Upon entering, visitors will be greeted by a vibrant and beautiful arch, welcoming them to the new village which is also known as Kampung Bahagia or Happy Village.

According to Kampung Baru Sungai Jarom village head Seh Chun Huat, the Happy Village concept was implemented in 2015 during Chinese New Year celebrations.

“The Happy Village concept was initiated to promote a harmonious village by instilling family values among the locals.

“It was launched simultaneously with the festive season as it was the best time to share joy, and also to let visitors know about this concept,” he said.

Seh explained that the new village was set up and fenced up to separate villagers from the communist insurgents during British rule in the 1950s.

“Villagers lived by the curfew and before they were let out to work in rubber plantations and tin mines in the morning, they would be searched for food, weapons or messages for the communists,” he said.

Seh, now 63 years old, was brought to the new village by his mother along with his siblings from Tanjung Karang, when he was just seven years old.

Today, the village has a population of 30,000 with 90 per cent from the Hokkien community.

There is a mix of traditional and modern structures within the village. While some upgraded their homes to brick houses to enjoy modern comforts, there are still well maintained wooden ones dotting the landscape.

With agriculture as the main industry, Seh said that home-roasted coffee was once very popular.

“There is only one household left producing coffee. Other local produce include palm oil and young ginger,” he said, adding that his ginger harvest was sent to Ipoh daily.

About 60 per cent of the villagers are still in the agriculture industry, and the remaining run businesses such as small eateries or enterprises.

Ling Sing Seng, 44, moved to the new village from Setiawan, Perak, in 1997 with his wife Ong Yuet Choo, 43, and started their own dim sum restaurant called Jenjarom Tea House.

“The people here are very warm and treat everyone nicely even though you are not a local,” said the father of three.

“We serve homemade dim sum catering to the locals mostly on weekdays and tourists during the weekends,” he said, adding that cyclists from Shah Alam usually gathered at his restaurant after the long ride.

Seh pointed out that there were more than 40 temples, big and small, within the village.

“Forty years ago, there used to be only one temple where everyone gathered but after about 20 years, devotees started to set up their own temples,” Seh said, adding that there was an average of two to three temples on each street.

The most iconic temple is the Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple, which is also a famous tourist attraction.

Seh explained that the inception of the Buddhist temple in 1994 had helped boost the new village’s economy as the tourism industry started to flourish.

“The land is approximately 11.331ha to 12.140ha, and it is always well-decorated with lanterns and lights during Chinese New Year,” he added.

The temple is beautifully landscaped, along with other components including the main shrine hall, tea house, cultivation centre and art gallery which houses the exhibition hall, a sutra calligraphy hall and also a relics shrine.

A visit during Chinese New Year has become a tradition for some of the locals as well as visitors.

A 15-day Chinese New Year celebration will be held at the temple with different themes each year.

“It is very crowded during the festive period as everyone is back and visitors come to visit the temple.

“The traffic congestion can stretch up to 5km, involving 4,000 to 5,000 cars towards the temple while tourists in the area can total up to 50,000 visitors, including tour buses,” Seh said.

In conjunction with the annual Chinese New Year Festival of Light and Peace, the temple organised an art contest themed Jenjarom Happy Village – Village Sentiments this year.

Participants were required to submit their artwork based on their interpretation of Jenjarom Happy Village.

“Apart from just organising a contest, this initiative was also carried out to instil the values of togetherness and harmony among villagers.

“And to discover the hidden talents of Jenjarom,” said art gallery executive director and curator Venerable You Hang, adding that one of the winning pieces was created by a woman who traded at the market.

In addition to the art contest, a photography contest was also held for both locals and visitors to share their pictures that capture heart-warming moments at the temple during the festive period, which garnered 200 submissions.

Winning artworks for both contests are being exhibited at the temple’s Fo Guang Yuan Art Gallery until March 27, before the next exhibition is rolled out.

After a quick trip of about 15 minutes, my right foot touched the soil of Done Det Island. But although I am a native Lao and was back home in my own backyard, I felt like a foreign tourist because almost everyone in front of me came from another country.

Back in 2006, my first ever visit to Done Det and Done Khone islands, it was quite exciting to see Western tourists. These two communities had become magnets for both Lao and foreign tourists, even though the number of visitors was relatively low.

