Homestay A lucrative income generator

KUCHING: Homestay tourism is a lucrative income generator with total earnings of RM379,780 in the first four months of this year.

In saying this, Assistant Tourism Minister Datuk Gramong Juna added during the same period, 1,194 visitors had visited homestays in the state. “To make the homestays successful, its operators, villagers, co-ordinators must work together in achieving their goal. They must be ready to ensure the cleanliness and safety of their village so that visitors feel comfortable and safe,” said Gramong at the closing of the inaugural Sarawak Homestay Operators Conference at Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) on Thursday night.

As such, the state government has allocated RM5,687,800 to upgrade homestay facilities in the state in the 10th Malaysia Plan.

For this year, RM11,301,000 is estimated to be channelled to implement upgrading works at five homestays – Homestay Kpg Pueh Sematan, Homestay Kpg Benuk Padawan, Homestay Annah Rais Padawan, Homestay Rh Nyuka Sarikei and Homestay Rh Bawang Assan Sibu, he said.

To further strengthen the promotional effort of the homestays, Gramong reminded the operators to be pro-active in fostering good ties with government agencies.

“I would also like to advise homestay operators to set-up smart sharing programmes with homestay operators in other parts of the state to increase income sources,” he said.

Gramong said the state’s tourism industry is continuing to boom with the income generated for last year at RM2,151,363,20, an increase of 33.47 per cent compared to RM1,611,914.03 in 2012. A total of 16,949 visitors have visited homestays in the state last year compared to 14,310 in 2012.

Earlier, the ministry’s permanent secretary Ik Pahon Joyik said that the state targets the tourism industry income for this year to be RM2.5-2.6 million. Meanwhile, the three-day conference which started on Monday was participated by 31 homestay operators throughout the state. It was held to obtain feedback, sharing the latest homestay status and to co-ordinate homestay related events in the state.

Among those present was State Tourism and Culture Office director Suriya Charles Buas.

Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/05/17/homestay-a-lucrative-business-gramong/#ixzz322hwaiSg

Annah Rais collects RM120k fee annually by Rintos Mail, reporters@theborneopost.com

KUCHING: Annah Rais longhouse collects an average of RM120,000 in entry fees annually from tourists.

Annah Rais tourism coordinator with the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) Councillor Edward Kurik said the longhouse remains one of the area’s top tourism draws.

“Every year, over 20,000 excursionists, mostly foreigners, visit the longhouse. I can say that the longhouse welcomes visitors almost every day throughout the year. So you see tourism is a potential gold mine in Annah Rais,” he said.

Adult visitors are charged RM8 each, while children are charged RM5 per entry.

Edward, who is from Annah Rais, said the fees are managed by the village security and development committee, which fixes the amount to be divided among the some 150 families.

“Over the last six years, each family has been receiving RM300 every year compared with only RM50 in the past. The RM300 is normally given in May, before Gawai,” he said.

Edward said the longhouse’s homestay programme has also been quite successful.

According to MPP’s records, Annah Rais’ homestay programme collected RM212,000 in 2012.

There are 15 registered homestays at the longhouse. Annah Rais is one of the oldest and best preserved Bidayuh longhouses.

Located about 60km from here, it is also the nearest and most accessible for visitors to the city.

The drive there passes beautiful limestone formations and scenic countryside fringed by hills and farms.

Aside from the unique architecture of the longhouse, guests can also enjoy the hot spring, a three-tier waterfall, jungle trekking or visit the pepper plantation and paddy fields nearby.

Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/05/03/annah-rais-collects-rm120k-fee-annually/#ixzz30bc8Rw6j

Mount Silabur New Trekking Trail

This time around going to Silabur with Prof Alex from UNIMAS. Our purpose is to survey the surrounding area and to identify the plants found near the cave. We also discover the route suitable for caving & jungle trekking. 

Labisa Pumila, commonly known as Kacip Fatimah is the female version of Tongkat Ali. 
Kacip Fatimah is a small woody and leafy plant that grows and also found in the shade of forest floors. The leaves are about 20 centimetres long, and they are traditionally used as a kind of tea by women who experience a loss of libido.

