KUCHING: Located off Jalan Telaga Air, there is an eco-park that is little known to the tourists and nature lovers.
Owner Dennis Wong, a retired engineer with the Public Works Department (JKR), considers the Wetland Eco-Park a hidden secret that he has kept to himself for years.
However, he said he has invited only close friends to experience what the park has to offer.
“I bought the first area of 10.20 hectares from a Chinese man some 20 years ago.
“I found out that he had wanted to sell the land because he was too old to take care of it,” he explained.
Wong said he did not hesitate to buy the land because he wanted to turn it into an eco-park for tourists and nature lovers.
“As a nature lover myself, I found this area to be most suitable for an eco-park.
“The man had planted fruit trees on a small part of the area while the remaining portion is left to grow trees,” Wong told Sarawak Tribune.
The trees, including durian trees, have now grown big and tall.
Later, he bought an adjacent five hectares from another owner some years later.
The park consists of a hilly land with wild trees and shrubs in their natural environment and the large part of the eco-park is made up of peat or mangrove swamp.
On good mornings, some monkeys would come to the park to find something to eat and then leave in late afternoon.
Wong said he has heard from his workers of proboscis monkeys seen foraging and climbing the trees.
With the presence of the monkeys, it makes the eco-park a fascinating place for animal lovers to watch them or any other animals on top of the trees.
Wong explained that the park is also an ideal place for scouts to hold their training and camping activities.
He said he has received some enquiries from the scout movement and other organisations, but so far they have not made any formal bookings yet.
His long-term plan is to build a few camps for tourists and nature lovers who may want to stay overnight.
He also plans to build a small hall as a meeting place.
Wong said he needs to provide better facilities at the eco-park, but at the same time, he does not want these facilities to cause damages.
He stressed that the eco-park must remain unspoiled and in its natural condition.
However, he welcomed nature lovers and voluntary organisations to come and plant specific tree species at the park.
He believes that the planting of trees will encourage them to come to the eco-park yearly to check on their trees’ growth.
Wong said once all the facilities are in place, only then will he aggressively promote the park.
He is sure that the park will be a major tourist destination due to its pristine condition and strategic location.
The eco-park is also providing unpaved tracks for those who like trekking while enjoying the beauty of the cool surroundings.
Moreover, it is about a 40-minute drive from Kuching.
Situated in an area known for tourism, the park is near Telaga Air’s popular seafood restaurants, scenic views, homestays and traditional villages.
Wong had invited a group of 35 senior citizens to come to the park on a day trip on May 1.
It was both an educational and fun trip for them.
In view of the enthusiastic response from the senior citizens, he agreed to arrange another trip for them in July or August this year.
One of the participants, Henry Kueh, said he and his two sisters really enjoyed the trip, adding that they are looking forward to the next trip.
Organising committee chairperson, Elizabeth Lou, on behalf of the senior citizens, extended her thanks to Wong for graciously hosting them at his eco-park.
“We are glad that all the participants had a wonderful time, jungle trekking and enjoying the delicious food that they brought while soaking in the beauty of nature,” she said.
The trip to the eco-park, led by Sarawak Gerontology and Geriatrics Society (SGGS) President, Dennis Tan, ended with a karaoke session, dancing and barbecue.
Tan said SGGS would arrange other activities for the senior citizens this year.
