The picturesque beach of Telok Melano, a fishing village on the tip of Sarawak.
MY FAMILY spent a few days at a beach resort in Sematan near Kuching while on holiday.
About two hours’ drive from the state capital, Sematan is a small fishing town on Sarawak’s west coast with long sandy beaches offering expansive views of the South China Sea.
During our recent stay there, we made a side trip to Telok Melano, a fishing village on the tip of Sarawak which used to be accessible only by sea.
Now, with the ongoing construction of the Pan Borneo Highway, it’s a smooth 20-minute drive from Sematan and indeed forms the starting point of the statewide route.
This was my first time to Telok Melano and I was immediately struck by its scenic coastline of golden sand meeting sparkling turquoise waves, the beach curving away at both ends along forested headlands.
The trip made me realise that being a tourist in my own backyard is a rewarding experience, giving me the opportunity to explore and enjoy a part of Sarawak I had never visited before.
As international borders reopened this year amid the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, it’s not surprising that many of us feel the travel itch again after two years of the pandemic.
But besides travelling abroad, how about going to destinations within our own country? A holiday at home may not have the same glamour as a foreign destination, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun and fulfilling as well.
The Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), for instance, just launched its latest “Sia Sitok Sarawak” campaign for travellers to discover the country’s hidden gems.
Back by popular demand, the current campaign offers 62 packages at discounted prices for travel between Sept 1 and Dec 15.
State Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Sia Sitok Sarawak, which means “here and there in Sarawak”, was introduced in 2020 to boost the local tourism industry during the pandemic.
He said the campaign generated sales worth over RM10.5mil in the last two years, along with the accompanying Sia Sitok Accommodation campaign last year.
“This is testimony that Sia Sitok Sarawak is well received among Sarawakians to know their state better.
“This campaign will always stay relevant due to its increasing value for locals who form a deeper appreciation for exploring their backyard,” he said when launching the latest edition.
The Sia Sitok Sarawak campaign offers a number of new tour packages which emphasise community-based tourism and responsible tourism products.
These include the Kedaya Telang Usan four-day trip to explore waterfalls and experience the culture of Kenyah and Penan communities in upper Ulu Baram; birdwatching in Ba’kelalan for a chance to spot the elusive Dulit frogmouth, which is endemic to the highlands of northern Borneo; and the three-day Belaga expedition to visit Uma Belor, a longhouse of seven connected blocks, and learn about the culture and customs of the Kayan community.
Those who love adventure type activities can opt for shooting river rapids and jungle trekking in the Julau upriver expedition, while history buffs can hike up Bukit Sadok to the battle site of Iban warrior Rentap against the Brooke administration in the 1850s.
What’s great is that the campaign caters to a wide range of travel tastes and activities. It really is a wonderful opportunity to explore different parts of Sarawak and enjoy the hospitality of local communities, at the same time boosting local tourism and learning more about the state’s culture and heritage.
In the words of STB chief executive Sharzede Salleh Askor, “There is no better way to travel throughout Sarawak than with friends and family this year end as we go beyond the pandemic with Sia Sitok Sarawak’s offers and deals.”
So as you plan your next holiday, look closer to home and take the opportunity to enjoy what we have to offer for travellers.
Like my experience at Telok Melano, you may find yourself captivated by the beauty in our backyard.