2D1N Kampung Mongkos Homestay Packages

2D1N Kampung Mongkos Homestay Packages

Kampung Mongkos Longhouse is one of the very few surviving Bidayuh Longhouse in Sarawak. This homestay programme is Borneo’s latest Ecotourism Destination managed by Ministry of Urban Development and Tourism Sarawak. The homestay programme offers intending visitors with an excellent opportunity to experience exotic culture, warmth and friendly hospitality along with nature at its best. Koperasi Kampung Mongkos Homestay is only 90 minutes taxi drive from Kuching International Airport through Serian.

KAMPUNG MONGKOS HOMESTAY PROGRAMME OFFERS THE FOLLOWING ATTRACTIONS:

• The Bidayuh Longhouse (24 doors)

• Waterfall with The Legendary White Catfish

• Fruits Season (such as durian season in

  mid August and December)

PACKAGES PAX & RATES

ROOM RM395.00 Per Pax Per Night

THE PACKAGE INCLUDE:

• The Legendary Stone Batu Kapal
• Flora and Fauna
• Gawai / Menuai Festival (May / June)

PACKAGE

Accommodation with breakfast/lunch/dinner/transport/tour guide

Day 1: Depart from Kuching to Kampung Mongkos at noon (12.00pm) and participate in preparation of local food. Enjoy and learn about the Bidayuh craftwork and participate in traditional games. In the evening about 8.00 pm, attend dinner and cultural dance performance by the villagers.

Day 2: Breakfast, farming / fishing / jungle trekking. Visit to legendary site of ‘Batu Kapal, and waterfall (optional). Returned to Kuching. Lunch en route.

MINISTRY OF TOURISM MALAYSIA

Underwater Caving at Mt Silabur

You can find swiftlet nest during underwater caving at Silabur cave. The edible bird's nest belongs to aerodramus maximus species of swiftlet.

Mountain Climbing to Mt Silabur

It took about two hour to climb Mt Silabur.

Jungle Trekking to Mt Silabur

A land of spectacular vistas, undulating terrain and ancient rain forests, Silabur offers unlimited opportunities for a trekker. 

From the mountain forests of  Batuh to the undisturbed dipterocarp rainforests of Silabur, one of Serian's  finest conservation areas, trekking in Serian is a rich and rewarding experience.

SITES FOR JUNGLE TREKKING
Kpg Batu Bedang  to Mt Silabur

   Diversity of terrain  

Undulating hills matted with dense vegetation, gushing rivers, steep forested slopes and muddy trails are just a few examples of the varied terrain encountered when trekking in Malaysia's diverse tropical rain forest.

Jungle trekking can take an hour or two or as many days as you wish. The choice is up to the nature adventurer. The best time to trek in Malaysia is during the dry season in March to October when rainfall is sparse and does not hinder exploration. The wet season in Sarawak is from July to October.

   Sights and Sounds of the Forest  

JUNGLE TREKKING TIPS

When choosing a trail, be sure that you have enough time to complete the entire route before darkness falls. Bo not stray off the path to chase after animals. Use good judgment regarding the fitness level required for the trek and know your physical limits. Always inform the park officials or let someone know of your plans and destination for the day, especially if going alone. Take plenty of water and pack a few easy to eat snacks to keep energy level up. Unless trekking with a local guide, it is not advisable to eat jungle fruit or drink from rivers and streams. In the highlands try to trek on the ridgetops to save energy traversing the steep slopes and catch a cool breeze. Be as quiet as possible to avoid scaring any wildlife. Getting an early start during the dawn provides the best chance to sight animals seeking food and the warmth of the early morning sun. Wear thin, loose, preferably cotton clothing to remain comfortable. Cover arms and legs with long trousers and long - sleeved shirts to ward off mosquitoes and to provide protection against thorny plants. Wear leech socks or long socks to prevent leeches from finding an entry way. Choose sturdy footwear with proper ankle support and good traction. Be prepared for sudden rainshowers by carrying a poncho that wraps over both body and your carrying pack to keep everything dry.