Nakawan Rainforest Festival 2026 @ Perlis ( 1 ~ 7 Jun 2026 )

 

Tentatif Rasmi Aktiviti Dan Acara Program Nakawan Rainforest Festival Sempena Hari Hutan Antarabangsa Peringkat Negeri Perlis Tahun 2026

Ayuh memeriahkan Nakawan Rainforest Festival 2026 yang akan berlangsung pada 1 hingga 7 Jun 2026 bertempat di Taman Eko Rimba Bukit Ayer dan Kompleks Ekopelancongan Sungai Batu Pahat.

Pelbagai aktiviti menarik menanti pengunjung antaranya:

> Pameran dan pendidikan hutan

> Aktiviti rekreasi dan riadah

> Persembahan kebudayaan dan seni tradisional

> Jualan makanan dan produk tempatan

> Pertandingan dan aktiviti keluarga

> Spot bergambar dan pengalaman menarik di tengah kehijauan alam semula jadi.

Festival ini dianjurkan bagi meningkatkan kesedaran masyarakat tentang kepentingan pemuliharaan hutan serta menghargai khazanah alam semula jadi Negeri Perlis.

Jangan lepaskan peluang untuk bersama-sama menikmati keindahan alam, menyertai pelbagai aktiviti menarik dan menghayati keunikan hutan hujan Nakawan bersama keluarga dan rakan-rakan.

Jumpa anda di Nakawan Rainforest Festival 2026!

-Jabatan Perhutanan Negeri Perlis.

Eyes on Johor’s upcoming tourism revival

 

JOHOR BARU: With just five months to go before Visit Johor 2026 (VJ2026), many are talking about what the southern state has to offer. 

With an upcoming trip to Johor, Sabahan Jordy Elver Osmond, 24, who is pursuing a degree in education, said he was eagerly awaiting it. 

“I have always heard from my Johor friends that the state is more advanced than many other states, especially in terms of leisure attractions.

“As a waterpark lover, I’m exci­ted. There are at least three major theme parks to explore. 

“Hopefully, there will be special promotions offered,” he said in an interview. 

Jordy hopes to see Johor elevate its appeal by hosting more international-scale events.

“Many Malaysians will agree that we need more international concerts. Why should they be limited to Kuala Lumpur? 

“I hope Johor can bring in what others cannot,” he said. 

Public relations practitioner Yew Chin Choon, 23, said a friend in Johor invited her to visit. 

“To be honest, my family and I have not seen much publicity about VJ2026, but I am excited to see what is in store compared to other states I have visited. 

“As the one who usually plans our family trips, I hope to disco­ver more family-friendly recreational spots beyond just shopping malls,” she said. 

She said eco-tourism within city areas would be an added attraction. 

“Coming from a town like Klang, I would love to see green spaces and eco-tourism destinations in urban areas, something I hear Johor has a lot of,” said Yew. 

Intern M. Daneswaren, 23, from Penang, said he was eager to explore Johor’s tourism scene, given the state’s larger size and resources. 

“As a Penangite, I am curious to see how Johor compares with Penang, which is a global tourism spot. 

“I have heard Johor is a hub for sports enthusiasts, and as someone who enjoys various sports, I do want to see what it has to offer. 

“Aside from scenic spots, international-scale events like youth forums or major sports tournaments would be something interesting,” he said. 

For pharmacist Doretty Epina Richard, 27, of Sarawak, travelling with her large family means that accessibility and convenience will be key. 

“Good transport and tour packages that suit all age groups make a big difference. It has been three years since we visited Johor. 

“I look forward to seeing how Johor has changed,” she said. 

In April, Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the state government carried out 33 infrastructure projects over the past year to improve local tourism spots. 

Among the projects were the second phase of upgrading works at the Johor Zoo, redevelopment of Kampung Sungai Melayu, opening of the Royal Botanical Garden and restoration of the Royal Abu Bakar Museum at Istana Besar Johor here. 

Other projects included the upgrade of the Gunung Ledang National Park in Tangkak and the Tanjung Piai National Park in Pontian.

-thestar online.

Taman Negara Mulu destinasi purba unik, superlatif

 

UNIK, superlatif serta terbaik di kepulauan Borneo, ungkapan jurupandu, Henry Lah Lucin bagi menggambarkan keistimewaan Taman Negara Gunung Mulu di Bumi Kenyalang.

Terletak di Bahagian Miri, Sarawak, Taman Negara Gunung Mulu, juga dikenali sebagai Taman Negara Mulu diwartakan sebagai Taman Negara Sarawak pada 1974 sebelum diiktiraf sebagai Tapak Warisan Dunia Pertubuhan Pendidikan, Sains dan Kebudayaan Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu (UNESCO) pada 2000.

Menurut Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), superlatif merujuk kepada istilah paling atau darjah tertinggi, sekali gus menjelaskan keunikan taman terbesar di Sarawak yang bermula puluhan juta tahun lalu di bawah laut, menjadikannya destinasi purba yang mengagumkan.

Peluang meneroka Taman Negara Mulu selama empat hari anjuran Lembaga Pelancongan Sarawak (STB) bukan sahaja memberikan pengalaman berharga kepada penulis tetapi turut meningkatkan kesedaran mengenai kepentingan memelihara alam sekitar dan menghargai keunikan warisan alam semula jadi di Malaysia.

Menerusi program 'Exploring Mulu Sarawak', penulis dibawa meneroka taman yang meliputi kawasan kira-kira 544 kilometer persegi. Taman ini antara lima Tapak Warisan Dunia di Malaysia selain Warisan Arkeologi Lembah Lenggong, Taman Negara Kinabalu, Melaka dan Georgetown Bandar Sejarah Selat Melaka serta Gua Niah.

Ini bermakna Sarawak merupakan satu-satunya negeri di Malaysia yang memiliki dua tapak warisan - Taman Negara Mulu melambangkan alam semula jadi, manakala Gua Niah melambangkan budaya.

Taman Negara Mulu adalah antara destinasi alam semula jadi paling menakjubkan di dunia meliputi landskap gua, hutan hujan tropika, formasi batu kapur yang unik serta ekosistem yang kaya dengan kepelbagaian flora dan fauna.

