Capitalise on potential tourism attractions in Bau, local folk encouraged.
BAU: The people of this district must not take for granted the many natural wonders and potential tourism attractions in this area.
In this respect, Minister of Utilities Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom points out the Fairy Caves, as well as the historical Bung (mountain or hill in Bidayuh language) Bratak, Bung Jagoi and Mount Singai, as areas with high tourism potential.
Visitors to this district also find places such as Serikin, Siniawan and the Paku hotsprings as interesting spots, he adds.
“I urge the people of Bau to take advantage of the natural tourist attractions in their area to earn better incomes through tourism activities. Get to know what the visitors and tourists want, then prepare the products – they could be handicrafts, homestays or even tour packages.
“We may take for granted the attractions surrounding us because we see them every day, but for tourists and visitors who come (here) for the first time, (they) may see them differently – they see them as beautiful (places) and may want to come back for more,” he said in declaring open the Fairy Caves Festival 2019 on Saturday evening, which he attended with his wife Datin Sri Loreta Sawot, who hails from Bau.
Serembu assemblyman Miro Simuh and Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang were also present.
Later, Dr Rundi pledged RM20,000 for the Fairy Caves Cooperative to assist them in running various activities and tourism-related programmes.
Meanwhile in his remarks earlier, Miro requested that the management and maintenance of the Fairy Caves be handed over to the Fairy Caves Cooperative upon the completion of the renovation and beautification works.
According to him, the cooperative is run by residents of the nearby villages, Kampung Krokong and Kampung Tringgus, and it would be better if they take care of this tourist spot to enable the folk to benefit from the tourism spill-over effects.