Generally acknowledged as a must-see during a holiday in Laos, the natural beauty of these islands and the river that surrounds them is now attracting a huge number of foreign visitors. While most come from Thailand, the rest travel here from the Republic of Korea, China, Japan and Europe.

Local authorities in Khong district aim to vastly improve services in the area in a bid to swell the number of domestic and international tourist arrivals.

Improvements are expected to start among tour operators, accommodation and restaurants because they are the key drivers in boos ting visitors to the Si Phan Done or 4000 Islands area.

Governor of Khong district Mr Sanan Siphaphommachan told Vientiane Times recently the development of tourist facilities is vital because tourism plays a critical role in the socio-economic development of the district, which encompasses many of these islands.

“Our plan targets economic growth of 8 percent from 2016-20, and tourism will play a key role in that growth,” Mr Sanan said.

In 2015, more than 400,000 people visited the area. The majority were Lao, who comprised 58 percent of the total, while the rest came from Thailand, Vietnam, China, Cambodia and various European countries.

“We expect that more than 500,000 tourists will come to Khong district this year, which will contribute to the rapid growth of our economy,” Mr Sanan added.

Khong district has three main attractions for tourists, including the Khonephapheng and Somph amit waterfalls on the Mekong River. But boat trips are increasingly popular so that visitors can observe island life and enjoy being out in the fresh air.

Done Det is the starting point for a truck service to Done Kho ne and Hangkhone villages. The truck carries a maximum of 13 people and costs 270,000 kip per round trip. For the more energetic, bicycles are available at most guesthouses and bungalows, with the cheapest price being 10,000 kip per bike per day.

Khong Island, the largest of the islands, now has a bridge connecting it to the mainland, making it much easier for visitors to get to the island from the capital of Champassak province, Pakxe.

The bridge, co-funded by the governments of Laos and China, was officially opened to traffic at the end of 2014 after construction began in mid-2012.

Visitors can spend a couple of days and nights on this larger and more developed island, where they can stay in comfortable hotels, guesthouses and villas with more modern facilities.

In the morning, the best start to the day, after the obligatory cup of locally produced coffee, is a bicycle tour of Khong Island. This provides views of the extensive rice fields and serene hills that form the backbone of the island.

The remaining old wooden buildings, stupas and temples are still well-preserved by local communities.

But to explore the 4000 Islands and get a true feeling for the area, a couple of days is nothing like enough and it may take a couple of weeks to get some understanding of the daily life of the islanders and fishermen, and to fully benefit from the glories of nature.

Nowadays the green spaces are shrinking and garbage pollution is increasing, but the natural beauty of Done Det and Done Khone remains magical and basically hasn’t changed since my first visit. In the near future, I will return for another revitalising holiday here as an island man and will again recall my childhood memories.

Getting caught up in work and daily life does not give me a chance to visit these masterpieces of the Mother Nature, and a trip to any of these sites will cost a whole lot of time and money, surely. Hence, why don’t I pack my backpack and visit some closer and more affordable places just to satiate my thirst for adventures?

This was my first thought before setting off to Dong Doi, in Ha Lang District, of Cao Bang Province. I actually underestimated this place before reaching there. All the impressions about the trip were imprinted in my mind, inspiring me more for the bigger adventures ahead.

Dong Doi is referred to by locals in the region as ‘Ca Khao’, which means a bat. It is 930 metres (m) in depth with an average height of around 60m to 80m, and is located in Lung Rum Village, of Dong Loan Commune, in Ha Lang area, Cao Bang Province. The cave is hidden under the forest foliage and rocky edges that are easy to totter up.

Standing in front of the cave, tourists can feast their eyes on the magnificent natural scenery. The sunlight slithers through the foliage and flocks of butterflies hover above the newly blooming wild flowers. Far away are the traditional stilt houses of the Tay and Nung people.

Dong Doi is situated inside the limestone mountain range, 700m away from the main road. It is relatively large with a depth around 1,000m, approximately 40m in height with the unique tectonic structure, colourful stalactite spreading throughout the cave. There are three chambers and two levels, separated from each other by the rock cliffs and holes.

It is like a whole new world isolated from the surroundings. Being here is playing hide-and-seek with reality.