Berkeluasan 86,000 hektar, ia adalah khazanah semula jadi yang penting dan tidak ternilai di rantau Asia Tenggara serta dianggarkan menjadi rumah 2,000 spesies tumbuhan; 450 pakis; 1,700 lumut; 4,000 kulat; 123 mamalia; 305 burung; 218 reptilia dan amfibia selain 48 ikan serta lebih 20,000 serangga dan invertebrata.

Henry, 45, antara 200 jurupandu yang memiliki lesen berdaftar dengan Jabatan Perhutanan Sarawak. Berpengalaman lebih 20 tahun sebagai jurupandu Taman Negara Mulu, hutan dan pelancongan memberikan pendidikan terbaik kepada lelaki berasal daripada etnik Penan ini, sekali gus mengiyakan kenyataan bahawa etnik Penan dengan hutan belantara berpisah tiada.

Etnik Penan antara etnik minoriti di Sarawak, satu daripada sub-etnik yang membentuk Kaum Orang Ulu yang mempunyai lebih kurang 27 etnik bernaung di bawah sebagai sub-etnik.

Hutan hujan yang mengambil masa 60 juta tahun untuk terbentuk

Menyaksikan pemandangan Mulu yang menakjubkan serta kepentingan biologinya, tidak menghairankan kawasan ini disenaraikan sebagai Tapak Warisan Dunia.

Untuk melayakkan sesuatu kawasan mendapat status itu, ia mesti memenuhi satu daripada empat kriteria.

Kawasan berkenaan perlu menjadi contoh cemerlang sejarah geologi dunia (gua dan endapan gua); menjadi wakil terbaik bagi proses evolusi yang berterusan iaitu program penyelidikan semasa; memiliki keindahan luar biasa serta menyimpan habitat semula jadi penting untuk pemuliharaan in-situ kepelbagaian biologi dan perlindungan spesies terancam (pelbagai habitat gua dan hutan).

Mulu memenuhi semua kriteria berkenaan, sekali gus menepati misi keramat UNESCO - "Warisan ialah peninggalan masa lalu yang dinikmati hari ini dan yang diwariskan kepada generasi akan datang."

Taman Negara Mulu bukan hanya sesuai untuk individu yang inginkan ketenangan jauh daripada hiruk pikuk hutan batu, bahkan juga amat sesuai bagi mereka yang menggemari kegiatan lasak dengan kepelbagaian tumbuhan dan hidupan liar.

Keunikan taman negara ini sudah pasti terletak pada bentuk geografi sangat unik, didominasi empat gunung - Gunung Mulu atau Puncak Mulu, Gunung Api, Gunung Buda dan Gunung Benarat.

Kawasan hutan hujan yang menakjubkan ini mengambil masa 60 juta tahun untuk terbentuk. Ia antara tapak semula jadi yang paling penting di Asia Tenggara.

Pelbagai aktiviti boleh direncanakan, antaranya mendaki Pinnacles iaitu formasi batu kapur yang tajam di Gunung Api, selain menjelajah Puncak Mulu dan menerokai ratusan gua termasuk yang memerlukan kepakaran serta panduan profesional daripada individu terlatih.

Bagi mereka yang mahu merasai pengalaman menikmati pemandangan hutan dari ketinggian 30 hingga 35 meter, Laluan Kanopi Mulu adalah jawapannya. Laluan yang dulunya sepanjang 480 meter, kini hanya 460 meter masih lagi dianggap laluan atau jambatan pokok terpanjang di dunia.

Dibina pada 2014, jambatan itu memiliki tujuh hentian atau platform dengan setiap platform mampu menampung empat pengunjung, manakala maksimum dua pengunjung dibenarkan melalui jambatan berkenaan pada satu-satu masa.

Program 'Exploring Mulu Sarawak' yang turut disertai pengamal media dari Indonesia dan Brunei membawa peserta menjelajah empat gua, menelusuri Sungai Melinau dengan perahu panjang, melihat penghasilan sumpitan sambil membeli cenderamata di pasar kraf perkampungan etnik Penan di Kampung Batu Bungan dan pastinya menikmati panorama aras tinggi di Laluan Kanopi Mulu.

Bersama Henry yang memiliki lesen penerokaan gua, Puncak Mulu, Pinnacles dan trekking hutan, peluang empat hari menikmati keindahan taman negara di Pulau Borneo yang dianggap antara hotspot biodiversiti dunia memberikan pengalaman menakjubkan.

Sekurang-kurangnya separuh daripada spesies tumbuhan, haiwan dan kulat yang dikenali di Borneo ditemui di Mulu, kawasan hutan hujan khatulistiwa yang luas dan menakjubkan dengan kepelbagaian flora dan fauna yang luar biasa.

Keterujaan penulis bermula sebaik menjejakkan kaki di Lapangan Terbang Mulu selepas menempuh perjalanan dengan pesawat hampir dua jam dari Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuching.

Damai, sunyi, tenang - suasana yang dirasai sebaik keluar dari pesawat MASwings sebelum dibawa mendaftar masuk ke Mulu Marriot Resort and Spa, resort dengan hampir 70 peratus pekerjanya dalam kalangan penduduk tempatan.

Siapa sangka, ada air tangan 'import' yang memenuhi cita rasa dan selera mereka yang menginap di resort serba mendamaikan itu. Ternyata kari ayam yang penulis nikmati bersama roti canai merupakan sentuhan Chef Rodzi Mustafa, 55, anak kelahiran Gelugor, Pulau Pinang yang juga pakar menyediakan juadah Sarawak, hasil 34 tahun 'bersilat di dapur'.

Seperti mana ketelitian Chef Rodzi menyediakan juadah di Mulu Marriot Resort and Spa, begitu juga Mulu yang amat menitikberatkan aspek kebersihan. Kemudahan awam terutama trek dan tandas yang bersih dan teratur di Taman Negara Mulu mencetuskan kekaguman.

Jika bandar raya Kuching berada pada kedudukan ke-14 bandar terbersih di dunia, menurut laporan portal Suara Sarawak pada awal tahun ini, apa kurangnya Mulu.

