KUCHING: Popular spots like Bung Muan, Bung Podad and Gunung Opui will be given a facelift to attract more tourists and become popular destinations in Bau.
Serembu Assemblyman, Miro Simuh, said the refurbishment process will involve enhancing the site’s appeal, through improved infrastructure, preservation of historical features, and creating a vibrant atmosphere, aiming to make it a “must-visit” for visitors.
He said a total of RM10 million has been set aside for the purpose, adding that the fund was part of the RM150 million allocation given to each constituency within the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA).
He noted that he had allocated RM5 million each to refurbish tourist spots in Siniawan and in Krokong area.
“At Bung Muan near Kampung Peninjau Lama, we are going to redo all the tracks, upgrade the Brooke Heritage to make it very nice, Serembu Cultural and Community Centre and make a nice camping site at Serembu eco-park.
“In Krokong, we will upgrade the Bung Podad hiking trail in Kampung Peros, Gunung Opui in Kampung Gumbang, and former Confrontation camp where the Australian armies and Gurkha camped at Knuckle Hill in Gumbang.
“We will refurbish Knuckle Hill to commemorate the history of the Confrontation. Nobody does it. I’m the only one. It’s like what has been done to the Penang War Museum,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
Miro said Bung Muan, also known as the Brooke Heritage Trail, has historical significance because it was a nature getaway that was frequented by Sir James Brooke, the first White Rajah of Sarawak.
He noted that the trail there includes a cottage built by Brooke midway to the summit of Mount Serembuat Kampung Peninjau, which translates to “the lookout” in Malay.
He pointed out that the area is also associated with naturalist, Sir Alfred Russel Wallace, who was invited there by Brooke to study the flora and fauna in the area.
“Once we have redone the tracks, visitors can easily and conveniently hike to Bung Muan, enjoying both the natural beauty and the historical context,” Miro added.
He said that the Serembu Eco Park in Siniawan is one of the latest additions to the list of tourist attractions in the Bau district, adding that the resort has the potential to become one of the favourite destinations for both local and foreign visitors, especially the nature lovers.
“The resort is built among the lush green jungle at the foothills of Mount Serembu, where big and tall trees are still intact to preserve the natural environment and to bring the visitors back to nature,” he said.
Miro noted that Bung Podad, Gunung Opui and the Knuckle Hill also have the potential to become popular destinations for both local and foreign visitors, especially nature and historical lovers.
He said Bung Podad is also famous for its hiking trails, offering a challenging but rewarding experience with stunning views and a challenging climb to the summit.
He said while hiking visitors can enjoy nature, discover hidden gems, and find scenic beauty in the lush greenery.
“The area is also known for its unique and delicious local Dayak food,” he said.
Miro believed that Knuckle Hill, which also has historical significance, can become a popular historical destination among tourists coming to Sarawak.
He said Knuckle Hill or Bukit Knuckle, a historical military location near Kampung Gumbang, is known for the fortified patrol base established there by British and Australian forces during the Indonesian Confrontation in the 1960s.
The site is said to have been named by Australian troops because of the distinctive shape of a nearby rock mountain.
The base served as a crucial strategic outpost to defend approaches to Bau and the border with Indonesia.
“So in the Krokog area, visitors can spend their time to visit the former Australian Army Camp, hike to Mount Opui, and enjoy the culture and local delicacies of the Bidayuh in Kampung Gumbang,” said Miro.
