KUCHING: Facilities that need upgrading are signage, hostels and trails. Among the challenges faced by the management include aging accommodation facilities that had undergone several renovations but have design and material weaknesses, and there are also problems with termites and rats.- Siali Aban, Bako National Park manager
An estimated RM1.5 million is needed for the upgrading of existing facilities in the state’s oldest national park.
Bako National Park is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the state, with an average of 35,000 visitors per year.
Last year alone, visitors numbered at 38,810.
“Facilities that need upgrading are signage, hostels and trails. Among the challenges faced by the management include aging accommodation facilities that had undergone several renovations but have design and material weaknesses, and there are also problems with termites and rats,” said park manager Siali Aban.
Over 30 tourism players, including members of Sarawak Tourism Federation and travel agents, participated in a product visit and briefing organised by Tourism and Heritage Ministry led by permanent secretary Datu Ik Pahon Joyik yesterday.
Based on current trends, the number of visitors to Bako National Park is increasing every year, with a high number of repeat visitors, which is why the upgrading is necessary.
According to Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) statistics, the annual number of visitors to the national park consists of 25 per cent locals and 75 per cent foreigners, with Europeans being the majority. It is found that expectations among the foreigners are higher when it comes to service level in terms of maintenance, guide, food and safety.
“Guests face higher charges through tour agencies so they expect a certain level of services and they tend to compare them with those of other parks they have visited,” said Siali.
Another challenge faced by the park management is the lack of human resources and it is operating with a skeletal number of staff, which naturally affects the service quality.
“Our workforce is on a ratio of one worker to 2,000 customers annually. We have three park rangers, so in terms of enforcement and protection of the park, we work on a ratio of 1 ranger to 909 hectares.
“In terms of maintenance, we only have two cleaners for 132 beds at 11 buildings during peak time and also other facilities such as compounds, boardwalks, shelters and others,” said Siali in his briefing.
An estimated RM1.5 million is needed for the upgrading of existing facilities in the state’s oldest national park.
Bako National Park is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the state, with an average of 35,000 visitors per year.
Last year alone, visitors numbered at 38,810.
“Facilities that need upgrading are signage, hostels and trails. Among the challenges faced by the management include aging accommodation facilities that had undergone several renovations but have design and material weaknesses, and there are also problems with termites and rats,” said park manager Siali Aban.
Over 30 tourism players, including members of Sarawak Tourism Federation and travel agents, participated in a product visit and briefing organised by Tourism and Heritage Ministry led by permanent secretary Datu Ik Pahon Joyik yesterday.
Based on current trends, the number of visitors to Bako National Park is increasing every year, with a high number of repeat visitors, which is why the upgrading is necessary.
According to Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) statistics, the annual number of visitors to the national park consists of 25 per cent locals and 75 per cent foreigners, with Europeans being the majority. It is found that expectations among the foreigners are higher when it comes to service level in terms of maintenance, guide, food and safety.
“Guests face higher charges through tour agencies so they expect a certain level of services and they tend to compare them with those of other parks they have visited,” said Siali.
Another challenge faced by the park management is the lack of human resources and it is operating with a skeletal number of staff, which naturally affects the service quality.
“Our workforce is on a ratio of one worker to 2,000 customers annually. We have three park rangers, so in terms of enforcement and protection of the park, we work on a ratio of 1 ranger to 909 hectares.
“In terms of maintenance, we only have two cleaners for 132 beds at 11 buildings during peak time and also other facilities such as compounds, boardwalks, shelters and others,” said Siali in his briefing.
Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Bako National Park needs facelift
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