BA’KELALAN (Bernama): The ecotourism sector in Sarawak's Ba’kelalan area, which is known for its highland tourism products, is expected to continue expanding as the country shifts into the endemic phase of Covid-19.

       The development of the sector will be supported and driven by the Sarawak government’s plan to build and upgrade roads in Ba'kelalan which will be integrated with the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road (SSLR) project and expected to be completed in the next few years.

       Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said through the new road infrastructure facilities, Ba'kelalan, famous for its beautiful mountain landscape, hill padi or Adan rice cultivation and hill salt wells, will continue to be a popular tourist destination in the Land of the Hornbills.

       "Ba’ kelalan’s hill salt, for instance, is of high quality and the unique and conventional art of producing salt by the Lun Bawang community here has also become an attraction.

       "To further promote this ecotourism initiative, we will work on improving the product packaging by preserving its traditional elements that highlight the originality and significance of Lun Bawang ethnic art.

       "We need to move with the times, but must not run away from the traditional way of doing things, which adds to the uniqueness and beauty of the product," he told Bernama after his recent visit to several ecotourism locations in Ba’Kelalan.

       He was accompanied by Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Henry Sum Agong, who is also Lawas MP. Ba'kelalan is in the Lawas district of Limbang division.

       "Tourists who come here can (try their) hand (at) the salt production process. We also encourage salt producers here to display their products which can be purchased by visitors as souvenirs or gifts,” he added.

       Awang Tengah said the state government, through the Sarawak Forest Department, would also continue to channel assistance including infrastructure needs to improve production of the hill salt.

       Liau Salutan, 76, a resident who is in the hill salt business, said 40 families from Ba'kelalan's villages have been taking turns working on the salt extraction process.

       "The process of boiling the salty water from the well until it vapourises to leave a sandy residue takes between five and seven days, " said Liau, who has over 50 years of experience in the business.

       Several villages in Ba’Kelalan are also offering homestay facilities for visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the villages, padi fields and buffaloes surrounded by mountains while experiencing cold and foggy weather in the morning or after it rains.

       Ba'kelalan, which is the gateway to Sarawak’s highest mountain, Gunung Murud, is also a popular destination for climbing enthusiasts.

       Its Pulong Tau National Park also attracts visitors, while the three waterfalls along Sungai Kumap – an hour's walk from Kampung Buduk Nur here – are also a popular tourist spot. – Bernama