Penerokaan kami di Taman Negara Mulu bermula di Gua Lang dan Gua Rusa, lokasi bersebelahan. Untuk tiba di pintu masuk gua, kami perlu melalui trek sejauh 3.8 kilometer, struktur dibina daripada kayu pokok belian dengan lantainya daripada bahan komposit.

Pokok belian adalah spesies kayu keras, diumpamakan seperti besi, mampu bertahan ratusan tahun. Kali terakhir kayu yang membentuk trek bermula dari Pejabat Taman Negara itu ditukar pada 2004.

Mengambil sempena nama penduduk tempatan, Lang Belarek yang menjumpai gua ini pada 1977, Gua Lang disenaraikan antara gua tercantik dengan pembentukan pelbagai formasi stalaktit dan stalagmit.

Ia gua yang paling kecil dalam senarai empat gua yang kami lawati, namun tetap tidak kalah dengan struktur stalaktit dan stalagmit yang mengagumkan termasuk dengan formasi struktur seperti obor-obor.

Rasa takjub berterusan dengan penerokaan Gua Rusa, ruang laluan gua terbesar di dunia, memberikan pengalaman tidak terduga yang menawarkan suasana dramatik dan indah kerana keluasan pintu masuknya. Ruang utama, yang sebahagiannya diterangi cahaya matahari, berkeluasan 174 meter lebar dan 122 meter tinggi.

Gua ini menempatkan lebih tiga juta kelawar daripada sekurang-kurangnya 12 spesies, tertinggi pernah direkodkan menghuni satu gua dengan jangka hayat mamalia ini antara 13 hingga 30 tahun.

Gua yang dinamakan penduduk Penan dan Berawan berikutan menjadi lokasi teduhan rusa menawarkan pelbagai arca semula jadi terbentuk jutaan tahun lalu.

Laluan menghala ke dalam gua ini berliku-liku mengikut kontur semula jadi lantai gua. Meskipun laluannya diterangi lampu, jangan lupa kepentingan membawa lampu suluh untuk memeriksa lantai gua yang dilitupi guano atau najis kelawar dan serangga. Pesanan penulis - wajib bawa pelitup muka.

Profil bekas Presiden Amerika Syarikat (AS) ke-16, Abraham Lincoln yang terbentuk daripada proses hakisan tiga batu besar memberi ilusi seperti wajah manusia, akhirnya membentuk identiti Gua Rusa.

Sedikit ralat apabila penulis tidak berpeluang menikmati jutaan kelawar terbang keluar dari gua mencari makanan pada sebelah petang kerana hujan lebat. Kami sudah dimaklumkan lebih awal kemungkinan peluang melihat kelawar terbang bebas membentuk pelbagai formasi adalah tipis susulan cuaca tidak menentu mutakhir ini.

Seawal pagi, penulis dibawa menelusuri Sungai Melinau menaiki perahu panjang untuk meneroka Gua Angin dan Gua Air Jernih yang disenaraikan sebagai gua terpanjang di Asia Tenggara.

Kali ini, penerokaan sedikit mencabar apabila perlu melepasi ratusan anak tangga yang mencanak untuk tiba di pintu masuk gua. Namun keringat kami berbaloi apabila kedua-dua gua khususnya Gua Air Jernih menawarkan suasana menakjubkan dengan aliran anak sungai yang deras dan jernih di dalamnya selain titisan air dari bumbung gua.

Pengalaman di Gua Air Jernih sedikit sebanyak mengubati rasa kecewa gagal melihat formasi kelawar di langit. Penulis mengimpikan eksplorasi kedua untuk meneroka lebih banyak gua, menyusuri lebih jauh denai dan trek di Taman Negara Mulu yang menjanjikan pengalaman baharu bersama teman baharu.

Bukan hanya flora dan fauna, Sarawak secara umumnya juga kaya dengan kepelbagaian etnik dan budaya menjadikan ia sebuah negeri yang unik, sekali gus menjadi kekuatan utama Sarawak dalam menarik pengunjung ke negeri itu.

Menjelang Tahun Melawat Malaysia 2026, STB mengambil langkah dan strategi lebih berani serta agresif dalam memasarkan negeri itu di peringkat antarabangsa dengan menyasarkan kehadiran lima juta pelancong tahun depan.

-berita harian online.

Taman Negara Pulau Kukup dibuka semula

 

PONTIAN: Taman Negara Pulau Kukup dibuka semula selepas empat tahun ditutup bagi memberi laluan kerja menaiktaraf kemudahan di kawasan berkenaan.

Pembukaan semula taman negara itu disempurnakan Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Kesihatan dan Alam Sekitar Negeri Johor, Ling Tian Soon.

Katanya, taman negara itu ditutup pada 2020 dalam usaha menaiktaraf pelbagai kemudahan asas termasuk tandas awam dan laluan pejalan kaki.

"Taman ini akan mula dibuka kepada pengunjung mulai 17 Mei ini dengan menggunakan jeti sementara," katanya selepas majlis pembukaan semula Taman Negara itu di sini, hari ini.

Taman Negara Pulau Kukup diwartakan pada 1997 dan diiktiraf sebagai Tapak Ramsar pada 2003 yang mempunyai keluasan 647.5 hektar.

Tian Soon berkata, taman negara itu kini menyediakan pelbagai kemudahan baharu termasuk laluan pejalan kaki sejauh 1.6 kilometer, tandas awam yang dibangunkan oleh Pihak Berkuasa Wilayah Pembangunan Iskandar (IRDA) .

"Kerajaan negeri memberi kelulusan kos pembinaan jeti baharu kepada Kementerian Pelancongan Malaysia sebanyak RM2O juta dan dijangka siap pada 2026, " katanya.

Beliau berkata, lokasi itu juga menjadi kawasan paya bakau yang terasing dari daratan dan kedua terbesar di dunia.

"Selain itu, taman negara ini mempunyai kepelbagaian flora dan fauna paya bakau dan juga tempat persinggahan burung hijrah antara September hingga Mac.

"Kehadiran pengunjung termasuk pelajar sekolah dihadkan seramai 100 orang saja sehari demi memberi keselesaan kepada semua, " katanya.

