SIBU: What started out as a dream to have his own river cruise business along Sungai Balui has finally become a reality for Graham Abo after years of planning.
The Kayan man soldiered on to realise his dream despite having to postpone it due to some obstacles such as finding a suitable business partner and also the movement control order (MCO) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, with his persistence, Abo sparked the local tourism industry by making cruising along the greenish-blue waters of Sungai Balui into something not only possible for him but for those who are interested to experience it.
“We are the pioneers of this river cruise. The idea came about many years ago but it could not take shape as I was unable to find suitable partners and also when the MCO hit the country,” he said when contacted from Belaga.
Abo’s double-decker cruise called Shivau Cruise offers to take the public on a relaxing 90-minute journey along the river before reaching the breathtaking Belanum Waterfall, one of the popular attractions at Bakun Dam.
“Our boat will travel at a slow speed of between six and seven knots or 30 km per hour. For the adventurous, this is just nice for them to relax and unwind.
“They can also cook or have a BBQ during the cruise The boat is also equipped with a karaoke set for people to sing to their heart’s content,” he said.
Explaining further, Abo also said that several small islands along the journey were sights to behold while the mouth of the river was suitable for those who liked fishing as it was inhabited by freshwater fish.
Meanwhile, for those who preferred going to Long Bulan where a three-step waterfall, the Kelikai Waterfall, was located, Abo said they could travel on a single-decker boat (one out of three Abo’s cruise) which is larger.
“This will be a cruise of unexpected surprises as one can see Semah fish swimming in the almost crystal-clear Paran River located next to the waterfall. Swimming is a must if one knows how to swim,” he said.
“A river cruise like this one is just perfect as the air is crisp with the night temperature at 21 degrees Celsius. For couples, they can sleep in the chalet on the pontoon,” he said.
Abo’s cruise comes in several packages. The prices quoted for 15 people are RM3,800 (two days/ one night without food), RM4,500 (two days/ one night with food provided), RM4,800 (three days/two nights without food) and RM5,500 (three days/ two nights with food).
“Those taking packages with food will be served with local delicacies. Since the launching of the cruise a few days ago, I have already received bookings from people around Belaga. More will come soon as people are very excited about it,” he said.
For more information, those interested can contact Abo at 014-7891855.
