Hiking, history, games in tourism initiative

SIMUNJAN: The Samarahan Divisional Tourism Task Force Group (DTTG) recently organised the first Simunjan Explore 2023 Programme.

The programme featured a range of activities, including hiking Gunung Ngeli, locally known as ‘Peninjo,’ exploring a collection of eight coal tunnels, and hosting a traditional spinning top competition.

The DTTG said that the programme’s goal is to identify and catalogue tourism products in the Samarahan area and to showcase and experience the traditional spinning top game.

Additionally, it seeks to promote Gunung Ngeli as a prime ‘hiking & outdoor’ activity location, thereby boosting tourism in the area.

Simunjan assemblyman Awla Dris thanked to DTTG Samarahan for selecting Simunjan as the programme’s initial venue.

“With such a programme, we can highlight these traditional games and rejuvenate the spinning top games in Sarawak, ensuring they are not forgotten over time. In addition, the Gunung Ngeli hiking programme and exploration of the coal tunnels can attract tourists, helping them understand and learn about the history of coal mining in Simunjan since the British colonial era,” he said when officiated at the Simunjan Explore 2023 Programme at Kampung Sungai Apin.

The event saw participation from 56 individuals, including DTTG members, representatives of the Sarawak Tourism Board, members of the Simunjan District Council, and other government agencies, who all took part in the Gunung Ngeli hike.

Also present were Samarahan Division Resident and DTTG chairman Mohamad Irwan Bahari Bujang, Simunjan District Officer Seroji Ludin, and Gedong District Officer Tamida Da’adi.