Yang turut hadir, Pengarah Perbadanan Taman Negara Negeri Johor, Taufik Bahar, Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) Kukup, Datuk Jefridin Atan.

-berita harian.

Royal Belum State Park: A mesmerising getaway into ancient wilderness

 

File pic credit (Tourism Malaysia)

IN the northern reaches of Perak, Malaysia, the Royal Belum State Park stands as a majestic testament to nature's timeless beauty.

This lush expanse, part of the larger Belum-Temenggor forest complex, offers a sanctuary for those seeking solace away from the cacophony of modern life. Let's journey into the heart of this ancient wilderness and uncover why Royal Belum is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

INTRODUCTION TO ANCIENT NATURAL WONDERS

Royal Belum State Park, a lush 130-million-year-old rainforest, even predates the Amazon, making it one of the world's oldest living rainforests. It was declared a state park in 2007 and has since captivated visitors with its rich biodiversity and tranquil landscapes.

Home to 14 of the world's most threatened mammal species, including the Malaysian tiger, the white-handed gibbon, and the Asian elephant, Royal Belum is a vibrant tapestry of life. The park also provides a sanctuary for over 3,000 species of flowering plants, including the world-renowned Rafflesia, the largest flower on Earth.

BIRDWATCHERS' PARADISE

With over 300 bird species thriving in its canopy, Royal Belum is a paradise for birdwatchers. The elusive Plain-pouched Hornbill makes an annual migration here, a spectacle that is both rare and awe-inspiring.

THE ORANG ASLI COMMUNITIES

The indigenous Orang Asli, who have called this forest home for millennia, add a rich cultural dimension to Royal Belum. Visitors can learn about their traditional way of life, from fishing to foraging, offering a unique perspective on living in harmony with nature.

ENGAGING ACTIVITIES FOR EVERY TRAVELLER

From peaceful boat excursions on the vast Temenggor Lake to trekking in search of the elusive Rafflesia bloom, there's no shortage of activities. Angling enthusiasts can fish for the ferocious Giant Snakehead, while photography buffs can capture the park's breathtaking waterfalls and diverse flora and fauna.

ECO-CONSCIOUS TRAVEL

Royal Belum's commitment to conservation means that tourism is eco-conscious and sustainable. As visitors explore the ancient landscapes, they also contribute to the preservation of this magnificent ecosystem.

-nst online.

Taman Negara is a timeless rainforest offering exciting adventures

 

For those seeking an escape into the heart of nature, Taman Negara is the ultimate destination. - File pic credit (Tourism Malaysia)

TAMAN Negara stands as a bastion of ancient wilderness. Spanning over 4,343 square kilometres, this sanctuary is not just a park but a journey back in time to when nature reigned supreme. It is believed to be among the oldest rainforests on Earth, a living museum showcasing a biological diversity that is both rare and awe-inspiring.

Declared a conservation site in 1938, Taman Negara's history is as deep and complex as its dense canopies. Originally named the Gunung Tahan Game Reserve, it was an area dedicated to the protection and preservation of indigenous flora and fauna.

Its transition to Taman Negara, which translates to 'National Park', was more than a rebranding; it was a commitment to safeguarding natural heritage perpetually.

WHERE THREE STATES MEET

TAMAN Negara stands as a bastion of ancient wilderness. Spanning over 4,343 square kilometres, this sanctuary is not just a park but a journey back in time to when nature reigned supreme. It is believed to be among the oldest rainforests on Earth, a living museum showcasing a biological diversity that is both rare and awe-inspiring.

Declared a conservation site in 1938, Taman Negara's history is as deep and complex as its dense canopies. Originally named the Gunung Tahan Game Reserve, it was an area dedicated to the protection and preservation of indigenous flora and fauna.

Its transition to Taman Negara, which translates to 'National Park', was more than a rebranding; it was a commitment to safeguarding natural heritage perpetually.

ACCESSING THE UNTOUCHED

Embarking on the journey into Taman Negara is an adventure in its own right. Whether opting for the rustic charm of a riverboat ride down the Kuala Tembeling River or taking the more direct route by road, each path leads to an extraordinary encounter with nature's majesty.

A PLACE TO REST

Accommodation in Taman Negara blends comfort with nature. Establishments like Mutiara Taman Negara provide a serene setting to unwind after a day of adventure. For those seeking a more intimate connection with nature, guest houses and lodges like Tebing Guest House and Taman Negara Riverview Lodge offer a more rustic experience.

ENDLESS ADVENTURES AWAIT

The Canopy Walk invites you to view the world from above, while the forest trails beckon the bold to discover hidden enclaves within the jungle's embrace. For a cultural immersion, visits to Orang Asli villages reveal the wisdom of the forest people and their harmonious way of life.

AQUATIC THRILLS AND SERENE SPILLS

The river's rapids offer adrenaline-pumping rides, contrasting the peaceful boat trips to Lata Berkoh's tranquil waters. The Kelah sanctuary invites you to commune with aquatic life, while the forest's night symphony sets the stage for nocturnal wildlife observations.

A BIRDER'S PARADISE

With over 380 bird species, Taman Negara is a haven for birdwatchers. The lush biodiversity here provides endless opportunities for sighting rare and exotic birds in their natural habitat.

REACHING TAMAN NEGARA

The gateway to this ancient rainforest is the town of Jerantut, a mere 16 kilometres from the Kuala Tembeling Jetty, where the journey to Taman Negara begins. Regular taxis and buses ply this route, making the rainforest accessible to all who seek its wonders.

-nst online.

Exploring the natural wonders of Taman Negara: An eco-tourism adventure

 

Stretching across three states – Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu – Taman Negara is one of the world's oldest rainforests, offering an unparalleled eco-tourism experience. Spanning over 4,300 square kilometres, this national park is a haven for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

THE ANCIENT RAINFOREST

su

Taman Negara's age, estimated at 130 million years, makes it a living museum of natural history. The dense canopy of towering trees, some of which are hundreds of years old, creates a vibrant ecosystem that supports a vast array of plant and animal species.

