Following the footsteps of early settlers of highlands in Heart of Borneo

BA'KELALAN, July 25, 2015 -  After months of preparation, the inaugural Heart of Borneo Highlands Eco Challenge finally kicked off today, participated by  an enthusiastic group  of adventurous people.

They will walk in the footsteps of the early settlers of the highlands, who used to travel on foot between Ba’ Kelalan and Bario through challenging terrains and weather, yet beautiful mountainous landscape in the Bornean rainforest.

A group photo before the participants start their 6 days walk to Bario.

Photo credit: © WWF-Malaysia/ Alicia Ng

The small numbr of eco- challengers, comprising visitors, villagers from the highlands and media practitioners will also walk past history sites of the people living in the Maligan and Kelabit highlands between Ba' Kelalan and Bario.

This event is organized by Forum Masyarakat Adat Dataran Tinggi (FORMADAT), a transboundary, grassroots initiative that aims at increasing awareness and understanding of the highland communities in the Heart of Borneo (HoB).

It is supported by Ministry of Tourism Sarawak, Sarawak Tourism Board, Forest Department Sarawak, Sarawak Forestry Corporation, Sarawak Museum Department, Curtin University Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Gantuman e-Bario, Tutum Bala e-Ba’ Kelalan, Planet Borneo Tour, Highland Paradise, WWF-Malaysia, Rurum Kelabit Sarawak and Persatuan Lun Bawang Sarawak.

The Heart of Borneo Highlands Eco Challenge, the first of its kind to be held in the highlands,  starts from Ba’ Kelalan today before proceeding to Pa’ Rebata, Lepo Bunga, Mount Murud (Church Camp), Long Rebpun, Pa’ Lungan and finally ending in Bario after seven days of journey.

The ending of this event will coincide with the first day of the 10th Bario Slow Food and Cultural Festival (Pesta Nukenen dan Kebudayaan Kelabit) that will run from July 30  to  Aug 1.

FORMADAT Malaysia leader Penghulu George Sigar, in his welcoming remarks before flagging off the participants, hopes that the eco challenge would grow into a signature event in the Heart of Borneo that emphasizes on ecotourism aspects and at the same time brings benefits to the local people.

These benefits include increased publicity on the highlands as one of the preferred ecotourism destinations in Sarawak, he said.

“We are rural community with a big dream for a sustainable future. This is only possible with help and support from the government and other organisations.

He added that, although the numbers of participants this year is very small, FORMADAT is looking forward to consistently improving this event through lessons learnt and skills gained for many years to come.

“We also hope that the eco challenge will provide sustainable alternative socio-economic activity for the locals and increase the appreciation to maintain the natural environment for its inherent value among our people and also visitors,” he said.

WWF-Malaysia Senior Community and Engagement Officer for Sarawak, Alicia Ng said that all eco-tourism activities should strike balance between the local community and nature while improving livelihoods.

George also announced that the second Heart of Borneo Highlands Eco Challenge will take place sometime in July next year to also coincide with the 11th Bario Slow Food and Cultural Festival.

“Keep an eye for the updates on next year’s eco challenge in our Facebook page,” he said adding that the route, used as migratory paths since thousands years ago by the highlanders re-lives history, culture and the stewardship of nature.