TUCKED away in the remote district of Bintangor in Sarawak, Riverhill Holiday and Camping Park is a paradise where nature flourishes in its purest form.
The air in the park is crisp and refreshing, filled with the scent of the forest and a pristine mountain stream.
As night falls, the park transforms into a celestial wonderland. With minimal light pollution, the sky unveils a breathtaking display of stars, with the Milky Way stretching vividly across the horizon.
The tranquillity is absolute, broken only by the distant calls of nocturnal birds and the gentle whisper of the wind through the trees. It is a place where one can truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the raw beauty of nature.
This newly established park, once a private residential property, is located deep within Jalan Sing Ba, Bintangor, about a 45-minute drive from Sibu.
“What is fascinating about this place is the spectacular night view of the Milky Way. This is one of the best spots to witness it. The air here is clean and crisp, which makes this a real natural wonder,” said the proud owner of the park, Phebe Ling (pic).
Another attraction, according to Ling, is birdwatching, as the area is home to a variety of bird species.
These include the woodpecker, crimson sunbird, black-and-orange flycatcher, stork-billed kingfisher, black-and-yellow broadbill and blue-crowned hanging parrot.
Some of these birds, she noted, are endemic to Borneo.
Phebe’s husband, Ling Sie Huong, an avid photographer, has captured several stunning images of these birds using his telephoto lens.
Asked how the idea for the park came about, Phebe – who assists her husband in their chicken supply business for eateries in Sibu – admitted she never imagined opening one.
“This house was bought by my parents-in-law. At the time, we were looking for a terraced house of our own, somewhere with a better environment where we could retreat from the hustle and bustle of Sibu.
“As this was an old house, we had to renovate it three years ago. After that, we would usually visit on weekends. We named it Riverhill because of the river and the hill,” she explained.
However, they soon realised they could turn it into a homestay where others could also enjoy and experience nature.
“We opened the place towards the end of last year. Our friends were our first guests and they later spread the word to their own friends.
“A group of teachers from a nearby school also used the park for team-building activities.”
The facility can accommodate up to 20 people at a time, as there are four bedrooms. There is a large kitchen for guests to cook in, three bathrooms inside the house and another two at the campsite.
Those who prefer to sleep outdoors can rent a tent for RM50.
For leisure activities, there is a fishing pond and a stream right in front of the park for anglers. Light hiking is also an option, while barbecue enthusiasts can indulge in their favourite pastime here as well.
The Sibu Photographic Society once organised an outing at the park, providing its members with the perfect setting to capture stunning photography amidst the scenic landscape.
“There is a wooden house at the top of the hill, but it is currently for our private use. It’s cooler up there,” Phebe added.
The park, she says, would be a treat for nature lovers and those seeking a quiet, peaceful retreat surrounded by the beauty of the natural world.
