Longhouse Experience Holds Huge Potential To Attract Tourists To Sarawak
BETONG: The journey of staying overnight and personally experiencing the lifestyle of a longhouse community is among the unique tourism products holding huge potential to attract more tourists to Sarawak.
Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu said that the cultural authenticity, traditions, and natural beauty possessed by the state's rural areas serve as vital assets in strengthening community-based tourism.
According to him, the experience of becoming a part of a longhouse community offers a distinctive value that is difficult to find in other destinations.
“For anyone coming to the Nanga Mujau Longhouse for the first time, I am certain this experience is something you will never forget. This is the first time we are bringing tourists in large numbers to come here and enjoy what the community here has to offer,” he said.
He said this while officiating the Sarawak Tourism Federation (STF) Glamping Programme at the Nanga Mujau Longhouse, Spak on Friday.
The three-day, two-night programmes is among the main highlights of the Betong Gawai Dayak: Glamping, Parade, Open House and Concert event running from June 5 to 7.
Datuk Gerald, who is also the Layar Assemblyman, extended his appreciation to the residents of the Nanga Mujau Longhouse, STF, and Borneo Glamping for successfully realising the community tourism programme.
He noted that the successful organisation of the programme proves that rural communities possess immense potential to actively participate in the tourism industry, thereby generating income and boosting the local economy.
He added that the initiative is also capable of opening up doors for residents to promote handicraft products and the unique culture of the local community to visitors from both inside and outside Sarawak.
In line with this, he hopes that more communities and other longhouses will come forward to explore the community-based tourism sector as a new economic source.
In the meantime, he also called upon the local media to continuously promote the unique culture and diverse traditions of the Sarawak community, which are described as among the primary attractions of the state's tourism.
Commenting on the Betong Division Gawai Parade 2026, he informed that over 30 contingents involving around 2,000 participants are expected to take part in the parade, which will be held in Betong town.
In addition, he noted that various other events, including the STF Gawai Open House and the Betong Gawai Kaamatan Concert, are also being held to enliven the festive celebration.
Earlier, Datuk Gerald along with his wife, Datin Rosemarie Wong, officiated the release of 3,500 'tengadak' fish fry and 200 empurau fish fry into the Nanga Mujau River as an effort to promote the conservation of fishery resources and river ecosystem sustainability.
Also present were the Advisor to the Sarawak Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Ian James, STF Board Member Awang Saifeluddin Awang Karim, Betong Division Agriculture Officer Leo Toni, Acting Betong District Officer Kato Dorsie, as well as Tuai Rumah Isup Iba. — UKASnews
