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KUNAK (Sabah) -- "Where is Kunak located?" This is the query that disappoints Kunak District Officer Susilo Sumarto every time he mentions the district to outsiders.
Based on this, he concluded that most outsiders were not familiar with Kunak unlike districts like Tawau, Semporna, Lahad Datu and Sandakan though all are located within Sabah's east coast.
Outsiders, especially tourists know Semporna due to its resort islands, Sandakan for its Orang Utan, Lahad Datu through Danum Valley and the Tabin Forest Reserve while Tawau for its seafood.
Maybe Kunak, located between Semporna and Lahad Datu, is less known because it lacks an identity like the rest though it has many of its own attractions.
In fact many think that Gua Madai, that is well known for its bird nest farming and its ancient history, is located in Lahad Datu whereas it is actually in Kunak.
JAPANESE TUNNEL
As Kunak seems to be oblivious to the outsiders, the administrators of the district have planned out activities to introduce Kunak to the outside world through the 2010 Kunak Carnival on 17 and 18 April, organised with the cooperation of the Drug Prevention Association (Pemadam) and the Information Department.
"Those from the district have pondered over the economic, socio-culture and tourism aspects that holds potential in showcasing Kunak. We saw a big potential.
"One of the attractions in Kunak that even the locals are not aware is the underground tunnel built by the Japanese during WWII," he told Bernama here.
Susilo noted that the eight kilometer long tunnel that branches into four directions is located within the grounds of the Sime Darby plantation. The site of the tunnel is about 12 kilometer from Kunak town.
The secret tunnel is believed to be used by the Japanese Army to ferry and store weapons.
10-WHEEL TRUCK CAN PASS THROUGH
The tunnel is big enough to allow a 10-wheel truck to pass through and was accidentally discovered in the 1970's by the Ibans who were tasked to clear up the jungle. They initially discovered a section of the tunnel that had collapsed.
The tunnel that is four meters in diameter leaves many questions unanswered like where it begins and ends.
Even now there is no official records on the tunnel. There are even some who believe that the tunnel reaches the Sulawesi Sea.
According to the elders in the district, some have tried to explore the tunnel to reveal its secrets but failed to go in further as there was no air in the tunnel.
"It is strange that every year there will be Japanese families coming to conduct prayers at the tunnel site. So, this Japanese tunnel can serve as a historical tourism product," noted Susilo.
TUNNEL TO BE HIGHLIGHTED
Though the tunnel is yet to be developed as a tourism product, a proposal on the matter has been made to the state government to promote the tunnel.
According to Susilo, as the tunnel is on private land its potential can be developed through joint venture.
"The pictures of the tunnel will be on display during the 2010 Carnival," he said.
Susilo noted that other than the pictures of the tunnel, the pictures of an ancient site at another plantation in Tingkayu where pottery was produced will be displayed as well. The site that predates 25,000 years is said to have produced pottery that was considered the most advanced at its time.
The Gua Madai's potential as a tourism product, like proposed by the Sabah's Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun, is to be highlighted at the carnival too.
NUMEROUS ATTRACTIONS
Gua Madai is not only the leading bird nest producer in Sabah but it is also a site where early human settlement has been recorded.
Kunak, said Susilo, also has nature based attractions like the Air Terjun Madai, a 40 meter waterfall located in Madai Baturong Forest Reserve, about 15 km from this town.
The unique volcanic larva pond located in Ladang Binuang, five-meter in diameter, is growing bigger with time and can serve as an interesting attraction.
The larva from this pond is rich in minerals and can be used for body treatment. Visitors can hear the burping sound when the larva rises to the surface.
Also in the attraction list is the Tasik Impian natural lake and the oldest palm oil cultivation site in Borneo, where planting started in 1957.
Kunak with a population of 62,000 is a coastal district rich with marine resources like prawns, fishes, anchovies and crabs. Kunak is also among the sea weed producing areas in Sabah and fourth biggest producer of fishes.
According to Susilo in conjunction with the carnival, other than the display of pictures and cottage industry products, cultural and fashion shows, dances and food of the various races in Kunak - the Bajau, Suluk, Kadazandusun, Bugis, Javanese, Cocos and Timor - would be showcased.
Between 5,000 and 10,000 people living in the surrounding districts of Kunak are expected at the two day carnival.
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