Sarawak Forestry increases fees to enter national parks and nature reserves

Kuching, Feb 21, 2012:  In the effort to develop better products, services and facilities for tourism, the State has consented on new rates for all national parks and nature reserves. The changes will be made effective from 1^st May 2012. 

Presently, SARAWAK FORESTRY is responsible in managing all national parks and nature reserves in Sarawak, overseeing all operational matters which are handled by dedicated staff consisting of wildlife experts, park guides, veterinarians and conservators alike. The national parks and nature reserves have showed positive outcomes in terms of visitation, industry and stakeholder interest as well as worldwide recognition and support in the past year. Sarawak’s conservation efforts have successfully reached the world via the national parks and nature reserves.

Last year, national parks and nature reserves such as Bako and Semenggoh have received more than 10,000 visitors and this reflected a good indication not only in terms of tourism but also in terms of education, conservation and new development.

With the advent of the new rates, SARAWAK FORESTRY aims to broaden the scope and functions of the national parks and nature reserve in which with an additional source of revenue, better facilities, services and manpower can be attained. In the pre-establishment stages of the new rates, matters such as resolutions, aims, and operations will be re-enforced to act in accordance with the new rates.  

Haji Ali Yusop, Managing Director / CEO of SARAWAK FORESTRY, regarded the implementation of new rates as a great opportunity for a better change. He added, “with the National Parks and Nature Reserves constantly being upgraded, developed and well maintained, it will benefit all stakeholders in various ways. With the new rates being implemented, the products and services will be enhanced.”

Pursuant to the amendments to the National Parks and Nature Reserves Regulations made by the Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri on 26 August 2010, all National Parks and Nature Reserves in Sarawak will charge the new rates for entrance fees, park guiding fees and other charges, to be effective from 1 May 2012, as detailed below:

NEW ENTRANCE FEES

SINGLE ENTRY

Category	Foreigner				Local
	(1) Adult	(2) Disabled person	(3) Children, above 6 years old but less than 18 years old	(4) Children, 6 years and below	(5) Adult	(6) Senior Citizen/ disabled person	(7) Children, above 6 years old but less than 18 years old	(8) Children, 6 years and below
World Heritage Site (5-day Pass)	RM30.00	RM15.00	RM10.00	Free	RM15.00	RM7.00	RM5.00	Free
National Parks	RM20.00	RM10.00	RM7.00	Free	RM10.00	RM5.00	RM3.00	Free
Semenggoh Nature Reserve	RM10.00	RM5.00	RM5.00	Free	RM5.00	RM3.00	RM2.00	Free
Other Nature Reserves	RM5.00	RM3.00	RM2.00	Free	RM1.00	Free	Free	Free

MULTIPLE ENTRIES (non-transferable)

Nature Reserve	Adult (1 month)	Senior Citizen/ Disabled person (50%) (1 month)
Sama Jaya NR	RM20.00	RM10.00

NEW PARK GUIDING FEES

World Heritage Site	Leisure Trekking (per hour, per guide) (maximum of 10 persons per guide)	RM 50 per group
	Adventure Trekking (per 8-hour-day or part thereof) (minimum of 3 and maximum of 8 persons per guide)	RM 500 per guide
	Adventure Caving (per 8-hour-day or part thereof) (maximum of 8 persons per guide)	RM 600 per guide
Other National Parks and Nature Reserves	Leisure Trekking (per hour, per guide) (maximum of 10 persons per guide)	RM 30 per group
	Adventure Trekking (per 8-hour-day or part thereof) (minimum of 3 and maximum of 8 persons per guide)	RM 400 per guide
	Adventure Caving (per 8-hour-day or part thereof) (maximum of 8 persons per guide)	RM 500 per guide

OTHER CHARGES

1	Rent of locker (per day)	RM5 per locker
2	Lease of canteen (per month)	World Heritage Site	RM300
		Other National Parks and Nature Reserves	RM200
3	Lease of toilet/changing room (per month)	RM50
4	Use of conference room	RM200
5	Commercial filming and photography fee	RM1,000

Haji Ali Yusop, who is also the Director of Forests and Controller of National Parks and Nature Reserves, said, “In this industry, the need to constantly develop our products and services is very crucial and with the new rates that are to be implemented beginning of May 2012, we will see some changes and act on them relatively as the rates can be considered as minor enhancements for the time being. The outcomes will definitely be monitored and future development for the national parks and nature reserves will follow subsequently.”

Haji Ali Yusop stressed that SARAWAK FORESTRY aims to provide better and efficient customer services. He welcomes travel and tourism operators in promoting better quality in services and care for both local and foreign visitors as he believes that we are all active agents in representing the beauty and wealth of Sarawak’s biodiversity. 

For further information about the new rates for other services such as park guiding and rentals of rooms and products, or other related matters on national parks, nature reserves please contact Visitors Information Centre at 082 248088 or visit SARAWAK FORESTRY’s website at www.sarawakforestry.com

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