BASE Jump event can be another tourism product for tourism in Sibu

Sibu, The Gateway to Central Region Sarawak have more than one outstanding “products” compare to other division in Sarawak. The Swan City have the biggest market in Sarawak, the tallest building in Sarawak, the biggest town square and of course Sibu is part of the area where we can found the longest river in Malaysia – The Mighty Rajang River.

As far as tourism is concern, Sibu have plenty to offer to the visitors including international tourist. It’s up to the private sector especially event organizer to tap and utilize what government have develop in Sibu town. Nobody expect that BASE (Building, Anthena, Spam, Earth) Jump event can be held in Sibu.

The trail jump was held on July 25, 2009 by Captain (R) Aziz Ahmad and Azuan Taharudin from Kuala Lumpur. During the trail they have measure the height of the Wisma Sanyan, standing 126 meters height and it have the biggest landing point for BASE Jump event in Malaysia

Civil Aviation Sport as the organizer of this event with support from Tourism Task Group Sibu, STB and MUDT, Sibu BASE Jump 2009 was successfully organize on 31 October 2009. 11 participants participate in this event, i.e 4 Australian, 2 USA, 2 Finland, 1 NZ, I Singaporean and 1 Malaysian. The organizer have receive very encouraging comments from the jumpers and they said Sibu Town Suqare have the best and the biggest landing area for this event. They plan to come back again next year

BASE Jump event have its own followers all over the world and from this event if the organizer can plan properly pre and post program to attract the jumpers and its followers, I believe we can attract more foreign tourist to visit Sibu in the future. This year, it is an eye-opener to the BASE Jumpers that Sibu have something to offer to them. Before this majority of them never been to Sibu.

STB has hosted their post program to visit the Iban longhouse at Homestay Pogram Bawang Assan on November 1, 2009. They said they never expect that they will be in the trip to the Iban longhouse. They thank all parties who have made their trip to Sibu Sarawak a memorable trip for them.

Memories "float" with Pandaw cruise trips

Not many international travelers know where is Sarawak located? But they know Brunei, a little rich country. When we introduce Sarawak located at the third largest island in the world called Borneo Island, they said yes they have heard about Borneo but not Sarawak.

This is some of the familiar comments I heard when I chit chatting with the Pandaws passengers. I have to admit there lots of works need to be done and we need to promote Sarawak more extensively, especially through IT. It is proven that Pandaws have done it through IT and it is works.

Mr Brain from UK said that he has not been to this part of the country but as international traveler he relies on internet. What make him would like to come as joint the Pandaws cruise is that he would like to enjoy the local culture and nature. To him trip using local longboat and expressboat is amazing experience. “I never seen real human skulls but today I am holding it. I will treasure this experience.” Brain said.

As a local boy, I also enjoy the journey. I can see the smile in their face and relaxing enjoying reading the books. Not much complain except the heat. They trip to Iban longhouse, jungle trekking, boat cruising and relaxing at the riverbank is the most memorable experience for all of them. Some of them is planning to come back to Sarawak and spent more days here with more friends and families.

Who thought that "kerangan area" can be the most interesting area for relaxing and enjoying cold drink apart from local "manuk pansuh". The setting is ala Brooke era........

A moment with the cruise along the longest river in Malaysia

It is my dream to be on cruise since my childhood!! As far as result is concern, dream just like planning but weather you will achieve the result is another issue that we have to tackle. Sometime we could not believe that our dreams can be realize overnight even though we plan it for certain years.

Opportunity to be on board with the first international cruise along the longest river in Malaysia, The Mighty Rajang River has created another interesting chapter in my life. This is my first trip to be on board of cruise, few days before the cruise I keep asking my self what I am going to do within 9 days 8 night cruises. As a local boy who have never been to any cruise in the earth, I just another “slumdog boy”??? Something is very new in my life but I always ready for the new challenge in my life. Looking forward for the journey……

The day I on board the cruise I felt that…here I am and I have a task to do, never forget that. I know that my journey will be mixed up with many “things”. I try to study the whole tour programs. I have set my mind and put priority of my task why I was on board. It is really helped. Discipline has guided me a lots.

Back to the journey, I felt that something different that I have thought before. It is totally different from what I have heard and what people have asked me.
“What are you going to do during 9 days and 8 night”, a friend of mine asking me. I cannot answer their question. I have to be frank with them that I don’t know what I am going to do during the journey.

But after few days on the cruise I can see the answer. I fall back to tourism concept, see things from tourist point of view or in short put yourself in tourist shoes. Yup, I get it. This cruise have very good point why they choose Rajang River, they know what they have plenty of programs that they can do. I have study their first program from their first trip and it is different from what I am going to experience.