BIODIVERSITY HAVEN

The park is renowned for its biodiversity. It's home to rare and endangered species like the Malayan tiger, Asian elephant, and exotic birds like the hornbills. Nature trails like the Canopy Walkway offer visitors a unique perspective to explore this rich biodiversity.

RIVER SAFARIS AND CAVE EXPLORATIONS

The Tembeling River, which flows through Taman Negara, provides an excellent opportunity for river safaris. Visitors can explore caves like Gua Telinga, which is known for its unique rock formations and resident bats.

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

Taman Negara is not just a tourist destination; it's a model for sustainable tourism. The park's management ensures that the natural environment is preserved while allowing visitors to enjoy and learn from the rainforest.

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Visitors to Taman Negara can also immerse themselves in the local culture. The Orang Asli, the indigenous people of Peninsular Malaysia, offer insights into their traditional way of life, closely tied to the rainforest.

-nst online.

Ekspedisi temukan Tribes Spider, cicak Cyrtodactylus zebraicus

 

MOHD. Ridza Awang (empat dari kiri) dan Megat Hashirat Hassan (tiga dari kiri) merasmikan buku Birds of Perlis State Park@ Wang Kelian, Perlis dan A Photographic Guide Book Birds of Perlis State Park sempena penutupan seminar Ekspedisi Saintifik Kepelbagaian Biologi Hutan Taman Negeri Perlis di sebuah hotel di Kangar, Perlis semalam.- UTUSAN/SYED AZLAN SAYID HIZAR

KANGAR: Sekumpulan saintis yang menyertai Ekspedisi Saintifik Kepelbagaian Biologi Hutan Taman Negeri Perlis merekodkan penemuan menarik iaitu labah-labah daripada spesies ‘tribes spider’ dan cicak ‘Cyrtodactylus zebraicus’ di hutan simpan negeri ini.

Ketua penyelidik ekspedisi berkenaan, Prof. Madya Amirrudin Ahmad, berkata, ekspedisi itu turut menemukan beberapa lagi hidupan hutan yang tidak pernah direkodkan penemuan sebelum ini.

Katanya, spesies labah-labah berwarna gelap yang ditemukan di hutan simpan tersebut dipercayai daripada kumpulan spesies ‘tribes spider’.

“Labah-labah ini dipercayai termasuk dalam kumpulan spesies baharu endemik yang hanya ada di kawasan hutan simpan Perlis dan kita dalam proses memberi nama kepadanya,” katanya ketika ditemui pada majlis penutup ekspedisi berkenaan di sini semalam.

Seminar tersebut dirasmikan oleh Ketua Pengarah Perhutanan Semenanjung Malaysia (JPSM), Datuk Mohd Ridza Awang yang turut dihadiri Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Alam Sekitar negeri, Megat Hashirat Hassan dan Pengarah Jabatan Perhutanan negeri, Awang Shaffie Awang Ahmadni.

Tambah Amirrudin yang juga Pengarah Institut Bioversiti Tropika dan Pembangunan Lestari Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), ekspedisi berkenaan dijalankan pada 17 hingga 20 Oktober tahun lepas.

Kata pakar Herpetofauna (amfibia dan reptilia) dan iktiofauna (ikan air tawar) itu, selain labah-labah, pasukan penyelidik turut menemukan spesies cicak ‘Cyrtodactylus zebraicus’ yang belum pernah direkodkan penemuannya di hutan semenanjung Malaysia.

“Buat masa ini, spesies cicak tersebut hanya terdapat di Perlis dan kita percaya ia berasal dari Thailand serta tidak pernah direkodkan penemuannya di lokasi lain di negara ini.

“Kita percaya spesies itu masuk ke negara ini melalui Banjaran Nakawan yang bersempadan dengan Thailand dan biasanya ia ditemukan di kawasan hutan separa daun luruh serta tanah pamah,” katanya.

Dalam perkembangan berkaitan, Mohd. Ridza berkata, JPSM setakat ini telah menganjurkan 42 siri ekspedisi saintifik di seluruh negara dan pencarian itu akan dibentangkan secara saintifik oleh pengkaji mengikut kepakaran masing-masing menerusi seminar.

Jelasnya, kepelbagaian biologi di hutan simpan negeri ini juga mempunyai daya tarikan tersendiri terutama kepada peminat flora dan fauna serta mampu menjadi satu daya tarikan dalam sektor eko-pelancongan.

“Peminat atau pemerhati burung contohnya, akan berkunjung ke sini (Perlis) untuk merasai sendiri pengalaman selepas mendapat tahu terdapat spesies burung yang jarang ditemukan dan diminati wujud di hutan simpan ini.

“Pihak jabatan sentiasa berusaha menganjurkan ekspedisi saintifik bertujuan melakukan dokumentasi kepelbagaian biologi yang terdapat dalam hutan di negara ini,” ujarnya.

-utusan online.

Exploring waterfalls in Sabah, adrenaline rush for adventure seekers

 

Participants scaling down one of the eight cascading waterfalls in the Monggiland route.
-Pic courtesy of Sabah Tourism Board

KOTA KINABALU: Exploring waterfalls or canyoning along hiking trails in Sabah is high on the checklists for many adrenaline junkies.

What used to be an obstacle for people commuting along jungle trails, hikes including waterfalls, are now becoming a popular itinerary across the state.

In Kelawat, Tamparuli such an activity is attracting many to its trails, particularly the 40m high Monggiland cascades, known for its canyoning route among enthusiasts.

The Monggiland Waterfall Eco-Tourism initiative was first opened by the community in 2019, featuring a trail loop that descends down a hill, past village farms and houses before leading them to forest routes where the waterfalls are located.

It was gaining traction but the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 put a damper to efforts to promote the community tourism attraction in the area located some 60km north of here.

On Saturday, Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Tourism Minister cum Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai flagged off about 100 hikers to mark the relaunch of the Monggiland Waterfall Eco-Tourism initiative.

Hikers get to see eight different waterfalls of Bermusim, Tutuhunon, Munduk Sirung, Pangoh, Nagas, Monggiland, Taralasak and Dupil in the area.

Monggiland Waterfall Eco-Tourism chairman Rubby James said the Taralasak and Dupil cascades were the latest to be discovered and he estimated that there are at least 20 hidden waterfalls in the forest.

