Paddling on a bamboo raft is a fun activity that the homestay guests can enjoy.
JESSICA Empang Lian, a Kenyah from Belaga in central Sarawak, has always been deeply connected to nature.
For the Kenyah, one of Sarawak’s indigenous communities, farming and fishing are essential aspects of life.
Inspired by her love for nature, Jessica saw an opportunity during the Covid-19 pandemic to create a nature-based tourism business, providing an alternative source of income.
With her enterprising spirit, she established Lepau Uten Jungle Homestay and Camping, supported by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry and her family.
Her parents, Lian Ngau and Christina Ipa, along with her siblings Jeffery Bato, Elizabeth Paya, and Jasica Mening, help manage the homestay.
A homestay guest showing off a 'baung' fish that she caught from the river.
“So far, I have received almost 1,000 guests and the number is growing,” Jessica, 32, said.
Located in the deep forest of Ulu Urun, about 70km from Belaga, Lepau Uten has become increasingly popular among adventure seekers and nature lovers.
Visitors are drawn to the homestay for its offroad adventures and genuine natural experiences.
At Lepau Uten, guests can indulge in local cuisine and participate in various activities.
These include cooking classes on making Orang Ulu appetisers and desserts, fishing, learning to cook fish wrapped in banana leaves in the jungle, and crafting bead necklaces.
Outdoor camping facilities are available for guests at the homestay.
Guests can also enjoy longboat cruises along the Ulu Belaga river, jungle trekking, and swimming at the Tepin waterfall.
Jessica highlights the unique beauty of Ulu Belaga, with its clear river water and pristine forest.
“Here, tourists see the stunning beauty of nature, the clean and clear river, and a waterfall that has potential for ecotourism,” she said.
“Tourists can enjoy the coolness of the waterfall and flowing river, or go camping, jungle trekking, and fishing while listening to birds chirping.”
Lepau Uten offers a variety of packages for visitors, including the Ulu Belaga Discovery Package.
This package features a boat exploration of the Belaga River, forest treks to the Tepin waterfall, and picnicking and fishing at Batu Melintang.
Homestay guests enjoying an outdoor meal by the river.
“Our family enjoys all kinds of river activities, so we want to share this beauty with the outside world,” Jessica added.
Guests at the homestay must follow in-house rules designed to protect the environment.
These include prohibitions on killing fish by bombing, poisoning, or shooting methods, littering, removing timber products without permission, and hunting.
To reach Lepau Uten Homestay, visitors must travel by four-wheel drive from Bintulu, a journey of about five hours.
The offroad travel can be challenging, especially during heavy rain, but the experience of nature’s untouched beauty makes it worth the effort.
