KUCHING: The Padawan Adventure 4×4 Club is not just a club involved in motor sports, but has taken on the role of a tourism promoter as well.
Lately the club, led by its president Mecellinus Meran, has participated in several tourism activities around the Padawan and Borneo Highlands area.
The club’s latest activity was its involvement in the opening ceremony of Baruk Mas Kampung Assum Homestay in Hulu Padawan which was graced by Puncak Borneo Member of Parliament and club patron Datuk Willie Mongin.
Willie, accompanied by members of the club, rode in their four-wheel drive vehicle convoy up to Kampung Assum in the highlands of Puncak Borneo to visit the four waterfalls there, namely Ahpot, Suran, Pasir and Bubby waterfalls.
“Besides being active with off-road activities, the members are also playing their role in introducing and popularising the Borneo Highlands area as an attractive tourist destination,” said Mecellinus.
Meran said that previously members of the club were also present to provide support at several events around the Puncak Borneo parliamentary constituency, including the off-road demonstration at Ma’asa Eco-Tourism and Event Centre in Kampung Semadang, Padawan.
“Our club members also assisted in sending food packs to residents in and around Puncak Borneo during the Covid-19 pandemic and donated food items to fire victims,” he said.
Meanwhile, club secretary Sanjan Daik said their activities support the efforts of tourism operators.
“Firstly, our club bears the name Padawan and whatever activity it carries, it promotes the name Padawan itself.
“Secondly, carrying out activities with the participation of people from outside Padawan, be they locals or foreigners, will definitely help to promote tourist spots within Padawan so that more people will know and visit the place.
“Thirdly, our club members or participants, when carrying out off-road activities, will surely spend and contribute to the economy in the area, benefitting especially homestay operators,” Sanjan said.
Meanwhile, Baruk Mas Kampung Assum Homestay entrepreneur Cynthia Kenang, 48, said she was moved by the presence of members of the Padawan Adventure 4×4 Club during the opening ceremony of her homestay.
“Their presence definitely helped to spread the word about Baruk Mas Kampung Assum Homestay through word of mouth to the people outside there,” she said.
Baru Mas Kampung Assum Homestay is built on a highland area with a beautiful view of the highlands. It has five chalets, each equipped with a “tanju” where guests can relax while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
A “baruk” is also built at the entrance to the homestay, in addition to the open space for relaxing activities such as karaoke and BBQ.
Apart from that it also provides a platform for those who come for camping and glamping activities.
Cynthia, 48, said she and her Singaporean husband decided to invest in homestay after visiting several other homestays and campsites nearby.
“Construction started last year on a piece of land that we purchased from my uncle,” she said.
The homestay also offers camping and glamping activities.
Visits to the waterfalls will be guided by local guides provided by the Kampung Assum Development and Security Committee at a fee of RM35 for a group no fewer than five persons.
Cynthia said she and her husband will market the destination (homestay and waterfalls) to Singaporeans tourists.
“Looking at the potential and the attractions available here at Borneo Highlands we believe we can attract both domestic and foreign visitors,” she said.
Cynthia said plans are afoot for more activities, including rock climbing and hiking.
The Borneo Highlands and upper Padawan are well known for their natural beauty, including waterfalls, rivers, caves and highland views.
Among the villages that boast attractive scenery are Kampung Sapit, Kiding and Assum. These three villages are often referred to as the “villages above the clouds” due to the thick fog that envelops the highlands in the early morning when the weather is clear.