Stepping into the first chamber, I was impressed by the traces of the water springs. In the rainy season, a stream of crystal clear water, about 0.5m deep and 2m wide flows along the cave. This chamber has the lowest ceiling, even only 4m at some spots. Huge rock slabs stacked on each other show off their beautiful colours. The stalactites here look like silver and golden falls. On the ground, they resemble giant pie crusts holding water inside.

Going deeper into the cave, the tourists will surely be surprised by the stalactite structure uniquely formed resembling the terraced fields full of shining bright rice plants, regionally called “the fairy’s field”. Besides, there are hundreds of stalactites hanging down softly resembling an attractive curtain. This second chamber is about 200m long, with a sandy ground. The cave sides adorned by the stalactites look like the classic Chinese landscape painting with mountains, rivers, and forest.

“The chamber is an extraordinary blend of the stalactite formation and deep water springs. The air inside the cave is cool and it is hauntingly quiet here.” Johnny Han, an American tourist commented.

From the second chamber, I go 300m further into the cave to reach the third chamber, the core of the cave. There are two separate levels in this chamber. The first level is quite large, 10.000sq.m and 80m in height with the uniquely formed rocks that really add mystery to the place. To reach the second level, I have to climb along the rock cliff that is about 10m high. This level resembles a half moon with an average height around 60m. The terraced rock field is spread amidst the chamber’s centre. The ceiling in the east is decorated with the stalactites hanging down, which accentuate the stalactites on the ground. The end of the second level is a collection of the shiny golden rocks that help stabilise the ceiling. It can be said that the spacious second floor really elevates the structural beauty of Dong Doi.

If you have a chance to visit Cao Bang for a few days, Dong Doi in Ha Lang is a site worth visiting besides other famous spots such as Ba Be Lake, Ban Gioc Waterfall, or Nguom Ngao Cave.

“It is like escaping from the real world to a cool, mysterious, sparkly yet quiet world,” foreign tourist Anna Smith told me when saying goodbye to Dong Doi to return to the city.

At sunset, 15 young men played gamelan instruments at a brisk tempo. Meanwhile, other youngsters standing opposite a field were burning dry coconut fibers, taking only five minutes to set the heap alight.

A gripping atmosphere prevailed as two main lights in the location were turned off.

“Inggih rarisan,” a man said in Balinese, sending dozens of bare-breasted young men with headdresses and checkered cloths scurrying and kicking the burning husks. So the Mesabatan api (battle of fire) ritual began.

Amid the chaos, two youths picked up pieces of blazing coconut husks with their bare hands. One of them threw the burning material at the other’s back, which was retaliated with a toss at the face. In the dark, the fire battle between the youths created an intriguing spectacle.

They were laughing and rejoicing in the ritual. “I’ve practiced this tradition since I attended senior high school. I feel no pain and heat during the battle, it’s just warm and exciting,” said Wayan Ekayana. The pain sets in the day after.

“We usually treat injuries with shredded turmeric and coconut oil, which helps them heal within three days,” he said.

Jasri village in Karangasem has a similar tradition called Ter-teran which is also held on pengerupukan, the eve of Nyepi.

On the same day, Bali’s Hindu community also organizes a parade of ogoh-ogoh (giant effigies), a manifestation of Bhuta Kala in fearsome form. The ogoh-ogoh are eventually burned to visualize the neutralization of negative forces.

After all the rituals, a new moment begins. When everything becomes quiet, the whole community is invited to enter the Day of Silence with brand new vigor as they hope to discover the true meaning of life for humanity and the entire universe.

1. Kampung Sumangkap Gong Factory, Kudat, Sabah

Listen to the beat of the gongs in this gong factory in Sabah’s northern town of Kudat. Located 140km (or two hours by road) from Kota Kinabalu, this village provides insight into the gong-making process, with various workshops organised by the skilled Rungus craftsmen of the village.

Visitors are free to walk around the village to observe the gong-making process. While you are there, don’t forget to take a photo with the biggest gong in Malaysia located at the entrance of the village! Besides self-drive, visitors can also get to the village via public transportation from Padang Merdeka, KK. Visitors need to inform the driver of the drop-off point.

Open daily from 8.30am to 5.30pm, including public holidays.

