasik Biru and Bau at large are all designed; they don’t come from the sky,” Tasik Biru assemblyman Datuk Henry Harry Jinep told Sarawak Tribune when asked how Tasik Biru had transitioned from a former quiet gold mine into a vibrant destination and Resort City.
He said firstly, he created a think tank group and come with a Blueprint, outlining what they envisioned in short, intermediate and long term, that was from 2016, to become Greater Bau 2030.
He said from the Blueprint, the government adopted it and make it more comprehensive and created Bau Master Plan.
“Getting all the right attitude and brain together result in Bau, including Tasik Biru, progressively developed,” he pointed out.
The Deputy Minister for Transport II said Tasik Biru had become the focal point for the transformation of Bau because the Lake itself holds a long history of Bau, adding that the town now is 205 years since the gold mining era in 1820.
“The mining activity itself holds thousands of history, not to forget the establishment of Bau itself was because of gold,” he said.
The development of Tasik Biru Resort City had somehow helped to elevate Tasik Biru not just as a local but also a global tourism hub.
Aside from that, this development is also expected to boost the local economy by creating job opportunities and attracting tourists.
The resort city is designed to complement the natural beauty of Tasik Biru and enhance the overall visitor experience.
Another attraction at the Tasik Biru Resort City is the Tasik Biru Suspension Bridge, also known as the Bau Bicentennial Bridge.
The bridge, which replaced the old red that once spanned Tasik Biru, has been illuminated with lights that brighten the surrounding area at night.
Harry thanked the state government for the support in terms of providing the infrastructure and investors for their willingness to invest in projects that helped to transform Tasik Biru.
“Investors are definitely interested to invest when we have good infrastructure to and from Bau, and of course within Bau itself, plus the many places of interest including Tasik Biru to lure visitors into Bau.
“We will continue to enhance our place of interest in order to continue enjoying more visitors from now and then,” he said.
Harry, however, lamented what is lacking now is accommodation like hotel, a sizeable one that can cater for sizeable visitors.
“Once we have hotel, people can always choose Bau as another venue to create more events, functions and etc.
“But we remain confident with what we have planned, awaiting the right time and the right investors to come in to invest in this sector,” he said.
Reports had it that plans for further development within the Tasik Biru Resort City will include attractions like a Bau Gold Museum, eco-lodges, and a private zoo.
All these, if fully implemented, are expected to transform Bau from a quiet town into a thriving destination with increasing economic opportunities for local residents.
This is especially so for the Lake area given Tasik Biru itself is a symbol of Bau’s past, present, and future, representing its resilience, natural beauty, and potential for growth as a tourism destination.
Today, when you look at the scenic turquoise lake, you will never guess the bloody history or even the poisonous waters that comes with it.
