Ministry exploring archaeotourism at Borneo’s oldest valley
LAHAD DATU: The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (Sabah State Office) is exploring the posssibility of archaeotourism in Sabah at Mansuli Valley, Lahad Datu under its program, Sabah Sustainability Volunsharing Program (SSVP) with the collaboration of Faculty of Business,Economics and Accountancy, Universiti Malaysia Sabah.
Archaeo-tourism or better known as archaeological tourism focuses on visiting and experiencing ancient sites and historical places. The exotic nature of the location in which the archaeological site is found also could be an attraction to the site. Mansuli Valley, which is located 30km from Lahad Datu town, has two archaeological sites, which are the Mansuli excavation sites and Samang Buat Cave. Each of the excavation sites provides findings that prove Mansuli Valley was inhabited as early as 11,000 years ago and it is the oldest valley in Borneo prehistory. The archaeological findings in Mansuli Valley has also contributed to deeper understandings of the Palaeolithic culture especially in early human migration to Borneo and their adaptations to their environment.
Dr Awangku Hassanal Bahar Pengiran Bagul, an Associate Professor in Tourism at Faculty of Business, Economics and Accountancy, UMS and SSVP co-founder said that the archaeo-tourism usually integrates educational and recreational activities such as sightseeing, hiking and caving.
“We are very excited to learn that Lahad Datu has the oldest prehistoric site in Borneo and to see a working excavation sites and the caves that once inhabited by the prehistoric society. The Mansuli Valley are not that wellknown as a tourism destination but it has potential and I think by promoting archaeotourism, the visitors can enjoy the experience on learning the Borneo heritage and safeguarding it by promoting the conservation of this site”.
Ag Ahmad Zaki Abu Bakar, the director of MOTAC Sabah said that he is happy with this program and wishes to keep continuing them in the near future.
“We have been collaborating since 2015 where we previously explored Tagal Ecotourism and Volcano Tourism. I also would like to thank Sabah Museum and Sabah Forestry Department for assisting our program this year”.
MOTAC Sabah and Faculty of Business, Economics and Accountancy, UMS have been running the Sabah Sustainability Volunsharing Program with the focus on exploring new tourism product and educating the participants on being sustainable and responsible tourists. The SSVP program is the winner for IKON Award (High Impact University-Community Engagement Award) from UMS in 2016.