The journey has thought me lots of knowledge about tourism market, something I will treasure whole of my life. Overall I really enjoy the trips very much it is totally different from what I have imagine and what I heard from other people. Seeing and experience it will tell you the truth……

New experience for Italian and swedish tourist

Weaving or making bemban mat and dressing in Iban traditional costume is never cross in their mind. Mr Leonardo Maestripieri and his partner Ms Serena Papini, Mr Alessio Narbone and his wife Ms Narda Marchese together with Swedish tourist Mr Stefan hardly can believe that their trip to Bawang Assan Homestay Program is very special because this is the first time they have first hand experience staying at Iban longhouse. Meeting new friends and enjoying local culture is something that they will remember for the whole life.

The Italian couple Mr Leonardo and Mr Alessio feel fortunate because they meet in Sibu Sarawak instead of at their own country. Eventhough they staying at the same city, they did not have chance to meet each other. The world is too small......they meet in Kuching and have tour togehter to Sibu Sarawak by expressboat.

They like local food very much and hoping to enjoy it again in the near future. For Mr Stefan from Sweden, his favorite is TUAK @ local rice wine. He said he like the taste and when you have it chill even better.

Putting on traditional costume even make their trip fantastic. They never dream that they will dress like the Iban's. It was great memories for us, Leonardo said.

Their trip to the longhouse was hosted by the tourism board. They also have opportunity to act in one program by national TV station during their trip to this longhouse. Homestay program in Bawang Assan area is unique compare to other area because there are only 13 families participate in this programme from 8 longhouses where as other homestay in from one longhouse only.

Sibu Sarawak....eveready for BASE Jump event

Captain A. Aziz Ahmad saying that Wisma Sanyan with 142 yard height is conducive area to do BASE (Building, Anthena, Spam, Earth) jump activities. He revealed this after he did the two trial jump from the top floor of wisma Sanyan last Saturday July 25, 2009.

From 2006 to 2008, they have done the BASE jump from Menara Pelita in Kuching. Now they looking for new destination and Wisma Sanyan have meet their requirement. Sibu Town Square is another advantage because it located just next to Wisma Sanyan.

Azuan said that Wisma Sanyan is much better compare to other places where they have been before. Wisma Sanyan as the tallest building in Sarawak will host the Tower International Jump Tour 2009 which plan to be held on October 31, 2009.

Captain A Aziz Ahmad, 52 years old is trying his 1st trial jump from the top of Wisma Sanyan at 835 am on July 25, 2009. Thanks to the weather, its sunny day and the wind also very good.

When a place is pedestrian friendly, you will not get lost

When friends or visitors from other countries visit Sibu I often let them alone to explore the town area. Is not that I am don’t to accompany them but because of the town landscape is pedestrian friendly it is easier for them to walk around to visit one place to another place.

The town landmark is very obvious either Sibu Central Market or the tallest building in Sarawak, Wisma Sanyan. I normally advise them to start their tour at Sibu Central Market, one the biggest market in Malaysia. Those who driving, this market is vehicle friendly because attached to multi storey car park. Built in early 1990’s, from my point of view the concept of this market is similar to longhouse concept. Why? Everything under one roof, a place not-to-missed for those visited Sibu, Gateway To Central Region Sarawak.

After the market tour they can continue their visit to the “first” waterfront in Sarawak, Rajang Esplanade to view the emblem of Sibu The White Swan and The Mighty Rajang River. They will never walk alone because the local people will happily talking to them and asking “where you from?”. From here you will be able to see the tallest building in Sarawak, Wisma Sanyan. On the way to Wisma Sanyan, you have a chance to view the hustle bustle at the Sibu Express boat Wharf Terminal, meeting point for water transport and land transport.

If you are lucky enough you will be able to see the first river cruise vessel berth at the wharf before you reach at the famous Seven Storey Goddess Pagoda. Ask the key from the temple keeper and went to the top floor to view the Sibu town area and Rajang River.

Just 10 minute walks from the pagoda, you will reach Wisma Sanyan.

H1N1 vs RWMF 2009

After the H1N1 epedemic separate globally, there lots of talks that all major events should be stop including world famous RWMF. But support from the state government and all relevant ministry, this year RWMF 2009 has become a reality. The atmosphere and entertaining environment have attract as many as audience from the previous year. Everyone have give thumb up and looking forward to come back again next year.

