Grapes garden reopens door after MCO relaxed
TAMPARULI: The relaxation of the movement control order (MCO) for tourism activities has given many operators a sigh of relief, among them is JonGrapevine and Figs Garden (JGFG) in Kampung Bantayan here.
JGFG has reopened its doors to 50 percent capacity visitors wanting to see for themselves the more than 90 varieties of grapes and figs grown at the premises.
On Sunday, JGFG owner Jontih Enggihon invited Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai and Permanent Secretary Dr Jamili Nais to pluck ripen grapes as a symbolic ceremony of the reopening.
According to Bangkuai, JGFG is a testimony of the success that can be achieved through agro-tourism.
Located about 38km from the Kota Kinabalu city, Jontih's vineyards are popular among domestic visitors since not only they can see an actual vineyard but they could also pluck the fruits for themselves.
"Many thought grapes can only be grown in cold temperature countries but JGFG has proven that it is possible to grow and earn income from it in Sabah," he said.
Bangkuai and entourage was given a tour of the vineyard and shown the grape varieties among them coming from Ukraine and Russia bloc countries as well as other part of the world.
"We see a lot of potential in agro-tourism and I am glad that Jontih is even willing to share his knowledge and experties in growing grapes as well as figs to those interested to venture into this niche market," he said.