PENSIANGAN: Located about 40 kilometres from Nabawan town, Kampung Salinatan is emerging as a unique destination for nature-loving tourists.
The community began enhancing its facilities after Aloysius Robert, 44, gained valuable insights into tourism strategies during a visit from a tourism agent before the Covid-19 pandemic.
"The elders in Kampung Salinatan, who were interested in tourism, had been considering building shelters and homestays, believing tourists would come on their own.
"But when a tourism group, accompanied by an agent, visited in March 2019, we realised that tourists usually require organised arrangements through agents.
"They shared insights on managing tourism, and we learned about planning and organising tourism activities," Aloysius said.
Motivated by the agent's advice, Aloysius applied for a loan of RM100,000 to improve village facilities, including refurbishing a longhouse to serve as guest accommodation.
Alongside 20 other families, he set up a community-based tourism group called Tahas Tininting, which means "the lining up of many belian trees."
Tahas Tininting is home to belian trees, or Bornean ironwood (Eusideroxylon zwageri), which are considered part of the community's ancestral land. The belian tree, a highly durable hardwood native to Southeast Asia, is prized for its resistance to decay, termites, and fungi. However, overharvesting and slow growth have made it rare and protected.
"We cannot cut them down, as they are protected to maintain the ecosystem and provide shelter for wildlife. We often refer to this area as a 'Small National Park,' where new logging is prohibited," said Aloysius, who is also Tahas Tininting's secretary.
The group offers activities like trekking, rafting, and sport fishing.
"For rafting, we have the licenses and expertise. But our challenge is the cost of equipment like life jackets, helmets, and paddles.
"As for sport fishing, we hope to collaborate with an experienced guide like Rushdi Lusi, who has strong networks and can attract anglers to visit. We've been inviting him to Pensiangan for the past two years."
Rushdi, a 47-year-old guide with 15 years of experience in sport fishing, particularly in Kiulu, has guided anglers from Malaysia and countries such as the US, England, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand.
Describing the rivers of Pensiangan, which flow into Mansalong, Kalimantan, Rushdi highlighted their appeal to fishing enthusiasts.
"Among the special species here is the Ikan Kaloi, known as 'Tawaan' in the Murut language. It can be found in every river pool in Pensiangan, and while it exists in other rivers, it is far more abundant here.
"Beyond sport fishing, the area has potential for tourism activities such as Ketinting boat rides to explore remote rivers, tasting traditional foods, and birdwatching," he said after a recent trip to the village.