By Karen Bong
KUCHING, April 23: Borneo Highlands Resident Club (BHRC) hopes private investors can participate in the revival of the hotel facility and flower garden at this sole hilltop resort in Sarawak which has been taken over by the State government for redevelopment.
BHRC chairman and Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang reminisced about the once alluring flower garden that featured numerous flower species with larger blooms attributed to its elevated location, which served as a prominent tourist attraction.
Expressing confidence in the potential of the resort to emerge as a thriving tourist hub near Kuching city, he highlighted the pristine natural surroundings of the resort.
“The Land Custody Development Authority (LCDA) entrusted to further develop the resort has a masterplan for it. Although I haven’t seen it, but I believe there will be a wellness centre and a new hotel (in the masterplan).
“I believe a lot of things are being planned to revive the resort. With investments to make the resort into a place where people will come, this place will be vibrant again.
“The Sarawak government has now taken over this whole place and I hope…no, I can see the future of Borneo Highlands Resort is very bright,” he told reporters during the Raya Glamping at Borneo Highlands event last Sunday (April 21).
Situated atop the Penrissen Range which straddles the Sarawak-Kalimantan border at 1,000 metres above sea level, the Borneo Highlands Resort is cocooned within one of the world’s oldest and second-largest rainforests, spanning approximately 5,000 acres.
It is a botanical paradise where one can enjoy fresh mountain air, spectacular highland sceneries, and a challenging 18-hole golf course meandering through the natural features of the highland plateau.
Despite its allure, the resort had laid dormant for years following the concessionaire’s failure to fulfill development obligations. However, the once-idle space has found new purpose as a glamping destination, catering to outdoor enthusiasts seeking refuge from the urban hustle of the city.
During the two-day glamping event held over the weekend and organised by Borneo Glamping, tents adorned the green lawn, offering campers a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, an experience Lo likened to staying in a hotel.
This time, the event also featured a variety of activities tailored for families and children, giving them a chance to unleash their boundless energy, running and playing freely, their laughter mingling with the gentle breeze and chorus of birdsong.
In this haven of outdoor wonders, they flew kites, paddled kayaks on the lake adorned with yet-to-bloom water lilies, and engaged in lively games around a giant soccer ball, filling the air with cheers.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, families gathered around the flickering flames of the barbecue fire, indulging in food and drinks and enjoying each other’s company.
As the night deepened, families gathered beneath the moonlight and twinkling stars for a special outdoor movie screening, with some campers even bringing along a portable karaoke for a concert in the forest.
Reflecting on the success of another glamping event, Lo encouraged the organiser to continue hosting similar events, whether for team building or family outings, to allow more people to experience the beauty of the highlands. — DayakDaily
