STOLports: Gateways to local wonders
STOLports, or short takeoff and landing ports, are an important gateway to rural communities inSabah and Sarawak.
Allowing access to rural areas, the STOLports help boost local tourism, and allow the locals’ access to the outside world.
Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd manages 18 STOLports in the country, allowing access to Bakelalan, Long Banga, Kudat, Kapit, Lawas and other remote areas in Sabah and Sarawak.
The presence of the STOLports is important as local tourism thrives on easy access, and in turn, as tourism grows, this helps improve the economy and provide a better livelihood for locals.
For example, for those who want to experience the lifestyle of the Lun Bawang ethnic community and visit the salt processing spots in Bakelalan, the trip is just a 95minute flight from Miri to the Bakelalan STOLport. To experience the cultures and traditions of the Kenyah and Saban tribes, the Long Banga STOLport is a short 85minute flight from Miri.
These are examples of how the distance to such remote areas has been made shorter and more accessible, allowing more people to visit attractions and natural wonders in the areas.
Here are some of the things visitors can do:
BAKELALAN
A 95-minute flight from Miri, with a transit in Lawas.
Visitors can explore salt processing spots in the village. The most popular spot is Buduk Bui;
Join a Homestay programme to experience the Lun Bawang ethnic community lifestyle;
Jungle Trek to Long Kumap Salt Spring. This 45-minute trek is a refreshing walk along a cold and clean stream; and,
Visit many other areas of interest, such as rice fields, apple farms and an organic research farm.
LONG BANGA
A 85-minute flight from Miri and transiting Marudi.
Visitors can jungle trek to see the two most popular waterfalls in Long Banga — the Lang Tajit Waterfall and the 24m-high Udau Waterfall;
Experience the traditions of the Kenyah and Saban tribes; and,
Visit Pulong Tau National Park, Sarawak’s largest rainforest reserve, home to the Sumatran rhinoceros, and where Mount Murud, Sarawak’s tallest peak (2,424m) is located. Bakelalan and Long Banga are two villages that flank this reserve.
KUDAT
A 40-minute flight from Kota Kinabalu.
Visitors can experience the traditions of the ethnic Rungus tribe, a sub-group of the native Kadazandusun. The women of the tribe are famous for wearing traditional brass coils on their arms and beaded necklaces.
They are also known for their skills in producing handicraft such as woven fabrics, beadwork and baskets;
Visit the Tip of Borneo. White sandy beaches line the west coast of Kudat, leading up to Simpang Mengayau, the Tip of Borneo, offering a magnificent view overlooking the South China Sea and Sulu Sea;
Watch Kampung Gombizao’s villagers gather honey;
See how the gong, a traditional musical instrument, is made in Kampung Sumangkap;
Visit or stay overnight to experience the traditional Rungus Longhouse in Kampung Bavanggazo; and, Visit local markets called tamu. An array of locally-grown vegetables, fruits and Rungus handicraft are available for purchase.
The STOLports are operated on a corporate responsibility basis, where Malaysia Airports does not collect any passenger service charge at all from about 165,000 passengers who use the STOLports annually.