TOUR operator Sakam Enterprise Sdn Bhd is promoting Kg Teraja’s waterfalls in Belait to attract more ecotourists to come to Brunei.
Bohari Abdullah, manager of Sakam Enterprise, said the firm is planning to recruit youths from the village to become tour guides and promote the 40 beautiful waterfalls.
“We (Sakam Enterprise) recently found out that there are 40 beautiful waterfalls in Kg Teraja which could attract international waterfall travellers,” he said.
He said the firm has discussed with some residents of Kg Teraja’s longhouses about the social and economic benefits of including waterfall trekking in their homestay packages.
Bohari is keen to promote ecotourism, inspired by Malaysia’s promotion of its diving spots in Sarawak.
“I believe that getting more locals to be involved in this business venture would help promote ecotourism in Brunei,” he said.
Bohari said promoting waterfall trekking can create job opportunities for youths in the community and provide income to families in rural villages.
He said the Teraja longhouse received more than 100 visitors during the weekend, thanks to the cultural performance that lured in visitors. Bohari said including waterfall trekking in the homestay package will attract more visitors.
He said the biggest challenges are to promote the waterfalls in the village and to improve the infrastructure around the village.
“We need more promotions about the village and we need to develop and repair our roads and expand parking lots for vehicles,” Bohari said.
He also said the Teraja Hill, which is the highest hill in Belait, can also attract more hikers to visit Brunei.
“Early this year, we received more than 200 locals hiking the hill. Some of these hikers have networked with hikers from other countries,” Bohari said.