1st group of RV Orient Pandaw tourist safely complete the Rajang cruise

49 tourist from Australia, UK, New Zealand and USA safely complete their tour "Into The Heart of Borneo" with RV Orient Pandaw cruise. The journey starts on July 1 where the went to Igan area before the turn back to Kanowit, Kapit, Song, Sarikei, Tanjung Manis area before berth back at Sibu wharf on July 8 evening.

Borneo Cultural Festival...what so special??

Borneo Cultural Festival (BCF) ......what so special? Thats is common question I heard. In tourism world, when we mentioned about tourism product there must be something not-to-be-missed element. For example, Rainforest World Music Festival representing by international artist or Regatta Sarawak can attract international participants. Did BCF have this elements?

Many people mentioned that BCF lost its identity as tourism products that can attract international tourist. Why? To promote any events for the international tourist, the programme must be ready minimum 6 month ahead, brochures and website must be updated. For the past few years BCF failed to fulfill this criteria. Its very unfortunate that as one of the big events in Sarawak, BCF is still behind to attract the international tourist.

Another issue we always heard about BCF! Lots of comments on the performance during BCF. Credit to the organising committee for selecting words BORNEO as tagline of the festival. They saying that this festival should potray all native culture from Borneo. There are plenty of local ethnic in Borneo that can be perform during BCF......but it did not happen....... Something wrong somewhere!!!!!

“Quantum Leap Approach……for tourism industry”

Tourism promotion activities nowadays still much depend with networking, sales call and printed material. With IT conquering the communication globally, more tourism players is switching to the new approach by creating website, blog etc. The result is better than the traditional way.

People travel around the globe for satisfaction and getting new experience. Travelling style have change, more travelers are concern about their safety. No country can run away from this issue, that’s mean all parties need to play their role to minimize it. A new approach needed to tackle the safety issue.

I still remember during my official visit to Brunei, the popular question they ask us is about safety. Safety this, safety that. It triggered to my mind that there are news being spread among the Bruneian traveler that our country is not really safe for them. I am wondering why?

A quantum leap approach to rectify this matter is really needed. The quantum leap approach required immediate action to clean the “un-safe” image among the Bruneian traveler to our state. We have to see from different angle and approach, all party concern need to play vital role to tackle this matter.

Some of “crazy” idea such as private car park weekly for Bruneian travelers at popular shopping mall could be created or public parking area with CCTV or security should be considered. This idea just an immediate approach that can be implemented before other security method properly put in place.

Local food can attract tourist

Have you ever try Bintangor Tumpi and Rojak? If you in Sarikei you should know this where to get Bintangor Tumpi and Rojak. If Sibu is popular with its Foochow Kompiah, Sarikei town with Aik Seng Bun, Bintangor is popular with its Tumpi and rojak. Tumpi is popular among the Melanau and Malay community.

Tumpi is made from sago (lemantak) mixed with coconut, little bit salt and ajinomoto. After mixed with all ingredients fried on special made pan for 10 minutes. It can be served during breakfast or brunch time. Popular known as “local pizza”.

If you have chance to visit Bintagor please don’t miss to try this special food at No 15, Gerai Majlis Daerah Meradong Julau (MDMJ) in Bintangor. This shop open from 6 am to 1 pm daily. There are two category of tumpi, normal RM2 and special RM3 per piece. The different between normal and special is its contents, special sometime mixed with either prawn or fish.

After complete trying Bintangor Tumpi, please try the rojak, a spicy Malaysian salad of fruits and vegetables at stall no 7. Its worth to try because it’s also tasty. Only cost you RM5 to RM7 per plate.

It is maybe normal for the local to take this food but for the tourist it’s a new experience for them. We can see in the media now there lots of program about food. If the local food can be promoted globally, it can attract the food lover to visit our country.

Tourism industry has no boundaries……

Tourism industry is such a universal industry. It is not confined to enjoy the Culture, Nature and Adventure tourism only. All travelers have their own purpose, sometime there are two or three or more purpose of visit combined into one. As all people know that Sibu and Central Region do not have tourism products like Kuching and Miri BUT from tourism point of view, Sibu and surrounding area have other tourism products that can be offered to domestic and international tourist.

Sibu, A City in The Making is getting more and more “energy” to be vibrant and happening town in Central Region. After the launching of Visit Sibu Year 2009, almost every weekend there is event organize by local events organizer. We thanks to the main organizer of Sarawak Cub Prix 2009 Sibu Series and Bukit Aup Jubli Park Run for making this event happened in Sibu.

Events organizers add additional parts inside the tourism industry mechanical structure. They should organize more events to attract more people to visit Sibu and other part of Central Region Sarawak. They should getting support from the relevant authority to start the ball rolling. On the other hand they must have long term plan where they should stand by its own in the near future so that they can continuously organize the same event with new ideas.

