KUCHING: The Kuching Buddhist Society (KBS) has unveiled plans to develop a 62-acre site into a major spiritual, tourism and community hub known as Sarawak Bodhi Gardens.
KBS president Andy Kho Kak Hee shared this during a briefing held in conjunction with a visit by 15 members from the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor).
He said the proposed development aims to transform the site into a peaceful centre combining spirituality, education, tourism and community service.
“At present, we already provide important services such as a crematorium and columbarium, serving not only Buddhists but also Hindu and Christian families with dignity and respect.”
He added that the site currently features landscaped gardens, ponds, a stupa and a pagoda representing three Buddhist traditions, reflecting unity and harmony within the Buddhist community in Sarawak.
Basic facilities such as a vegetarian restaurant and accommodation for visitors are also available on site.
Looking ahead, he said KBS plans to expand the area through three key development components: education and conference tourism, spiritual and wellness tourism, and sustainable eco and community tourism.
Among the proposed facilities is a multi-purpose hall with a seating capacity of about 1,500 to host Buddhist conferences, interfaith dialogues, seminars and cultural events.
The master plan also includes an exhibition centre, cremation and mortuary facilities, and an expanded columbarium.
In addition, KBS hopes to establish a meditation and retreat centre to attract international visitors seeking spiritual programmes and wellness retreats.
Eco-tourism elements such as chalets built with sustainable materials, walking and cycling trails, and the expansion of the vegetarian restaurant into a cultural experience centre are also part of the proposal.
He said the project would support Sarawak’s economic diversification through spiritual and conference tourism while strengthening the state’s image as a harmonious and culturally rich region.
He added that the development could create employment opportunities, support local businesses and promote youth and community development.
Kho also expressed hope that Unifor would consider supporting the initiative, noting that the project could serve as a model of collaboration between religious organisations and the government.
“We are not only building a religious centre but proposing a world-class, multi-functional hub that benefits the wider Sarawak community in tourism, education and harmony.”
