LONG LAMA: The Baram area will continue to be promoted as a unique cultural tourism destination with its own identity as part of efforts to strengthen Sarawak’s community-based tourism industry.
Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting said rural areas such as Baram have strong potential to be promoted at both national and international levels due to their rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
“Baram has its own uniqueness in terms of cultural heritage, diversity of communities, hospitality of the people, and the richness of traditional arts that are still preserved to this day.
“All these are important assets in developing the cultural tourism industry in this area,” he said in a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) report while officiating at the Baram Cultural Festival 2026 held here recently.
Ting said the state government remains committed to ensuring that rural areas with tourism potential continue to be developed and promoted as key tourism products of the state.
He added that improvements in infrastructure and road connectivity have made it easier for visitors to travel to interior areas, helping to boost the domestic tourism sector.
“I still remember that in 1976, the journey from Miri to Long Lama took two days using express boats and cars, but now it only takes about two hours,” he said.
Ting, who is also Piasau assemblyman, expressed confidence that Baram could emerge as a leading cultural tourism destination and become a source of pride for Sarawak if promotional and development efforts continue with the cooperation of all parties.
The Baram Cultural Festival 2026 was organised by the Sarawak Kayan Association with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak and the Baram community.
Various activities were held during the festival, including a speedboat race, a Datun Julud performance, the Ratu Ibu Baram pageant, and traditional games.
Also present was Telang Usan assemblyman and Sarawak Tourism Board chairman Datuk Dennis Ngau.