Visit Sibu Year 2009

Another effort by the local authority to further develop the tourism industry in Sibu is by introduction of Visit Sibu Year 2009. Lots of people talking about why is too late or rather quite to start with Visit Sibu Year 2009. To me this doesn’t make any different because anything new, there would be some weakness but the most important here is awareness about what is happening in Sibu every month. All this event actually have encourage domestic tourism and at the same time to create more business opportunity to the local community.

I believe the alignment of promotion strategy is very important to attract the attention of tourism players outside Sibu, by attending one of the events in Sibu they also can visit some of the places of interest in Sibu. The main highlight of the event in this calendar would be the launching of RV Orient Pandaw Cruise, BCF and Opening of Yu Lon San Tien En Si Sibu Cultural Festival.

Tour guide play important role in tourism industry

Tourist guide is playing very important role in tourism industry. They are “tourism ambassador” because of their role as frontline group in the industry. Tourist guide are the first person meeting with tourist at the entry point, eg. airport, bus terminal or express boat wharf. As professional tourist guide, they have to put themselves at the tourist shoes because by doing that it will be easier for them to understand what the tourist want.

For record, currently Central Region (Sibu, Sarikei, Mukah and Kapit) only have 2 licensed city guides. That’s mean the authority have to look into this matter seriously if they want to have good tourism image.

Central Region of Sarawak has plenty eco-tourism products that can be develop as tourism products. Eco tourism product is widely promoted all over the world including in Malaysia. If Kuching is famous with its resort in Santubong Peninsular and Miri is famous with its World Heritage Site Mulu National Park. For Sibu and Central Region also have its own landmark. The Mighty Rajang River is yet to be explored, waterfalls and traditional longhouses also have potential to be develop. With good and proactive tourist guide, all this products can be develop and promoted as prime tourism products in the country.

Recently the authority have organize Localised Nature Guides course for 14 participants from Sibu and Sarikei. All of them have grade with flying colours and with this result, they should be available to serve for the travel agent in the central region.

14 participants of Localised Nature Guide course successfully complete the course in Sebangkoi Country Height, Sarikei.

International Cruise coming to Sibu Sarawak Borneo

Irrawaddy Fortilla Company, the first foreign cruise company is going to explore the longest river in Malaysia, The Mighty Rejang River, Sarawak. They have confident to expand their cruise business to Sarawak and they want to be the pioneer in this line. They have six cruise operating in Vietnam, Cambodia, India and Sarawak, Borneo. The RV Orient Pandaw is brand new five star ship launch in Saigon in September 2008 in traditional colonial-style unique to all Pandaw ships. It’s ready to try the “wave” of the mighty rejang river.

The RV Orient Pandaw: Expedition Cruises on the Rajang River package was officially launched by YB Datuk Michael Manyin, Minister for Urban Development and Tourism at Destination Travel Expo in London February this year at Malaysia Booth. Destination Travel Expo is the largest travel consumer expo in the UK held annually in February at the Earl Court Exhibition Centre. Mr Paul Strachan, Managing director of The Irrawaddy Fortilla Company also present.

On April 25, 2009 the seamaster and 5 crews from Sibu have flew in to Mytho, Vietnam and depart back to Sibu Sarawak on 29 May 2009 afternoon, they safely arrive at Sibu wharf on 10.30 am at May 2, 2009. The Minister of Environment and Public Health, YB Dato Sri Wong Soon and Deputy Minister of Transport Malaysia, YB Datuk Robert Lau is among the first VIP’s did their inspection on RV Orient Pandaw River Cruise on the same day.

RV Orient Pandaw will do it!!! Thumbs up lead by YB Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh when he visit the cruise at Burung Apu Wharf, Sibu recently

BIAN-SIT with new taste

Bian sit belacan.......sound familiar!!!! Sure you never heard about it. This menu is tailor made for me first before I introduce it to my friends. Lots of my friends give good comments after they eat it. Thats mean it can be promoted as one of the signature dish in Sibu.......especially to the Belacan lover.....

KAMPUA ala Chinese and local

Have you heard about Sibu signature dish....KAMPUA? I believed you did. How about Kampua Belacan? I am sure you never try or heard about this new menu. One day I just sit at coffee shop near to my office but I don't know what to eat. A friend of mine introduce to me new menu of Kampua......he call it as Kampua Belacan with chilli. After I tried to eat it, I fall in Love with this cooking style. Then I keep introduce it to my friends. They like it too. Traditional Kampua with local taste.......Kosong is RM1.50 and with meat you have to pay RM2.