Kadamaian’s Capernaum, offering rest and comfort

10 January 2025

KOTA BELUD: The Kadamaian area boasts a rich array of tourism attractions, thanks to its stunning rivers, breathtaking landscapes, unique local products, and the warm hospitality of its residents.

A must-visit destination in this region is Capernaum Garden, located at Kg.Taginambur area. This enchanting place is named after its biblical reference, which means "village of comfort."

Owner Michael Liman highlights the extraordinary value of the natural surroundings, where he has thoughtfully designed a captivating swimming pool that seamlessly blends with the landscape, nestled beside the gently flowing river.

The allure of this picturesque area attracts families and couples seeking a tranquil retreat to relax and connect with nature. Here, visitors are welcomed by invigorating fresh air, the calming sounds of the bubbling river, and the cheerful melodies of birdsong echoing from the treetops—all contributing to a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. For those who wish to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in this serene environment, comfortable accommodations are readily available.

Michael loves to see guests enjoying their time at Capernaum Garden. His vision is to create a serene environment where people can unwind and breathe in the fresh air. Tourism with nature is the key word of Capernaum.

However, Michael's journey to establish the resort wasn't without challenges. He inherited the land from his parents, who once cultivated paddy. After they stopped due to their advancing age, the land was abandoned for over 15 years. Unsure of how to proceed, he found inspiration during a trip to the Philippines, where he observed how local communities transformed their landscapes into thriving tourism hubs.

“In 2016, we embarked on this project with almost no capital. Driven by determination and commitment to bring about change, we opened Capernaum Garden to visitors by the end of that year. By 2017, the resort attracted up to 600 visitors a day, becoming a pioneer in community-based tourism and attracting many eager to learn from their experience.”

However, their progress was severely impacted in December 2018 when a devastating flash flood destroyed 80% of the resort, burying everything in mud except for their dreams. The challenges continued throughout 2019, as they struggled to recover. Just as they began to see a ray of hope, the pandemic forced them to close once more.

“During this difficult time, we worked tirelessly to restore the resort, and by the end of the pandemic, we were able to reopen, albeit at only 40% of our previous capacity,” he said adding with the support of the Sabah Tourism Board, they managed to rebuild some of the structures that had been lost in the flood.

While the natural pools along the river could not be recovered, the main activities have since shifted to the newly constructed man-made swimming pools.

Michael and his team are committed to realising their larger vision: to elevate Capernaum Garden onto the global stage by offering unforgettable native experiences. This includes showcasing cultural performances, traditional foods, and legendary stories.

“In the coming year, we plan to focus on upgrading our facilities, enhancing the landscape, and improving services, as well as integrating farming and food production into our offerings,” Michael shared.

This is a form of agritourism that offers guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the agricultural lifestyle while savouring the benefits of locally sourced food. This unique blend of experiences provides visitors with one of the most enjoyable and memorable tourism adventures imaginable.