PADAWAN: A geopark tourism product mapping project based on Bidayuh cultural heritage and tropical natural treasures is set to turn Padawan into a premier tourism destination in Sarawak.
Deputy Minister of Transport (Road and Aviation) Datuk Dr. Jerip said among the main attractions are Penghuntan Waterfall, prehistoric caves, and the tropical rainforest ecosystem —with the true strength of this tourism product being the Dayak Bidayuh community itself.
“Their culture, music, handicrafts, cuisine, and stories of resilience are the heartbeat of this tourism initiative.
“The theme ‘The Bidayuh Survived’ will serve as the foundation for Padawan’s tourism development — strengthening identity, preserving heritage, and creating new opportunities,” he said during a recent meeting of the Focus Group on Geopark Trails Mapping of Tourism Product in Padawan.
He added that Kampung Annah Rais has been identified as the centre for showcasing Bidayuh culture.
Meanwhile, other villages such as Kampung Sikog, Kampung Bunuk, and several others will be developed with their own tourism identities, supported by the construction of digital infrastructure, an amphitheatre, and adventure tourism programmes such as the Padawan Raft Safari under the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA).
“This project is expected not only to boost the rural economy but also to introduce Padawan as a sustainable tourism destination rich in cultural and natural value.
“Without the people, a location is just an empty space. But with the people, it comes alive — meaningful and full of stories to be shared with the world,” he said.
The project is carried out in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), community leaders, and local tourism operators.
Led by a team of researchers from UiTM headed by Ranee Atlas, the project aims to develop an integrated tourism trail covering more than 48 waterfalls, 50 caves, and themed Bidayuh villages, complete with historical narratives, cultural elements, and insights into local community life.
