About 75 kilometres away from Sibu town, there exists a charming and seemingly “sleepy” town known as Selangau.
Despite its tranquil appearance, Selangau holds a well-kept secret waiting to be discovered.
To promote this hidden gem and unlock its tourism potential, the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) assembled a team of 18 participants from various agencies through The Sarawak Product Experience: Selangau Discovery programmes, to delve into the heart of Selangau and uncover its treasures.
The three-day two-night (July 26-28) journey began with the team’s accommodation at Rh Emerlly, a 30-year old traditional longhouse nestled in picturesque Tamin, Selangau area.
From this base, they would set out to explore the wonders that Selangau has to offer, revealing the town’s hidden beauty to the world.
Emplasi Waterfall, Selangau
On the first day, the team embarked on a journey to Selangau Waterfall, fondly referred to as Emplasi Waterfall by the locals.
Accessing this natural wonder is a breeze, as it is conveniently located just 15-minutes-drive from Selangau town through the Sibu-Bintulu Pan Borneo Highway.
Upon arrival at the destination, the team only needed to take a brief two-minute walk along a concrete path to arrive at the captivating waterfall.
Renowned among the locals as a favoured picnic and recreational spot, it offers a perfect escape into nature’s embrace. The waterfall is nestled amidst breathtaking scenery, where the symphony of the wilderness fills the air with enchanting melodies – the sweet chirping of birds blending harmoniously with a lively chorus of insect sounds.
“The waterfall’s name, ‘Emplasi,’ is derived from a small fish that closely resembles the size of a Siamese fighting fish.
“This fish used to be abundantly found in the waters of Selangau, making it a common sight for the locals,” said a local met by reporters at the waterfall.
Having enjoyed a rejuvenating hour amidst the natural beauty and scenic vistas, the team eagerly moves on to their next exciting destination.
Sewong Waterfall, Selangau
Unlike the easily accessible Emplasi Waterfall, Sewong Waterfall offers a thrilling adventure for nature enthusiasts.
To reach this pristine location, one must embark on an hour-long drive through rugged logging road.
After the drive, the journey continues with a 20-minute hike down the hills, leading to the breathtaking waterfall.
The waterfall is situated on private land, and due to its remote location and poor road conditions, it remains a well-kept secret known mostly to the owner, Thomas Tutong, and his family, who frequently visit the area.
However, Thomas has grand plans to transform this natural wonder into a proper tourist destination.
He envisions building chalets to accommodate visitors who wish to spend a night surrounded by the beauty of nature.
Moreover, he aims to offer various activities such as jungle trekking and hiking, providing an opportunity for people to immerse themselves in the serene environment.
“I have sent a proposal (for financial assistance) to Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) and Ministry of Tourism, Art and Culture (MOTAC),” said Thomas when met by reporters.
However, Thomas said that to apply for financial aid from the ministry, they advised him to open up a company.
“As I am still in service as headmaster at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Ulu Salim, hence, I cannot establish a company. However, I will be retiring next year. So, this will be my retirement project,” he said.
Thomas’s vision for commercialising the area goes beyond mere development; it is driven by a desire to preserve the natural beauty of the waterfall while introducing it to a wider audience.
He hopes that not only his children and grandchildren but also generations to come will cherish this serene oasis as a place to unwind and appreciate the wonders of nature.
After spending two enjoyable hours at the waterfall, the team would begin their journey back to their vehicles.
However, they soon realised that they have an hour-long hike uphill before reaching the parking area.
Despite the tiring return, the scenic mountain view along the drive out of the place left them mesmerised.
Selangau Town
On the second day of their trip, the team embarked on a journey to Selangau town, known for its charming and predominantly Iban community.
According to the 2020 Population and Housing Census conducted by the Department of Statistics Malaysia, Selangau is home to approximately 27,400 people, most of whom reside in traditional longhouses.
Upon arriving at Selangau Pasar Tamu, the team was captivated by the vibrant scene of locals showcasing a diverse array of Iban crafts, including intricate ‘ngepan’ accessories and beautiful dresses adorned with the distinctive ‘Pua Kumbu’ motif.
The Iban musical instruments added a melodious touch to the bustling market atmosphere.
Additionally, the team was delighted to witness the ‘tamu’ traders offering an abundance of jungle produce such as the flavorful ‘terung asam’, tangy ‘kasam’, delectable ‘midin,’ and various other unique items sourced from the surrounding wilderness.
During their visit, the team also had the opportunity to explore the picturesque ‘Selangau Waterfront,’ an impressive project undertaken by the Sarawak government for RM5 million.
This waterfront area provided a serene and scenic spot for both locals and visitors to enjoy, offering a perfect blend of nature and modernity.
Rumah Emerlly, Tamin
The three-day, two-night trips would be impossible without the incredible kindness and hospitality of the people from Rumah Emerlly, who generously prepared a place for the team to spend the night.
Not only that, but they also treated the team to a delightful array of Iban delicacies, including mouth-watering dishes like ‘pansuh manuk,’ ‘pansuh ikan,’ ‘upa sawit,’ and more.
Additionally, the team got to savour traditional pastries like ‘penganan’ and ‘kuih chuan’ which add to the rich culinary experience.
Penghulu Julia Awal said that the residents of this 30-year-old longhouse are now eager to embark on a homestay business.
“This is the first time we host visitors in our longhouse. There are a lot of improvements that we need to do in terms of activities and programmes for the visitor to participate in during their stay.
“To achieve this, we plan to seek guidance and support from MOTAC as we venture further into this business,” she said.
During the team’s last night at Rumah Emerlly, they were treated to various engaging programmes, including sports activities, captivating ngajat performances, and the enchanting sounds of traditional music called ‘taboh Iban’ and ‘gendang pampat’.
The Jade Dragon Temple
After bidding farewell to the people at Rumah Emerlly, the team proceeded to their final destination, the Jade Dragon Temple, also known as Yu Lung San Tien En Si.
This Chinese temple is situated at KM26 of the Sibu-Bintulu Road, nestled between Selangau and Sibu towns.
The temple complex is a remarkable fusion of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism, serving as a place of worship for all three faiths.
Renowned not only in Malaysia but throughout Southeast Asia, it stands out as the largest temple of its kind in the region.
As the tour guide, Jeff Lee said the temple’s construction is still ongoing, with an ambitious plan to add another eight buildings to the complex.
However, progress has been somewhat delayed due to factors beyond their control.
Apart from the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the materials used for the temple’s construction were predominantly imported from China, contributing to the current holdup.
Nevertheless, despite the ongoing work, the temple’s existing beauty and splendour were awe-inspiring, leaving the team in wonder as they explored its intricate architecture and spiritual significance.
It was a fitting end to their journey, filled with cultural richness and a profound sense of peace.
