Bubbling mud attracts tourists to Limbang

LIMBANG (Sarawak): The warm bubbling mud of "lumpur berbuak" that oozes out of the earth and forms mudpots has created a phenomenon in Kampung Meritam here, turning the area into a tourist destination.

Although no scientific studies have been done on the slippery and warm volcanic mud, locals claim that it has healing properties and can smoothens the skin. So, it is not surprising to see many people taking long dip in the bubbling mud crater.

Limbang District Council's (MDL) Tourism, Education and Community Development Committee chairman Frederick Lalung Ngilo said the existence of the "lumpur berbuak" had become an attraction for visitors to come to Kampung Meritam, which is about 40 km from the Limbang town centre.

He said before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country, almost 300 visitors arrived in Kampung Meritam daily to experience the 'mud treatment', by taking a dip in the mud or using the mud as face mask or spreading it over their body as treatment against skin diseases.

"Due to the encouraging response, we organised several programmes as annual events, such as the Bebuak Mud Festival which is filled with various activities, including games, like volley ball, in the mud crater.

"For the endemic phase, we are now ready to welcome back visitors and tourists in accordance with the stipulated guidelines and standard operating procedures to prevent the spread of COVID-19," he told Bernama recently.

He said the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry had approved an allocation of RM2 million for upgrading of facilities and amenities to provide the best holiday experience for visitors in Limbang.

The Limbang district, which is rich in diversity and a unique place, is expected to become a new tourism hub in Sarawak, and augmented by its strategic location, which is neighbouring Brunei, will drive economic growth, as well as generate income for the locals.

Frederick said apart from the bubbling mud in Kampung Meritam, there were also several other projects being developed by the state and federal governments to promote Limbang as a tourist destination.

They included the Limbang Waterfront Project, stretching about two kilometres which will be carried out in phases along Sungai Limbang, with facilities like homestays and ferry service to be made available," he added.

He said the Limbang Waterfront project will be linked to the route to Tasik Bukit Emas Recreation Park and then to the Limbang Extreme Sports Park which is also currently under construction and Bukit Hitam, which is known for the beauty of its flora and fauna.

The Limbang District Council is also promoting homestay as a tourist product in the district for visitors to experience the culture and uniqueness of the various ethnics in"Bandar Kerbau" (Buffalo Town), namely the Bisaya, Iban, Kedayan, Melanau, Lun Bawang, Tabun, Kelabit and Penan.

"For those who love the beauty of nature, they can go to Santaba Jetty in Kampung Patiambun, which stretches for more than a kilometer through the mangrove forest area, which is a habitat for the 'Monyet Belanda' or Proboscis Monkey, and the fireflies at night," he said.

Prior to the outbreak of COVID-19, Frederick said Limbang had always been the focus of domestic and international tourists, especially from Brunei, who came in conjunction with the various festivals and activities held in the district, such as the Limbang Fruit Festival and the Bukit Emas Day.

He expressed confidence of Limbang becoming new tourism hub for Sarawak with efforts made to promote new tourism products in the district.

-- BERNAMA