SANTUBONG: Sarawak will soon have its own archaeological park featuring various artifacts, expected to be completed next February.
The archaeological park will connect all areas where artifacts have been discovered and comes complete with an information centre, to educate tourists and visitors on the rich history behind each artifact.
Sarawak Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said that the construction of the three projects ― Santubong Archaeological Park in Sungai Jaong, in Bongkissam/Bukit Maras, and Wallace Centre ― would cost around RM30mil.
“Early research has shown that Santubong is the place where history first started, such as early trading in Borneo with the outside world like with the Chinese and Indians. It also could be a sign for earliest settlement that starting in Sungai Jaong and Santubong.
“Therefore, these two places will be developed with some facilities for tourism, including a gallery,” he said at a press conference after a site visit to Santubong Archaeological Park, here at Kampung Santubong on Tuesday (Sept 1).
Moreover, in Bongkissam/Bukit Maras site, Abdul Karim revealed that a Hindu shrine was completely destroyed now.
“In August, archaeologists found new items like ancient potteries nearby the shrine, dating back thousands of years.”
He also highlighted that the Sarawak government, the ministry and Sarawak Museum were continuously developing Santubong town as an archaeological or historic town.
“When the facilities in the areas are completed, I believe it will be one of the must visit places in Sarawak and a new tourism product.
“When tourists visit our museum, they will for sure also visit the park in Santubong to see the ancient treasures due to its present storyline.”
Also present during the site visit was Assistant Minister in Chief Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs and DBKU) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi.