"People come here to experience hiking, navigating down the Monggiland waterfall, and taking a refreshing dip in the pool. For more easy canyoning, they can do it at Nagas waterfall, which is about 60 feet tall.

"Foreign travellers had also come to explore the Monggiland trail in 2019. However, just as it was beginning to gain traction, we had to close the trail because of the pandemic," he said.

Since the trail's reopening in August of last year, Rubby, who is also a member of the Mountain Search and Rescue (Mosar) team, noticed the increasing number of visitors.

Meanwhile, Joniston said Sabah's abundance of hiking opportunities made it an ideal destination for eco-tourists and adventurers.

He added that the Monggiland hiking route was a welcomed addition to the area as the trail is connected to other established paths such as the Murug Turug waterfall trail.

"Hiking is growing in popularity, and the Sabah Tourism Board have been making efforts to promote it because of the revenue it could potentially bring to the local community.

"While we encourage outdoor exploration, we must also make sure our travellers feel comfortable and ensure they have access to facilities like restrooms and shelters along the hiking trails," he said.

-nst online.

Kembalikan ‘aura’ Tasik Bera

 

BERA: Usaha membangunkan semula Kompleks Pelancongan Tasik Bera di sini termasuk usaha melindungi, memulihara ekosistem dan mengembalikan ‘aura’ tasik air tawar semula jadi terbesar negara tersebut perlu diserahkan kepada syarikat yang benar-benar berkemampuan dan mempunyai perancangan yang jelas.

Bercakap kepada Utusan Malaysia, Setiausaha Persatuan Pelancongan dan Kebudayaan Bera, Khairol Amin Mohd. Tahir berkata, ini kerana syarikat yang diberikan tanggungjawab memajukan Tasik Bera sebelum ini gagal melaksanakan tugasnya.

Katanya, impak kegagalan syarikat itu memberikan kesan buruk kepada imej Tasik Bera sebagai salah satu destinasi ekopelancongan istimewa flora dan fauna ternama negara.

“Sejak beberapa tahun lalu, Tasik Bera yang merupakan tasik semula jadi di kawasan Tanah Lembab Berkepentingan Antarabangsa (Ramsar) seolah-olah tiada dalam radar pelancongan negara.

“Oleh itu, Tourism Pahang yang memperlawa syarikat baharu perlu mengambil kira kemampuan dan keikhlasan pemaju untuk mengembalikan tarikan Tasik Bera,” katanya di sini semalam.

Mengulas lanjut, Khairol Amin berkata, sebagai anak jati Bera, beliau terkilan dengan ketidakmampuan pihak berkenaan memajukan Tasik Bera sebagai produk pelancongan berasaskan alam semula jadi.

Beliau berkata, jika dieksploitasi sepenuhnya keindahan semula jadi Tasik Bera bersama kehidupan masyarakat Orang Asli etnik Semelai di situ, ia mampu memberi impak ekonomi kepada kehidupan penduduk setempat.

Tambah beliau, Tourism Pahang difahamkan sedang memilih syarikat baharu untuk membangunkan Kompleks Pelancongan Tasik Bera.

“Persatuan bersedia bekerjasama dengan syarikat baharu demi kemajuan pelancongan Bera dan negeri Pahang.

“Persatuan Pelancongan dan Kebudayaan Daerah Bera akan mengadakan kunjungan hormat kepada Pengerusi Perpaduan, Pelancongan dan Kebudayaan Negeri, Leong Yu Man bagi membincangkan isu ini,” katanya.

Menurutnya, diharap Yu Man yang juga Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri (ADUN) Triang selaku wakil rakyat dalam Parlimen Bera dapat berperanan bagi meletakkan Tasik Bera sebagai lokasi tarikan pelancongan negara.

Ini kerana ujarnya, Tasik Bera yang terletak di sempadan Daerah Rompin melalui Bandar Muadzam Shah mudah dikunjungi pelancong sekiranya rangkaian jalan raya dinaik taraf dan Tasik Bera mempunyai ‘aura’ untuk dikunjungi. Sebelum ini, Utusan Malaysia melaporkan kira-kira 450 hektar kawasan tasik itu diceroboh sejak dua tahun lalu mengakibatkan pelbagai jenis pokok balak terutama spesies merawan jantan ditebang, sekali menjejaskan ekosistem kawasan itu. 

-utusan online.

Tourism Malaysia Launches 2nd Edition Of ‘SABAH & LABUAN 101 DIVE TREASURES’ Directory

 

KOTA KINABALU, 9 December 2022 – Tourism Malaysia in collaboration with the Malaysian Scuba Diving Association (MSDA) and Sabah Parks launched a new version of the dive sites directory titled Sabah & Labuan 101 Dive Treasures – A Diver’s Ultimate Playground, as part of Tourism Malaysia’s efforts in reinvigorating the diving industry in Sabah and Labuan.

Sabah has been known as one of the popular diving destinations where the world-class diving site Sipadan Island is located. Strategically situated in the Coral Triangle; the global centre of marine biodiversity, Sabah’s underwater attraction is blessed to be part of a rich marine environment that includes the highest diversity of coral reefs in the world. A total of 605 of the 798 types of coral reefs from around the world are found in the Coral Triangle while 15 of those are endemic to the area of ​​the triangle.

Scuba diving in Sabah and Labuan offers a variety of experiences, being surrounded by schools of hammerheads at the pristine coral atoll of Layang-Layang, prancing with turtles and twirling tornadoes of barracudas in Sipadan Island, discovering the weird and delightful world of Sabah's incredible macro dive sites at the island of Mabul and Kapalai, or be spellbound by the encrusted walls of four Labuan shipwrecks with colourful soft and hard corals, feather stars and anemones where it is also ‘home’ to an incredible variety of fishes, both large and small.

This directory aims to update information about scuba diving locations and operators in Sabah and Labuan, opening new doors for a promising, one-of-a-kind diving adventure. Several diving destinations have been added to the new brochure, namely Selakan Island, Sepanggar Island, Timba-Timba Island, Lahad Datu, Kota Belud, as well as newly found Vernon Banks in Labuan, all of which hold tremendous potential for underwater tourism. Apart from listing Sabah’s many dive sites, the brochure also provides a directory of dive operators, resorts, and a map of diving locations in Sabah and Labuan.