Admission fee is RM5 (adults), RM3 (children), and free for children below six years of age.

2. Kedah Paddy Museum, Alor Setar, Kedah

Located in the Rice Bowl state of Malay-sia, this is the only padi museum in the country. Located on Jalan Gunung Keriang, Alor Setar, this three-storey museum has unique architecture with repetitive padi stalk motifs on the building’s roof. It is a tribute to the history of padi cultivation in Malaysia and countries around the world. Visitors will also learn about the taboos and legends of padi-planting.

The museum’s highlight is the rotating viewing deck for the murals painted by Korean artists.

Open daily from 9am to 5pm (closed noon to 2.30pm on Fridays). Admission is RM3 (adults), RM1 (children from seven to 12). There is an additional charge of RM2 for the use of cameras.

3. Teluk Bahang Forest Park, Penang

This forest park is approximately 40 minutes’ drive from George Town, with views of the sandy beaches of Batu Ferringhi along the way. You can enjoy a relaxing stroll on the footpaths provided by the management in this serene forest.

If you are game for something more challenging, you can go on the hiking trail that will lead you further into the forest of Penang Hill. After a tiring hike or walk, you can soak in the refreshing pristine pool and waterfall in the park.

Other facilities in this park are campsites and picnic areas. The park is accessible via public transportation from George Town on Bus 101 from Komtar Bus Terminal.

The park is open daily from 9am to 5pm (closed noon to 2.45pm on Fridays).

Entrance to the park is free.

4. District of Besut, Terengganu

There are a couple of places that are well-trodden in Terengganu but not many give Besut the time of day. We thank Star2 reader Alia Hazmin for the tip-off. Beaches? Try Pantai Dendung, a pebbled beach, or five minutes away Pantai Bukit Keluang where there are water sports or hike up to Bukit Keluang for fantastic views of the place.

You can have breakfast at Nasi Ayah Su Jat located at Kuala Besut Jetty with great views of the boats sailing past and street art in the background. At Pantai Air Tawar, lunch awaits you at Pak Awie Nasir Air where the traditional porridge called Nasi Air is supposed to be scrumptious.

Interestingly, the old film Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa was filmed on the golden sandy beach here.

5. Gunung Gading National Park, Lundu, Sarawak

Located in Lundu, 32km from Kuching, this park was named after the legendary and mythical Princess Gading (one of the guardians of three mountain peaks here). If you are lucky, you may sight the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia.

This park is also home to a wide range of wildlife, such as wild boar, monkeys and porcupines.

Adventure-seekers may want to hike along any of the three nature trails to enjoy the beauty of the Malaysian rainforest. The waterfalls are another attraction.

Visitors who wish to stay overnight should book the hostel accommodation prior to arrival.

General admission fee is RM10 for Sarawakians and RM20 for non-Sarawakians.

Open from 8am to 5pm.

The park is accessible by car from Kuching, a journey of about two hours. Or take a bus from Kuching Sentral via express bus to Lundu, and then take a taxi to the park.

The four, who are from Sabah Parks, have been tasked to ensure divers do not destroy or damage the rich coral at the mushroom-shaped Sipadan, the country’s only oceanic island.

Tourism, Culture and Environ­ment permanent secretary Giunun Yangus, who announced this, said the presence of dive marshals would enhance the protection of the natural undersea environment.

“They will be like undersea policemen who will act against divers trampling or destroying coral. It is a major step forward. In due time there will be more dive marshals,” he said at the official launch of the gazetting of Sipadan waters as a Sabah Parks conservation area here yesterday.

“Dive masters from various tour operators should also assist in ensuring tourists do not disturb or destroy coral.”

He said the general health of the coral in and around Sipadan was good, although certain areas preferred by divers might be slightly stressed.

“We have 12 diving points around Sipadan, but most people prefer going to Baracudda Point, Drop Off Point and South Point,” he said, urging visitors to look at other sites in the diving haven instead.

Guinu, who launched the official gazetting of about 1km radius of the sea area around the island as a park, said with that they could now act against those who destroyed coral in the area.

A total of 16,846.5ha of coral reefs and sea area around Sipadan are now officially a park area. Previously, only the 13.5ha island was gazetted and Sabah Parks was not able to enforce conservation laws.

