KOTA KINABALU: Widely believed to have been wiped out by a meteor some 65 million years ago, dinosaurs have returned - in Sabah!

       Tyrannosaurus Rex, Velociraptors, Triceratops and many other types of these extinct reptiles can be found and viewed in Kiulu, off Tamparuli some 50km from the state capital.

       However, they are, of course, only replicas and are part of the new attractions set up at Jurassic Land Kiulu, expected to open to the public once the state enters the third phase of the National Recovery Plan (NRP).

       The park's co-founder, Ady Kim, 37, said he and his partners - Sam Chan, 44, (CEO) and Jason Poi, 45, (co-founder) are diehard dinosaur lovers, and so are their children.

       “So when we thought of venturing into tourism, we said why not make a dinosaur park where families can bring their children to visit when the situation allows, without having to travel overseas,” he said when contacted.

       He said their ideas for the park design on an approximately three-acre land which also houses a children’s play zone, cafe, activity areas for adults and nature walk paths to view the animatronic dinosaurs were realised starting early this year.

       “Now, we are at 95% completion,” Kim said.

       He said he hoped when the park is allowed to open, it would serve as the best place to visit for parents and their children who have been cooped up due to the pandemic for so long.

       He said children were among those most affected by Covid-19, as they are mainly only allowed outside their house compounds and seldom have the chance to go out like they used to pre-pandemic.

       Details of the entrance fees will be finalised once the park is officially opened.

       Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai sees the opening of the park as a way to generate revenue for the state.

       “What is more significant is that it is situated in rural areas, so the setting is different with good views and all, I am sure this is going to be a hit among families with children,” he said.

       He is excited for this park to open and welcome visitors from near and far when the situation permits.

       Joniston said Sabah needs more attractions such as this, to add value and varieties on tour packages.

       “For Kiulu itself, this park can definitely boost the economy of the people and spur employment,” he said.

       He said this would also help local homestay and accommodation operators as visitors might need to spend more than a day in Kiulu if they were to visit the area's various attractions and activities.

       Other attractions in Kiulu include white water rafting, Kiulu rainforest park, trekking and hiking.

       More details of Jurassic Land Kiulu can be found at their Facebook page at https://facebook.com/jurassiclandkiulu.