LIMBANG – Sarawak authorities are advancing a phased strategy to transform Limbang into a prominent tourism centre in the state’s northern region, reinforcing both infrastructure and visitor appeal.
Officials have outlined key projects to catalyse development in the area. Among the most notable is the construction of a RM5 million boat ramp at the terminus of the Limbang Riverbank, targeted for completion in time for the 2026 Limbang Festival.
Alongside this, a new RM50 million Limbang District Council administrative complex is slated to replace the current office at Limbang Plaza. These developments are intended as early steps in a broader, multi-year approach to tourism enhancement.
According to Deputy Minister Datuk Dr. Abdul Rahman Ismail and other local officials, 18 tourism-ready sites within the district such as Santaba Jetty, Meritam Mud Flats, Mas Lake Park, and the Limbang Recreation Area will be upgraded incrementally over the coming five to ten years.
In parallel, major connectivity projects are underway. The Second Sungai Limbang Bridge, now approximately 76 percent complete, is expected to be operational by around June 2026.
It will integrate with the Northern Coastal Highway and the Sarawak–Sabah Link Road (SSLR), offering alternatives that reduce reliance on routes through Brunei.
Moreover, the Limbang Waterfront development is progressing with visionary goals. Phase 1, which includes commercial units like the “Eatery Park,” has been finished, and Phase 2 is currently running with 15 operational kiosks managed by locals. This waterfront is projected to emerge as a significant local attraction by early 2026.
In another notable initiative, state tourism authorities are collaborating with the Sarawak Forestry Corporation to elevate Gunung Buda into an international tourism destination.
The mountain’s ecological and geological distinctiveness positions it as a “natural treasure,” akin to other iconic attractions across Sarawak, with this ambition supported by anticipated improvements in transport infrastructure and the future launch of AirBorneo.
The Santaba Jetty Festival exemplifies these efforts, with its recent two-day celebration featuring an array of cultural performances, cooking contests, fishing, tarik kalat, boat races, and a scenic River Cruise through mangrove territories.
Local dignitaries including ADUN Batu Danau Dato Paulus Palu Gumbang and district officials attended the opening.
Together, these initiatives spanning tourism site development, administrative infrastructure, transport connectivity, and nature-based attractions signal a comprehensive vision to reposition Limbang as a dynamic tourism hub in northern Sarawak.