Telang Usan holds big nature, adventure tourism potential, says assemblyman

MIRI: Telang Usan has the potential to become a key tourism destination in Sarawak, in view of its rich natural resources like virgin forests and pristine rivers, as well as its diverse culture particularly that of the Kayan community.

Its assemblyman Dennis Ngau said one of his efforts to develop and promote Telang Usan to the world included the hosting of international outdoor and adventure events such as raft racing and four-wheel drive (4WD) expedition.

He said this during the ‘Selamat Tepuko’ ( Harvest Festival) of the Kayans at Kampung Sungai Keluan in Ulu Baram yesterday, where local councillors Jau Eng Aran and Jaraw Braim, Sungai Keluan Association chairman Avit Wan and about 100 longhouse villagers attended.

According to Dennis, the areas near and along Sungai Keluan could house traditional Kayan homestay operations.

“I’ve been told that there are Japanese and Europeans students who make frequent trips to Sungai Keluan to do field studies. This, to me, is a good indicator of the potential that this area has for homestay operations.

“Personally, I enjoy being here – surrounded by nature and the friendly locals,” he said.

On ‘ Selamat Tepuko’, Dennis said it was a Kayan tradition that had been around since the time of their forefathers as a thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest.

“Nowadays, not many Kayan longhouses hold this celebration in that many of us have embraced Christianity. Still, it is not wrong to observe this tradition because in today’s context, it is more about members of the community coming together, especially those working and living far from their home villages.

“This celebration, if held annually, could become the platform for the Kayans to further strengthen their bond. I also believe that the children really love this festival, which will be among their most cherished childhood memories once they have become grown-ups.”

Dennis also hoped that other longhouse villagers across Telang Usan – be they Kayans, Kenyahs or Penans – to emulate what the Kayans of Uma Bawang at Sungai Keluan have done to preserve their tradition and keep the ‘gotongroyong’ (work party) spirit alive in this modern day.

According to Sungai Keluan Association advisor Jok Jau Evong, the Sungai Keluan Settlement was established to address overcrowding at the Uma Bawang longhouse.

In this respect, Dennis said this reflected the state government’s strategy of opening up new townships to create growth centres.

Later, the assemblyman announced a government grant of RM10, 000 for Sungai Keluan Association to run its activities.