Monday, February 07, 2011

Dream Come true....to Sg Assap, Belaga

I heard lots about Sg Assap Resettlement Area, Belaga. Then I decide to make a plan to visit this place one day. Sg Assap in Belaga is the biggest resettlement area for Orang Ulu ethnic group who live in Bakun area. They have to resettle in Sg Assap area to give way for the developement of Bakun Dam by the government. There are 15 Orang Ulu ethnic longhouses which comprise of Uma Kulit, Uma Belor, Uma Daro, Uma Nyaving, Uma Kelap, Uma Lahanan, Uma Bawang, Uma Balui Liko, Uma Balui Ukap, Uma Bakah, Uma Badang, Uma Penan, Uma Juman, Uma Lesong and Uma Ukit.
My dream come true on December 16, 2010 when I was invited by Tourism Ministry to make a trip to Uma Belor, Sg Assap Belaga. Our journey started from Bintulu town through tar sealed road of Bintulu - Bakun highway but part of the journey was "disturb" by logging lorries which damage the road. Seeing the way how the lorries driver drive their giant lorries make me could not close my eyes. So daring....

Upon arrival at Uma Belor, we were welcome by the representative of the longhouse, Ms. Nora Igong and her friends. As a first timer to this longhouse, we all surprise to see how modern is this longhouse.
Uma Belor is one of the Orang Ulu longhouse under Sg Assap Resettlement Area which have more than 100 doors. During our visit there are only few people stay at the longhouse because most of them working and stay in the city. Uma Belor is different from normal Iban longhouse where all bilik will be attach together. Here they are divided into few blocks where less than 10 families at one block. The reason is for fire safety purpose, it really make sense but it is too costly if other villagers want to follow the same concept. Apart from that there are other basic facilities such as football field, Resource Centre, Electricity and others are available. There is nothing to worry if visitors' visit and stay at this longhouse.