KUCHING, Feb 14: The iconic rock formation of Bako National Park – the Serpent Head sea stack, is confirmed to have collapsed into the sea yesterday (Feb 13).
Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) in a statement today said the collapse of the popular landmark was first reported by a park guide known as Mr Paul at around 4pm yesterday.
“The collapse of this iconic sea stack was most probably caused by large waves experienced on site.
“The recent large waves were the final act of erosion which had been happening to this coast of Sarawak for millions of years,” it said.
The sea stack held great significance as one of the country’s geological treasures, formed from sandstone over millions of years through the process of erosion.
Its unique formation had captivated visitors, sculpting the rocky headland into exquisitely shaped sea stacks and sea arches that never failed to mesmerise tourists.
SFC also reported that its chief executive officer Abang Arabi Abang Aimran has expressed shock and sadness upon hearing the news.
He emphasised the sea stack’s importance not only in its natural beauty but also in its contribution to the local tourism industry, particularly for boat operators at Bako National Park.
He further commented that many had enjoyed watching nature’s beauty and that we should always admire and not take for granted such gifts.
“Nature’s gifts sometimes can be restored and sometimes are irreplaceable.
“A similar set of iconic sea arches and sea stacks off Victoria, Australia, called the 12 Apostles also saw such eventual collapses. Currently, there are only 8 pillars or arches left out of the original 12,” he said.
The news of the iconic sea stack’s disappearance went viral on social media yesterday when the Borneo Adventure page on Facebook uploaded a photo depicting the missing landmark.
In a separate report, Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the Sarawak government will not be able to replace the sea stack which was one of the many natural wonders of the world.
Nevertheless, he said the collapse of the sea stack will not affect the popularity of the Bako National Park as it has many other attractions. — DayakDaily
