By Karen Bong
KUCHING, March 21: The neglected airstrip in Belaga, crucial for providing air service to one of central Sarawak’s most remote areas in Kapit Division, must be upgraded to serve as a vital gateway to Borneo.
Daniel@Danin Bampa, a Belaga native educated at SMK Belaga, emphasised that revival of the airstrip is crucial as part of the Sarawak government’s tourism focus to enhance accessibility and expedite travel for tourists and locals alike.
“Belaga, being one of the remotest districts in Sarawak, is undisputable in terms of tourism offerings in culture, adventure, nature, food and festivals.
“Even though the area is remote from the usual tourist routes, reviving the Belaga airstrip will greatly ease travel compared to the arduous journey via the winding roads from Sibu and Bintulu, which will take long hours,” he said in raising the issue through a statement shared with DayakDaily today.
Belaga is home to the renowned Lusong Laku Waterfall, reminiscent of a mini Niagara Falls, cascading eight metres down into the Linau River. It is a gem hidden deep in the heart of Sarawak, reachable only by those who have the tenacity and determination to seek it.
It is also home to Empurau and Semah fish prized for their sweet flesh. Additionally, the Penan community there showcases exceptional craftsmanship, producing intricate handicrafts such as purses, handbags, hats, and baskets.
Despite Belaga’s allure, access remains challenging as it would require a lengthy six-hour journey by road from Bintulu, including over treacherous, bumpy logging roads prone to mud during rainfall.
Daniel, who is a freelance writer based in Kuching presently, underscored the Belaga airstrip’s potential, especially with the Sarawak government’s anticipated acquisition of MASwings which is expected to be finalised this year, and Scoot’s plans for direct flights to Sibu, Miri, and Bintulu.
“Belaga airstrip should be considered to become another catalyst. It can attract visitors travelling to Sibu, Miri and Bintulu to even visit the Bakun hydroelectric dam, which is one the giant dams in Southeast Asia,” he said.
Citing statistics, Daniel said that in 2023, Sarawak welcomed 57,496 European tourists, marking a remarkable increase of 121 per cent from the previous year. Furthermore, the European market demonstrated an outstanding recovery of 81.5 per cent compared to 2019 in terms of number of arrivals in Sarawak.
As such, he urged the Sarawak government to transform the airstrip in line with its inclusive development policies to ensure communities around Belaga and Murum benefit from tourism opportunities and enjoy the impact of inclusiveness.
“Tourists venturing to remote destinations like Belaga stimulate positive economic growth for local communities.
“Let the rural people and communities have their share in the ‘Gateway to Borneo’ because they have been marginalised from the tourist routes for so long,” he said. — DayakDaily
