BAU: Bau town 35 km from Kuching, known for its gold mine history dating back to 1898 till 1921, is now back as a “happening town” following continuous efforts by Tasik Biru assemblyman Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, Bau District Council (BDC), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), Sarawak Craft Council and other agencies in creating more tourism-related activities here.
The latest and new attractions in Bau town which are potential tourism products — Bau Handicraft House opened recently and the boat cruise in Tasik Biru — will definitely lure more visitors to the historical town.
Bau Handicraft House provides a variety of beautiful authentic Bidayuh handicrafts made by local skilled artisans from Bau district itself.
“We want to start to have more activities in Bau so that more visitors and tourists would come to Bau,” said Henry, adding that visitors to Bau will also visit other places of interest such as the Tasik Biru lake, Fairy Cave, Wind Cave, Serikin weekend market and also the Mount Singai Church.
Henry thanked Unimas, Bau District Council, Sarawak Craft Council and the Federal Agriculture Marketing Agencies (Fama) for the materialisation of the handicraft house situated at Bukit Emas Food Court in Bau town.
“It is a dream come to have the craft house here in Bau town,” said Henry, adding that all this while he had always thought of putting a handicraft gallery in Bau.
“The Bidayuh people are well known for their arts and culture. All the handicraft works made by the Bidayuh have its own sense of purpose and reflect their unique culture, from the magnificent bead necklaces to their stunning rattan baskets,” he said.
Thus, he invited those interested in handicraft works to come to the gallery and speak to the local Bidayuh handicraft artisans there to know the astonishing stories behind these handicraft works.
Nine artisans are currently operating at the gallery. They are Dickson Noyen of Kodek Collection who sells Bidayuh traditional attires and acccessories (beads), Angela Johiam Jiti who sells the Bidayuh traditional collections, Haddrien Attay of Rien Collections who deals in variety of handmade bead handcraft, Linda Dohoi of Boli Sangon Otok a rattan and bamboo handicrafts dealer, Tunas Redy who sells traditional and modern accessories with Bidayuh motive, Tchong Margaret Sanchia selling traditional Bidayuh accessories (bead, crystal and pearl), Lucille Awen Jon of Pungu Borneo selling handmade Jewllery and Busut Chabok of Sibukuh Craft who deals in rattan and bamboo weaving handicraft.
Henry has advised the management of the handicraft centre to launch their promotions and marketing of the centre, adding that he himself would continue to give support and provide funding for the installation of air-conditioning at the centre.
He said with the centre, which he said was the first in the Bidayuh majority area, would provide avenue for local artisans to produce more products to be displayed for visitors to see and sold at the centre.
“With more activities happening and more visitors coming to the town then it will definitely benefit the business community in the town, especially eateries,” he said.
Director of Unimas Community Sustainability Centre Noraziah Abdul Wahab said the centre would provide avenue for local artisans to produce more products to be displayed for visitors to see. They also could purchase the products and help improve the local economy.
She hoped the gallery could help to put forward the amazing Sarawak handicrafts to the world.
Meanwhile the artisan group leader Dickson Noyen lauded the establishment of the Bau Handicraft House saying it is a perfect venue for them to produce and sell the products.
There are many visitors including foreign tourists visiting Bau especially during the weekends and public holidays and they can stop by to buy these handicrafts available at the gallery, he pointed out.
Dickson said the prices of handicrafts at the gallery are cheaper compared to these sold outside.
However, he said the gallery is closed temporarily for the air-conditioning installation works and the glass walls.
Dickson said it will re-open before the Bau Gawai Sales on April 27.
Meanwhile boat cruise activities at Tasik Biru on every weekend and public holidays is also gaining popularity among the visitors.
According to the boat cruise operator, Anysia Michael, 38, the number of people coming for boat cruise at the lake has increased since it started three year ago.
The boat cruise price is RM10 each for adults and RM5 each for children, according to Anysia, adding that she could get more than 50 passengers per day.