The event was officiated by Mr Iskandar Mirza Mohd Yusof, the Deputy Director General (Planning) of Tourism Malaysia. Also present were Ms Noredah Othman, Chief Executive Officer of Sabah Tourism Board; Dr Maklarin Bin Lakim, Director of Sabah Parks; Ms Ednie Rahma Ab Rahim, Director of Tourism Malaysia Sabah, other Government Officials and local tourism players.

According to Mr Iskandar, the launch of the updated brochure is aimed to encourage and attract diving enthusiasts to choose Sabah and Labuan as the preferred diving destinations in Malaysia and regarded it as a timely move as divers are seeking to rediscover the underwater paradise and explore new diving sites after being confined at home for two years due to pandemic. “I hope this brochure will help promote Sabah and Labuan’s many diving attractions such as Blue Ring Reef in Lahad Datu, Shipwrecks in Labuan, and Selakan Island, to name a few. These dive sites offer amazing, rich marine life and unparalleled fascinating opportunities for exploration,” said Mr Iskandar.

Information on Sabah and Labuan dive operators as well as resorts can be viewed and downloaded via the QR code featured in the brochure. "Sabah & Labuan 101 Dive Treasures" – A Diver’s Ultimate Playground brochure can also be accessed at www.malaysia.travel and on Tourism Malaysia Sabah’s social media platforms, Facebook and Instagram.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Upgrades planned for Mt Kinabalu, Sabah Parks sites

 

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will see more facilities being built and improved at Mount Kinabalu in Ranau.

State Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the move would position the Kinabalu Eastern Plateau of Mount Kinabalu as a world-class conservation area.

He added that the federal government had also allocated RM13.8 million to develop Mt Kinabalu's Layang-Layang area.

The project, said Joniston, included the construction of an additional hostel for mountain climbers. It is expected to be ready early next year.

There will also be a Mount Kinabalu International High Altitude Training Centre at Kinabalu Park, Kundasang near Ranau.

He was replying to SAPP's nominated assemblyman Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee who asked about the ministry's plan to improve the tourism infrastructure under Sabah Parks at the State Legislative Assembly sitting here today.

Apart from the mountain, Joniston said the Turtle Islands Park off Sandakan would also be developed as another marine conservation area.

"Sabah Parks will also develop tourism products that bring high impact and quick returns such as shipwreck diving, reef balls and others," he said.

Under the 12th Malaysia Plan, Joniston said the state government had allocated RM24 million to carry out repair and conservation work in the Sabah Parks areas to maintain the infrastructure.

Sabah Parks subsidiary Sabapak Eco Sdn Bhd is responsible for planning the development to highlight the uniqueness of the various areas.

He added that Sabah Parks had added a digitisation initiative in the Parks Strategic Planning 2025 to develop online booking and database.

"The Internet access at all park stations was also upgraded for the convenience of visitors."

-nst online.

The Official Sabah Parks Website - Home

Darvel Bay to be gazetted Marine Protected Area

 

KOTA KINABALU: The gazettement of Darvel Bay in Lahad Datu as a marine protected area (MPA) will benefit the people and the marine environment.

"It will provide a safe haven for depleted fish stocks to recover as MPAs increase food security and reduce poverty.

"By establishing MPAs, exploited fish are able to live longer, grow bigger to reach maturity and yield healthier offspring, which then increase the resilience of the fish population," said WWF-Malaysia chief executive officer Sophia Lim.

She said this during the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between WWF-Malaysia and Sabah Parks at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here yesterday.It was witnessed by Sabah Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.

She said Malaysia only protected less than five per cent of the total marine area in the country and needed to heighten its conservation efforts to prevent further environmental damage.

"WWF-Malaysia will continuously advocate for the protection of 30 per cent of the country's maritime waters (approximately 16.9 million ha), for the benefit of nature, livelihoods, businesses and future generations," said Lim.

The agreement is for a five-year collaboration to carry out research and studies for the gazettement of Darvel Bay Park in Lahad Datu, which is being established in line with Sabah Parks' Strategic Plan 2025.

The strategic plan directly supports the Sabah government's plan in gazetting the sea area of 117,000 ha and 56 islands within Darvel Bay as a MPA by 2023, said Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin in his speech delivered by Joniston.

Sabah Parks director Dr Maklarin Lakim said the proposed Darvel Bay Park aims to cover the concept of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)'s category 6 Protected Area with sustainable use of natural resources to support the protection of coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds.

"At the same time, Darvel Bay Park will be co-managed with key stakeholders and local community members to ensure equal rights and opportunities for sustainable development," he said.

He said the collaboration between Sabah Parks and WWF-Malaysia will bring hope for multiple stakeholders to jointly fight for habitat protection in light of the Sabah government's goal of gazetting 13 per cent of Sabah's coastal marine areas as MPA by 2023.

-nst online.

Yuran masuk taman, pulau di Sabah akan dinaikkan

 

MAKLARIN Lakim (empat kiri) bersama pegawai kanan TTS dan tetamu jemputan memotong kek sempena sambutan ulang tahun Taman Tun Mustapha di Kudat baru-baru ini.

KUDAT: Yuran kemasukan ke taman dan pulau di bawah pengurusan Taman-Taman Sabah (TTS) akan dinaikkan dalam masa terdekat.

Pengarah TTS, Dr. Maklarin Lakim berkata, yuran kemasukan ke taman dan pulau di bawah TTS tidak pernah disemak secara menyeluruh sejak 20 tahun lalu jadi, sudah tiba masanya untuk kadar yuran ini disemak semula.

“Kos penyelenggaraan kita meningkat dari hari ke hari namun, kutipan yuran itu tidak lagi mampu menampung kos pemuliharaan yang tinggi.

“Ada keperluan untuk meningkatkan kutipan melalui penjualan tiket masuk selaras dengan keadaan semasa agar kutipan hasil kita mampu menampung kos pemuliharaan dan penjagaan taman.

