Borneo River Cruise to promote Baleh attractions

THE Borneo River Cruise is scheduled to begin in early 2027, promoting Baleh’s cultural heritage and natural attractions.

Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew said the private-sector initiative, launched during ITB Berlin this year, would offer multi-day journeys along the Rajang River from Sibu to Kapit and beyond.

“The cruise will highlight Baleh’s cultural heritage, particularly the longhouse lifestyle, traditional cuisines, local crafts, as well as its nature and adventure attractions along the route,” he said in response to Nicholas Kudi Jantai (GPS-Baleh) during question and answer session on Tuesday (Oct 13).

He said the Sarawak government remained committed to strengthening Baleh’s tourism sector by capitalising on its rivers, rainforests, highlands, biodiversity and the rich cultural heritage of its longhouse communities.

“Under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), the government aims to develop eco-tourism and adventure products, including river activities, rafting, trekking, jungle expeditions, homestays and cultural experiences.

“These tourism products would also be linked with Kapit, Song, Belaga and Sibu to form a comprehensive tourism network.

“Major events such as the Bukit Mabong Expedition and Baleh-Kapit Raft Safari have already been included in the Sarawak Calendar of Events, with both receiving support from the ministry through the ‘Geran Acara dan Pesta’.”

On further assistance, he said the government would continue considering additional support for basic amenities and tourism infrastructure, including access, jetties, signage and safety facilities.

“However, any further support would be subject to the State’s priorities and financial capacity.”

Ting also encouraged local authorities, government agencies, tourism operators, communities and the private sector to work together to sustain tourism events and ensure they generated economic benefits for local residents.

He said community participation remained central to the government’s tourism development strategy for Baleh.

“Empowering local communities remains central to this strategy, so that the people of Baleh take part as entrepreneurs, tour guides, homestay operators and service providers, and not only as beneficiaries,” he said.

Under the Malaysia Homestay Experience Programme (PPHM), he said the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MoTAC) had registered the Bukit Mabong and Sungai Asap Homestay Clusters in Kapit Division.

“MoTAC has also conducted awareness briefings at Rumah Bajang, Nanga Bena Sungai Sut, in 2019; Nanga Teliai Merirai, Baleh, in 2022; and Ulu Yong, Kapit, in 2023.”

Meanwhile, Ting said tourism spending was channelled to longhouse communities through homestays, boat charters, local guiding services and craft sales under the Sarawak Tourism Board’s (STB) Responsible Tourism framework.

“Development will be carried out in stages and sustainably, with due regard for the environment, visitor safety and community wellbeing, so that Baleh becomes not merely a stopover but a nature, adventure and cultural destination with its own distinct identity in Sarawak,” he said.