‘Bored’ Sabahan braves the odds with fish ponds for visitors

 

Sabah assistant tourism, culture and environment minister Joniston Bangkuai (right) and Bukit Pagapanan Nobou eco-tourism operator Domius @ Damius Talindap (second right) having a ‘fish spa’ experience at the Melangkap Tiong community-based eco-tourism spot in Kadamaian, Kota Belud. (Sabah Tourism Board pic)

KOTA KINABALU: What do you do when you’re bored with nothing to do because of the pandemic?

Instead of whiling away his time, Domius @ Damius Talindap decided to open a fishing pond spot on his 2.4ha plot of land in Kadamaian, a rural area in the northern Kota Belud district.

Although many tourism operators have experienced almost no business because of Covid-19 restrictions, Talindap braved the odds to open the Bukit Pagapanan Nobou recreational fishing site, using his own money.

“The inspiration to establish an eco-tourism site came at a time when I was feeling bored as there were no activities around me,” he said.

“Instead of wasting time, I thought of spending the time building my own place that would attract tourists.

“Since I know that many people are into fishing, I forked out my own money and constructed six large ponds on my land.

“Although the pandemic situation and the tourism industry at that time was uncertain, I was willing to take the risk. If we want something, we have to be brave to do it, no matter what the situation. Otherwise, it will remain a dream.”

Starting with just basic landscaping of fishing ponds, Bukit Pagapanan Nobou is now equipped with pedestrian facilities, huts, public toilets and running water.

Since opening to the public, the privately run initiative has received scores of visitors.

Talindap has further reason to smile as he was among 80 rural tourism operators in Kadamaian who have obtained a RM20,000 grant under the state government’s Sabah New Deal scheme.

His project is part of the Kampung Melangkap Tiong scheme to promote rural tourism destinations in Kota Belud. It attracts mainly those seeking “spa fishing” and swimming activities.

The Kampung Melangkap Tiong community is committed to ensuring all their eco-tourism spots there are always well-kept.

At the Kisakot Eco-Tourism spot, villagers worked together to build several rest huts. Its application for a RM20,000 grant was also approved recently.

Established in May 2019, this rural community tourism area, located by a river, initially only had a mini hall and four huts.

“When the pandemic hit and the movement control order was imposed, the community lost its livelihood and the savings of those involved also dried up,” said Kadamaian Tourism Association chairman Walter Kandayon.

“This tourism community had no money to maintain the facilities.

“When tourism activities reopen, we will help them to get the necessary assistance. Community members will hold a gotong-royong to upgrade their eco-tourism sites,” said Kandayon.

Established in 2014, Melangkap Tiong did not receive visitors for two years due to lack of facilities. Things improved in 2017 when the community received assistance from the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) to promote their site.

Recently, state assistant tourism, culture and environment minister Joniston Bangkuai visited Kampung Melangkap Tiong to see the progress of upgrading works.

Bangkuai, who is also STB chairman, said the Sabah New Deal was a special financial assistance from the state government to provide funds to tourism industry players affected by Covid-19.

Grants under the Sabah New Deal for tourism operators are coordinated by STB.

“STB actively helps rural tourism operators to improve their areas to promote rural tourism products,” he said.

“I call on entrepreneurs to continue applying for assistance from the state government to help develop their products,” Bangkuai said. - FMT