“Sekarang tidak seimbang kerana kita banyak bergantung kepada subsidi kerajaan negeri untuk menampung kos pemuliharaan disebabkan hasil yang dikutip tidak mencukupi,” katanya semasa sambutan ulang tahun keenam Taman Tun Mustapha baru-baru ini.

Kadar kenaikan yuran itu akan diumumkan oleh Menteri Pelancongan, Kebudayaan dan Alam Sekitar Datuk Jafry Ariffin dalam masa terdekat.

Menurut beliau, sebahagian peralatan di kawasan pelancongan di bawah pengurusan TTS perlu dikenakan sewa namun, disebabkan tiada semakan yuran selama 20 tahun ini maka, perkara berkaitan kadar sewa juga terlepas pandang.

“Apa yang sepatutnya kita kenakan sewa namun, kita berikan secara percuma dan ia tidak wajar kerana bagi orang luar, apa yang kita ada di Sabah ini sesuatu yang hebat dan unik jadi, ia harus terus dipelihara. Ini antara perkara yang kita terlepas pandang,” katanya.

Itu sebabnya, TTS telah mengemukakan hasil semakan menyeluruh pada tahun lepas kepada Kementerian Pelancongan, Kebudayaan dan Alam Sekitar.

Pada masa ini, TTS mempunyai sembilan taman termasuk enam taman marin dan tiga di daratan. Secara keseluruhan, ia menempatkan 24 produk pelancongan yang boleh dilawat dan dikunjungi oleh pelancong tempatan dan luar negara.

Dalam 24 produk pelancongan itu, terdapat juga produk-produk sampingan yang ditawarkan seperti di Taman Marin Tun Sakaran dan Taman Pulau Sipadan di Semporna yang menawarkan aktiviti selam skuba.

Begitu juga di Taman Tunku Abdul Rahman (TTAR) yang menawarkan aktiviti selam skuba serta aktiviti pendakian Gunung Kinabalu di Taman Negara Kinabalu.

-utusan online.

The Official Sabah Parks Website - Home

Sabah to host hybrid Second Asia Parks Congress ( 24 ~ 29 May 2022 )

 

KOTA KINABALU: The state Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry and iSabah Parks will be hosting the hybrid Second Asia Parks Congress.

It will be physically held between May 24 and 29 at the Sabah Convention Centre here.

"This congress will be a landmark event, which is expected to attract conservation experts from across Asia and beyond.

"It is also to set the agenda for the region's protected and conserved areas for the next 10 years.

"The congress is also being organised in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA)," read a statement from the ministry.

The event will feature six thematic groups which include nature-based solutions for health and wellbeing; Governance of protected and conserved areas; connectivity and transboundary conservation.

It will also look into the effective protected and conserved areas; economic and financial sustainability of protected and conserved areas; as well as the urban conservation and a new generation.

"Representatives from protected area authorities, other government agencies, non governmental organisations, academia, youth, the private sector, indigenous peoples and local communities are invited to participate in the congress."

For registration, visit https://2nd-asia-parks-congress.sabahparks.org.my/ and entry requirements can be referred to at www.sabahtourism.com/alert.

-nst online.

https://www.sabahparks.org.my/

Sabah Parks pledges to protect Crocker Range with world-class management

 

In June 12, 2014, the range and its surrounding areas with 350,584 hectare were declared as Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve under the Unesco's Man and the Biosphere programme.

Maklarin said those achievements were not possible without drastic moves and efforts from many stakeholders.

Following the gazettement, Sabah Parks had hired private surveyors in marking the 450 kilometres border for better enforcement that saw less encroachment.

Sabah Parks also held a large-scale scientific expedition based at Mahua station in Tambunan in 1999 with more than 700 scientists and sociologists conducting studies.

In 2002, the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation Programme or 'BBEC' began with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) that produced the management plan on conservation, research, observation and environmental education, as well as the setting up of seven substations and two control posts.

Apart from that, there are also 13 action plans enlisted in Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve Management Plan that have been formulated to achieve objectives on biodiversity protection, sustainable development, research and education, as well as community's eco-tourism activities by 2029.

"Today's celebration is to give an opportunity to all of us, particularly the staff of Sabah Parks, to look back on the bittersweet events, successes in the form of opportunities and also challenges for the past 38 years, of the Crocker being protected.

"Let us live in harmony with to ensure it stays for another 1,000 years more."

-nst online.

Kinabalu Park expects more tourists this year

 

RANAU: The Kinabalu Park here will be expecting more tourists this year, said Sabah Parks board of trustees chairman Datuk Askalani Abdul Rahim.

"Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Kinabalu Park was a popular destination for tourists from within and outside the country.

"I was made to understand a total 614,797 Malaysians and 134,082 foreigners visited the park before the Covid-19 pandemic, which showed an increase as compared to the year before it.

"In fact, tourist arrivals in 2020 were 150,354 and 129,208 in 2021, despite the pandemic," he said during the 58th-year commemoration of the Kinabalu Park gazettement.

His speech was read by the board's deputy chairman Peter Lintar. Present was Sabah Parks director Dr Marklarin Lakim.

Askalani added that Sabah Parks also thanked the state government for the financial support to develop tourism facilities and board members for their commitment in managing the natural resources in the park.

As for the Kinabalu Park achievements, he added that it has become an example of a terrestrial area that is managed and conserved well.

The park contributes about 14 per cent of flora species in Malaysia and 2.5 per cent of flora species in the world.

"(However), there are many issues and challenges that we have to face in managing a park. Among them is to maintain its status recognition as a World Heritage site.

"For 58 years, effective management has been adopted and improved from time to time.

"Apart from nature conservation efforts, the community as a stakeholder is being considered as an important component in park management programmes."

Earlier, Sabah Parks staff and the park stakeholders had taken part in a gotong royong to get rid of invasive plants such as Dandelion, Balsam, Broadleaf Plaintain, Redflower Ragleaf and Milkwort.

Askalani said that such programmes have become a core focus as those species could affect the park's world recognition status.

Sabah Parks also launched a newly built Search and Rescue building at the park which will be used as a main site to coordinate operations related to climbing, enforcement and community activities.

-nst online.