KUCHING: Bau will see another potential tourist attraction with its just completed Bung Bratak Heritage Centre (BBHC).
Located near Kampung Tembawang Sauh in Bau on top of the 1,000-foot Bung Bratak (Bratak mountain), it is just 40km away from Kuching and accessible by road.
According to Bidayuh elders and historians, the place is known among the Bidayuh of the Jagoi-Bratak community who migrated from Mount Sungkong in Kalimantan, Indonesia.
They settled in the area more than 750 years ago in search of ample land to plant padi.
Bung Bratak Heritage Association (BBHA) chairman Datuk Peter Minos said the completion of the centre was indeed another effort to protect and preserve the Bidayuh heritage site.
“Bung Bratak has fresh mountain air, mesmerising mountain scenery, waterfall, spring water, heritage trails and many more,” he told New Sarawak Tribune, today.
He added that the centre with its strong historical value surrounded by beautiful nature will definitely become an important eco-tourism spot in Sarawak.
“We are expecting our Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg to officially declare open the centre sometime in June,” he revealed.
According to Minos, the project was initiated by BBHA. Construction work started in 2016 and was completed last December while the furnishing and landscaping works were completed last January.
“BBHC is fully financed by the federal Tourism Ministry while the road construction was undertaken by Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak,” he said.
The unique BBHC comprises two Bidayuh traditional longhouses, one for accommodating up to 100 persons and one for a seminar or conference hall, office and mini museum on Dayak arts and culture, among others.
There is also a big ‘baruk’ (Bidayuh traditional round house), a dining hall with kitchen and a reception hall.
BBHC is also recognised by Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) as a World Heritage.
Apart from BBHC, visitors and tourists can also visit other popular places in Bau such as Sirikin Market on weekends, Fairy Caves, Tasik Biru (Blue Lake) and Siniawan Old Town Night Market.
Going further up to Lundu, a must-visit place is the Palm Beach, Telok Melano, Siar Beach, Gunong Gading and many more.
BBHC will open to the public on April 8 and those wishing to know more may contact Brenda (019 8497664), Kumbi (01114060450) or Johin (013 8107268).
Tourism, Arts, Culture Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah is expected to visit the place Tuesday.
