Promoting nature's beauty as a tourism product
19 July 2024
By AVV
KOTA BELUD: In the serene village of Kg Gansurai under the Kadamaian Constituency nestled amidst nature's embrace, eco-tourism and homestays as well as Kampung Stay have gained popularity among the Homestay Programmes participants.
Banking on travelers who seek an authentic and sustainable experience, some 12 members of a homestay called Nopungguk Homestay signed on with rooms both with the family and outside chalets to offer their visitors a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.
This is where people can immerse themselves in the invigorating air and awaken to the freshness of a new day, in the village atmosphere.
One of the highlights of eco-tourism in these villages is the opportunity to enjoy the cool and crisp mornings.
The surrounding forests and lush greenery provide a natural air purifier, filling the atmosphere with a rejuvenating energy.
As visitors step outside their homestays, they are greeted by the gentle touch of the cool breeze, invigorating their senses and setting the tone for a tranquil and peaceful day ahead.
Some of the homestays are sited at a nearby river and adds to the charm of these eco-tourism destinations.
Travelers have the privilege of bathing in the crystal-clear waters, a refreshing experience that awakens the senses and revitalizes the body and mind.
The river also serves as a communal space for cooking outdoors, where visitors can indulge in the delights of outdoor cuisine, or if they don’t want to bother with cooking, they can actually request their hosts to cook for them.
Sarun Lambut, the coordinator of the Nopungguk Homestay shares that for those who loves trekking, they can do so by climbing up to Mt. Nopungguk which is 1,430 metres or 4,692 feet above sea level.
This trek needs guests to stay overnight as the trek takes six hours, one way. It is also a vigorous trek, that need guests to have a good rest before embarking on the journey which will take three to four hours to the top.
The trekkers should start at 2.30am and should reach the summit at 6am to fully enjoy a clear and vibrant view of the scenes before them. Usually, clouds will envelope Mt. Kinabalu after 9am.
The trail up the mountain is not a walk in the park, but the primary forest always instills a sense of awe as if one stepped into a world untouched by time and development.
The symphony of scents, a fragrant blend of damp earth and the sweet perfume of tropical foliage will add to the sense of adventure for those on those first time in this trail.
The towering canopy above and the buttresses that hold the gigantic trees up are awesome in itseff and looking up, trekkers can hope to enjoy the sunlight through the gaps in the foliage, casting ethereal beams of light onto the forest floor.
The trees stand as ancient sentinels, their trunks reaching towards the heavens with such grandeur that they seem to touch the clouds. These giants of nature, with their gnarled roots and sprawling branches, create a cathedral-like ambiance, where every step feels like a sacred pilgrimage.
The destination is breathtaking, Sarun shares, as a platform built on the stop on the mountain showcases the beautiful valley and the majestic Mount Kinabalu. He believes this is one of the best scene trekkers will enjoy.
“When you reach the summit, you will see the valleys below with the mighty Mount Kinabalu in the distant. Also, the air is so fresh and invigorating that it’s been dubbed ‘Lung Washing at Mt. Nopungguk,” he shares adding that it is indeed a wonder to behold.
For trekkers who don’t wish to go all the way, they can just visit the Mirolian stone site which is about three kilometres from the starting point. The Mirolian stones are mystical-looking stones that inspire awe among tourists. These stones possess a captivating mystery that seems to transcend the ordinary.
“Guests can also hope to see Rafflesia flowers here, when its in season,” Sarun shares adding that this is a day trip for trekkers, and they can start at 4.30am and should reach there by 9am.
Sarun, the spokesperson for the homestay and kampung stay, shares that the majority of their guests are domestic, hailing from nearby Brunei and Singapore.
However, around 10 percent of their arrivals are Caucasians adding an international flair to their establishment.
Sarun eagerly awaits the Visit Malaysia Year 2025 (VMY2025) and hopes that the promotions surrounding this event will bring more visitors to their homestay and kampung stay, benefiting their business.
They are also on the verge of registering their tourism group as a cooperative. Their cooperative is called ‘Koperasi Pelancongan Norutipan Soborong Kota Belud Berhad’ with a membership of 23 people.
After registration, they can benefit from being a corporative as they can actively participate in decision-making, support their community, and enjoy the rewards of collective efforts.
Another corporative that they have is Koperasi Tingangan Kota Belud Berhad, with most of the tourism participants being members.
Sarun expresses his gratitude to the Kadamaian State Assemblyman, Datuk Ewon Benedick, for his unwavering encouragement and support.
In particular, Sarun appreciates the funds donated by Ewon, which have been instrumental in managing the road infrastructure. They held communal work or gotong royong, to repair the road emphasising the spirit of cooperation within the community.
He also extends his appreciation to the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) for their assistance. The STB has provided them with a signboard, a kiosk for guest registration, and toilet facilities. These amenities are important for enhancing the overall experience of their guests and ensuring their comfort during their stay.
With such dedication, Sarun and his team can go a long way in the ecotourism industry.
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