SEMATAN: Community leaders have applauded the establishment of Mount Kuwai Retreat here which is heavily influenced by Kenyah architecture and designs.
The Mount Kuwai Retreat’s structure has been influenced by the ethnic group’s artwork and displays traditional items such as the Orang Ulu sun hats which are made by the Kenyahs and Kayans, portraits of Kenyah paintings and the walls and windows have influences of carvings from the Kenyah ethnic group.
Kenyah paramount chief Temenggong Joseph Ngau Lian, who praised the design of the retreat, hoped similar tourist attractions would be introduced in the rural areas of Baram.
“Hopefully, one day this could also be done back home in the rural areas. Times have changed, it is not like before. So we should adapt to how things look now,” he said.
“This is a good concept, Mount Kuwai Retreat is nice to look at, it is good for the local communities, and offers job opportunities. It would be nice to have one back home.
“However, the message to the longhouse chiefs and community leaders is to not argue over land and not to have further disgruntlement over developments that benefit the community,” he said before officiating at the launching of Mount Kuwai Retreat in Telok Serabang here on Saturday.
Similarly, Councillor Raymond Apoi Balan from Marudi was impressed with the unique design of the retreat centre.
“I am quite impressed by the designer, Vincent Lian who is a Kenyah as he has harnessed his skills remarkably.
“We are always reminded to rest, and just like this, this is a house to rest surrounded by nature and this house is built on wood and that is very unique,” he said.
At the event, community leaders and longhouse chiefs, along with Mount Kuwai Retreat’s caretaker, Vincent Lian gathered together as Pastor Paul Jalong from Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM) offered a prayer of blessing over the place.
Much later, the public was invited for a meal to celebrate the opening of Mount Kuwai Retreat.
The retreat has eight rooms with attached bathrooms, and one restroom. The retreat’s verandah also allows visitors to have meals from the kitchen cooked by the retreat’s chef.
The public may contact Vincent Lian at 019-8399973 for further information.