Sipadan is also gazetted a “Restricted Area” by the National Security Council (NSC).

As of now, 120 divers are given permits daily by the NSC at a fee of RM40 each.

Guinu said Sabah Parks was now looking at the possibility of char­ging fees for visitors to the island.

He also said there were no plans for any further development or installing structures on Sipadan to help protect and preserve one the world’s top diving spots.

First up: Volcanoes! If you can’t find your thrills on a huge “burning mountain”, then there are truly no thrills to be had. And that’s why an increasing number of adventure tourists in Indonesia are taking to the “smoking” heights to enjoy the strange pleasures afforded by these towering natural wonders.

Located in the heart of the Pacific Ring of Fire, Indonesia is home to over a hundred volcanoes. Some, like the beautiful Kawah Ijen in East Java, reward intrepid hikers with views of a mysterious turquoise sulphur lake, which at night gives off an ethereal blue glow.

Great smouldering craters and eerie volcanic landscapes aren’t enough for some people; they want their adventure to be a bit more active. Increasing numbers of tourists are going out of their way to visit active volcanoes, like Mount Merapi, on the border of Central Java and Yogyakarta, drawn by the images of fiery burning cauldrons and twisted lava remains.

It goes without saying that volcanoes can be dangerous places. Among the more obvious risks, like the burning, red hot magma, they can release colourless and odourless toxic gases. If your feet are the kind that wish to tread upon the blackened, smouldering surface of an active volcano, use a reputable company and closely monitor volcano alert levels.

Enough of the hot stuff. Thrill-seekers looking for a way to cool off can find another kind of adventure right here in Malaysia. Whitewater rafting has become increasingly popular in recent years, pitting man against river in the heart-pounding excitement of navigating great rapids and turbulent waterfalls.

Malaysia is blessed with many great rivers flowing through its beautiful jungles which make up much of the country. You can challenge yourself on Class 2 and 3 waters, going against mild rapids – this is suitable for most experience levels. For something more “dangerous”, you can throw yourself into the frothing deep end of Class 4 and 5 rivers, where thrill-seekers can test their mettle against the violent rapids.

Like most adenalin-pumping activities, rafting can be a dangerous affair in rivers with higher grading levels. Thankfully, there are a number of companies that can steer you on your way. This heart-pounding activity can be enjoyed throughout the length and breadth of the country.

For some adventure-seekers, deep-water soloing fulfils their craving for thrills. This is a form of rope-free rock-climbing on sea cliffs. It offers an adrenaline-fuelled experience as well as some truly stupendous views. Enjoy life suspended from the limestone cliffs that line the Andaman coast, to the west of Thailand, staring down at the deep blue of the water below as your hands grip the cliff rock tenaciously.

In many cases, you can simply kayak out to the cliffs, limber up with your climbing shoes and perhaps a bit of chalk, and get ready to scale the ragged cliffs that loom above. With the safety of the deep water below, the only barrier to your climb is your own ambition. And if you manage to reach the top? Just dive into the warm blue water … then try another route!

For those who are less inclined towards this risky sport, there’s nothing to stop you from just enjoying the pleasure of a kayak trip out to the cliffs, and a bit of a snorkel around while your more daring friends take to the cliffs above.

However, you need to be very careful with deep-water soloing; make sure that the water below is safe, just in case you fall. Thailand’s Krabi region has some very established routes and locations that offer trips for various experience levels. Just do your research and make sure you’ve got knowledgeable guides.

Thankfully, being up in the air doesn’t always have to end with a stomach-lurching drop. There is an increasing number of sky parks and treetop adventure tours for thrill-seekers to explore. These treetop adrenaline tours use guide ropes, zip wires and walkways to offer visitors the chance to explore the leafy heights.

Malaysia, too, has several of these sky-high adventures, from Malacca to Langkawi, and there are similar adventures throughout the region. Some of them will see you travelling at speeds of 70kph! There’s even a zipline at Balungao, Pangasinan, in the Philippines, that’s over 1.5km long! Thanks to the safety wire attached to you on your adventure, you can enjoy the thrill without falling.

