KUCHING: Sri Aman might have an added attraction in Gunung Lesong National Park.
Bukit Begunan assemblyman Datuk Mong Dagang said the park, which encompasses Bukit Lingga, holds many attractions that if systematically marketed could bring more tourists to Sri Aman.
He said the fact that Gunung Lesung, which remains a sacred ground to the local Iban community, would attract tourists who love cultural and traditional heritage.
“The whole mountain range holds a lot of mystical and mythical stories, thus we have the legendary ‘Telaga Kumang’ (a well and bath place of the fairy queen Kumang).
“Here, too, we have the ‘kelang sabong’ (cock-fighting ring) where the Ibans bring the best of their pet fighting cocks during festivals.
“All this could become an additional attraction for Sri Aman division, apart from the already popular ‘Pesta Benak’ (tidal bore festival),” Mong said at the closing ceremony of the two-day Key Result Area (KRA) 9 Gunung Lesong National Park Community Based Eco-Tourism course held at a hotel here Thursday.
Mong also spoke on the rich flora and fauna found in the park.
“Within its 500ha area, the park could provide various tourism-related activities such as crocodile watching, fishing, jungle trekking and mountain biking,” said Mong.
On the course, Mong said the economic sustainability of eco-tourism depended heavily on getting youths to be interested in the sector.
He said once they learned of the economic benefits of the sector, the youths would make expert tourist guides, boatmen and porters.
Mong also said that those living in the Gunung Lesong area must work with the Forestry Department in ensuring the smooth implementation of the eco-tourism programmes there.
“I am confident Gunung Lesong National Park is capable of drawing the tourist dollar if locals are excited about making it a happening place,” Mong added.
