By Doreen Ling
KUCHING, Sept 27: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has proposed the creation of the ‘Brooke Trail’ in Siniawan, allowing tourists to retrace the historic route once taken by James Brooke aboard his vessel, the Royalist.
Speaking at the opening of the Siniawan Waterfront in Bau today, he explained that Brooke’s journey began at Kampung Lintang—now the site of the Astana—before heading upstream past Kampung Patingan, then Paroh, Sejijak, onwards to Siniawan, and finally to Bau.
“Perhaps Serembu assemblyman Miro Simuh could establish a ‘Brooke Trail’ with a small vessel resembling the Royalist, sailing all the way to Siniawan.
“When it arrives, the vessel could proudly declare, ‘I love Siniawan.’ The return trip for tourists could then be by road—or the other way around,” he said.
He noted that the route could include a stop at Sejijak for freshwater prawn fishing, though he light-heartedly warned visitors to remain alert for crocodiles.
Siniawan shares a deep historical connection with Brooke, the first White Rajah of Sarawak, who resided in the area.
Apart from the Siniawan Waterfront, the event also saw the Premier launching the Siniawan Country Music Festival 2025, the 125th Anniversary of Siniawan Heritage Town, and the 15th Anniversary of the Siniawan Night Market.
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Sarawak and Minister for Youth, Sports, and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Deputy Minister of Transport Sarawak and Tasik Biru assemblyman, Dato Henry Harry Jinep; Serembu assemblyman and organising committee chairman, Miro Simuh; Kuching Division Resident, Dayang Joanita Azizah Abang Morshidi; and Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) president, Datu Ik Pahon Joyik, were also present. — DayakDaily
