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By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, June 25: Out of the total 5,000 acres of land originally allocated for the Borneo Highlands development project, only 30 per cent or 1,500 acres has been utilised.
This is according to Liew Nam Boon, the architect under the previous developer.
During the Media Night event on Saturday (June 24) organised by Borneo Glamping and Borneo Highlands Residents’ Club (BHRC) held at Borneo Highlands, Liew disclosed that the existing resort area takes up about 30 per cent or 1,500 acres while the remainder or 70 per cent of the allocated area has yet to be developed.
Meanwhile, BHRC chairman Lo Khere Chiang said the Sarawak government is preparing a re-development master plan for Borneo Highlands Resorts which will involve private investors comprising foreign and local investors.
While awaiting the Sarawak government’s redevelopment to take shape and revive Borneo Highlands, Borneo Highlands residents through their recreational club hope to organise glamping events for overseas and local visitors to ensure the place continue to grow by leaps and bounds.
Following the overwhelming success of the recent Glamping Festival which drew participation from about 300 locals, the Borneo Highlands Residents’ Club (BHRC) reached out to Singaporeans by inviting the press and influencers from the city state to spend time at the highlands, in addition to providing a two-day-one-night glamping experience for the local media.
“I am very keen to see the place revived and reborn. And tonight is the night, the press is here especially the press from Singapore,” said Lo.
To understand and appreciate the beauty of Borneo Highlands, he believed that one must experience it in person—its lush green and jungle setting, the morning fog and the evening mist, the starry night and bluish night sky.
After the closing down of Borneo Highlands Resort which was responsible for the maintenance of the whole area, Lo who is also Batu Kitang assemblyman said to prevent the development from returning to jungle, the Sarawak government provided funds for Padawan Municipal Council to carry out grass-cutting and landscaping.
Another member of the BHRC Datuk Yii Ming Tang pointed out that the highlands lack basic infrastructure including roads, water and electricity apart from the fact that as a tourist attraction, it lacks attractions for all ages.
Another issue is the lack of direct flights to Kuching from other countries such as Singapore, South Korea, Japan and China.
Bringing forward several solutions including upgrading basic infrastructure and facilities as well as the 18-hole golf course and the resort itself, and the building of an amusement and entertainment centre, Yii said a proper rescue and evacuation system must be in place.
Borneo Highlands is 1,000 metres above sea level with temperatures ranging between 18 to 28 degree Celsius, although temperatures as low as 16 degrees Celsius have been recorded. — DayakDaily
