KUCHING: The Serembu state constituency is poised to emerge as a vibrant tourism destination, with plans to offer about 20 distinct tourism products once all projects funded under the Greater Kuching Coordinated Development Agency (GKCDA) are fully completed.
According to Serembu assemblyman Dato Miro Simuh, the completion of these projects will mark a major milestone in the constituency’s long-term development strategy, particularly in unlocking its tourism potential while uplifting local communities.
“These projects are not just about infrastructure. They are about creating meaningful tourism experiences that can generate income for the people and put Serembu on the tourism map,” he told The Sarawak Tribune.
Miro explained that the planned tourism offerings would highlight the area’s natural attractions, cultural heritage and community-based experiences, providing visitors with a diverse range of activities.
He said the products are expected to include eco-tourism sites, cultural and heritage attractions, recreational facilities and local-based tourism initiatives managed by residents.
He emphasised that in all their tourism development plans, they have engaged consultants to do it for them.
“We have also talked a lot with historians when it comes to the historical sites in my area to get the facts right,” he said.
Miro said they have tried to trace the historical facts and sites that played a significant parts in Bau history as well as of the state, especially during the Confrontation.
He said during the Confrontation in 1963 when Indonesia was under President Sukarno, they had tried to attack Malaysia because Sukarno disagreed with the formation of Malaysia.
“Some of their entry points were in Bau. During that time, we had border camps in Stass, in Serikin and in Gumpang. And the artillery base was in St Patrick Krokong.
“We still have the Knuckle Hill camp in Gumbang.
“We are planning to re-establish the Knuckle Hill camp to make it look like the original camp and then promote it as a tourism destination,” he said.
Miro said Serembu had nature-based, history-based, community based and Agro-based tourism products to offer.
He said another attraction to offer in Serembu is an 18-hole golf course, which will be built at Serembu Eco-Park in three years time.
He said even Siniawan is going to be different upon the completion of the proposed multi-level parking, which will include a concert hall.
“We have planned for other developments to transform Siniawan, but let us complete the multi-level parking facility first,” he added.
Miro thanked the state government and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Open for setting up GKCDA.
He said the GKCDA-funded projects have played a crucial role in improving accessibility, basic amenities and supporting facilities, all of which are essential for sustainable growth including in tourism.
He believed that with these foundations in place, Serembu will be better positioned to attract both domestic and international visitors.
“The focus is on sustainable and inclusive development. We want tourism that benefits local people directly, creates jobs and encourages young people to stay and build their future here,” he said.
He also expressed confidence that the tourism products would help stimulate the local economy, particularly small and medium enterprises, homestay operators, food vendors and handicraft producers.
He noted that coordination with relevant agencies and stakeholders is ongoing to ensure that the rollout of the tourism products is well-planned and market-ready once the projects are completed.
“With proper promotion and continuous support, Serembu has the potential to become one of the key tourism highlights in the region,” he said.
He explained that most of the GKCDA-funded projects in Serembu are expected to kick off in February or March next year.
