NATURE CHALLENGE: Lo (fifth right) with MPP and BHR members during a photo call after the press conference. MPP deputy chairman Mohd Hashim Yap is at third right while BHR's manager (Horticulture) Louis Nyagong Lenjau is at second left.
KUCHING: The Borneo Highland Resort (BHR) Padawan Nature Challenge 2012, which will be held on July 1, is now open for registration.
The closing date for registration is June 22 at 4pm.
This Challenge, which is now into its fifth edition, is jointly organised by Padawan Municipal Council (PMC) and BHR.
"Each year, we see an increase in participation. This is a good thing. This shows that there are many nature lovers and adventurous individuals out there, who are looking forward to such an activity, probably because they love Mother Nature," PMC chairman Lo Khere Chiang told a press conference here yesterday.
The Challenge is a cycling and trekking adventure, and is divided into the amateur and expert categories. Lo said travel agents and tourism players should include this event in their tour packages to woo nature-loving tourists.
"This would enable foreign tourists to experience environmental and adventure tourism in Padawan, especially at Borneo Highlands Resort.
"We welcome tourism players and travel agents to give us suggestions to promote Padawan as a tourist destination. There are many interesting places for tourists in Padawan, such as longhouse visits, jungle trekking, resort, and Semenggoh Wildlife Centre."
On the objectives of the Challenge, he said it was to promote nature, adventure, sports and a healthy lifestyle to the general public.
It is also aimed at promoting Padawan, including BHR, as a place for eco-adventure tourism.
"We also want to encourage collaboration between the public and private sectors to promote eco-tourism in the state."
Lo said holding the Challenge would cost about RM60,000, and MPP would chip in RM10,000.
"The rests are covered by BHR and its sponsors. Of course, we welcome more sponsors as this is a very healthy event, and we have been receiving very good responses every year."
For more information, visit www. nc2012.borneohighlands.com.my.
Meanwhile, Lo also announced that a raft safari would be held on July 8 as part of Padawan Fest.
He said it was earlier slated to be held sometime in October, but was brought forward to July as it coincided with the holiday season in Europe. For more information about the safari, contact Benard Tiang of BHR on 016-886 0139 or Abdul Razak of MPP at 019-859 7083.
Category: Local, Sarawak