Note: This article is courtesy of GOAsean, the first multi-platform channel on all things Asean. For more information, go to http://www.goAsean.com, Astro channel 737 and TheStarTV.com. Watch GoAsean videos at http://www.thestartv.com/programme/Asean-now-go-Asean/

A tropical island gateway yet to be as commercialised as its renowned big brothers, its pristine beauty was readily apparent as we stepped off the speedboat onto powdery white sand.

Hidden from the stormy seas of commercialism, the main draw of the island is its pristine beaches and unspoilt coral reefs that start from almost the edge of its white sand. Its ideal location within Malaysia’s Marine Park Sanctuary means a plethora of living corals and endangered marine life species that are protected for the enjoyment of generations to come. One can savour its spectacular marine life by swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, or even just standing in the water.

It was an enchanting moment as we had our first taste of Lang Tengah’s magical underwater kingdom. In the mornings, we were taken out by boat on a round-island tour that culminated at a secluded bay on the other side of the island.

Snorkelling in the crystal clear blue waters, 6m to 9m deep, we enjoyed the kaleidoscope of live coral, exotic fish and other species of marine life. They seemed to come in all hues and shades – giant purple fish swimming amongst the huge clusters of sea anemone, little blue fish darting maniacally among large yellow corals.

Our guide suddenly motioned for us to be still. He pointed into the distance. But for a slight grey-white movement of a familiar silhouette about 3m away from us, fairly close to the surface, we might have missed it. Majestic, though still not yet full-grown, a baby shark swam swiftly through the water, then paused for a moment as if sensing our presence. Intrigued, we stayed absolutely still, the thumping heartbeats in our chests seemed thunderous. Without warning, the baby shark made a swift turn and disappeared into the darkness.

Our next discovery was a lazy giant leatherback turtle resting on an underwater rock. Our guide surprised us by taking a huge gulp of air and diving towards it. He gently grasped the surprised and struggling reptile firmly under his arm and swam back up towards us.

Despite feeling guilty at interrupting the turtle’s nap, we eagerly took turns to stroke its leathery back. Feeling quite satisfied, our guide dived once again with our sleepy friend, and gently placed it back on the rock.

In the evenings, led by our guide, we swam out from the beach where the resorts were, via a tunnel-like sea passageway enclosed by seemingly infinite coral reefs on both sides, out to open sea. We were careful not to touch or tread on any corals and risk harming them.

The enchanting and mysterious underwater world was intoxicating. We could have gone on snorkelling endlessly, our eyes glued to the ocean depths for activity, had it not been for the calls of the guide to return as it got late.

Sundown was spent sprawled on a mengkuang mat on the jetty, drinking wine and munching on potato chips, enjoying a first rate view of the magnificent tropical sunset in hues of gold, crimson and indigo.

Dinner was an informal community-style barbeque where we had the opportunity to get to know the other guests as well as to show off our culinary skills – or lack thereof – grilling scrumptious beef steak, lamb chops, chicken drumsticks and wings, sausages, fish and crab balls, squid, and brinjal, on charcoal fires.

At midnight, when we returned to the mengkuang mat, we could still see the faint silhouettes of schools of fish swimming around and under the jetty. We fed them with tiny pieces of bread, causing even more to suddenly appear in droves, to nibble eagerly. As a light breeze filled the moonlit night, we sighed with contentment, awestruck by Lang Tengah’s pristine beauty.

Gili Meno beach in Gili Meno Island in North Lombok regency, West Nusa Tenggara, has been named the country’s best beach, based on the quantity and quality of traveler reviews and ratings on TripAdvisor gathered over a 12-month period.

“A very small island where people know each other and we were the only Malaysians there during the 3-day stay. Relaxing routine… everyone smiles to us. Food and snorkeling prices are slightly more expensive than Gili Trawangan because of the lack of tourists,” said a reviewer from Puchong, Malaysia.

Unlike last year, the travel site’s list for Indonesia was dominated by beaches in Lombok and Bali, with only Tanjung Tinggi beach in Bangka Belitung making it into the top ten, coming in at 10th place. Two beaches in East Java, Tanjung Papuma and Klayar, which had previously been included in the 2015 list, were dropped from the recent list.

Below are Indonesia’s top ten beaches in 2016 according to TripAdvisor:

1. Gili Meno beach, Gili Meno Island, North Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara

2. Balangan beach, Kuta, Bali

3. