Magnificence in personal yard | The Star

MY FAMILY spent just a few days at a seashore resort in Sematan close to Kuching whereas on vacation.

About two hours’ drive from the state capital, Sematan is a small fishing city on Sarawak’s west coast with lengthy sandy seashores providing expansive views of the South China Sea.

Throughout our current keep there, we made a aspect journey to Telok Melano, a fishing village on the tip of Sarawak which was accessible solely by sea.

Now, with the continuing development of the Pan Borneo Freeway, it’s a easy 20-minute drive from Sematan and certainly kinds the start line of the statewide route.

This was my first time to Telok Melano and I used to be instantly struck by its scenic shoreline of golden sand assembly glowing turquoise waves, the seashore curving away at each ends alongside forested headlands.

The journey made me realise that being a vacationer in my very own yard is a rewarding expertise, giving me the chance to discover and revel in part of Sarawak I had by no means visited earlier than.

As worldwide borders reopened this yr amid the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, it’s not shocking that many people really feel the journey itch once more after two years of the pandemic.

However in addition to travelling overseas, how about going to locations inside our personal nation? A vacation at residence might not have the identical glamour as a overseas vacation spot, however that doesn’t imply it may possibly’t be enjoyable and fulfilling as nicely.

The Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), as an example, simply launched its newest “Sia Sitok Sarawak” marketing campaign for travellers to find the nation’s hidden gems.

Again by fashionable demand, the present marketing campaign provides 62 packages at discounted costs for journey between Sept 1 and Dec 15.

State Tourism, Inventive Trade and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah mentioned Sia Sitok Sarawak, which implies “right here and there in Sarawak”, was launched in 2020 to spice up the native tourism trade in the course of the pandemic.

He mentioned the marketing campaign generated gross sales price over RM10.5mil within the final two years, together with the accompanying Sia Sitok Lodging marketing campaign final yr.

“That is testimony that Sia Sitok Sarawak is nicely acquired amongst Sarawakians to know their state higher.

“This marketing campaign will at all times keep related on account of its growing worth for locals who type a deeper appreciation for exploring their yard,” he mentioned when launching the newest version.

The Sia Sitok Sarawak marketing campaign provides a lot of new tour packages which emphasise community-based tourism and accountable tourism merchandise.

These embody the Kedaya Telang Usan four-day journey to discover waterfalls and expertise the tradition of Kenyah and Penan communities in higher Ulu Baram; birdwatching in Ba’kelalan for an opportunity to identify the elusive Dulit frogmouth, which is endemic to the highlands of northern Borneo; and the three-day Belaga expedition to go to Uma Belor, a longhouse of seven related blocks, and be taught in regards to the tradition and customs of the Kayan neighborhood.

Those that love journey sort actions can go for capturing river rapids and jungle trekking within the Julau upriver expedition, whereas historical past buffs can hike up Bukit Sadok to the battle web site of Iban warrior Rentap towards the Brooke administration within the 1850s.

What’s nice is that the marketing campaign caters to a variety of journey tastes and actions. It actually is an excellent alternative to discover completely different elements of Sarawak and benefit from the hospitality of native communities, on the identical time boosting native tourism and studying extra in regards to the state’s tradition and heritage.

Within the phrases of STB chief government Sharzede Salleh Askor, “There isn’t a higher option to journey all through Sarawak than with family and friends this yr finish as we transcend the pandemic with Sia Sitok Sarawak’s provides and offers.”

In order you propose your subsequent vacation, look nearer to residence and take the chance to take pleasure in what we’ve got to supply for travellers.

Like my expertise at Telok Melano, it’s possible you’ll end up captivated by the sweetness in our yard.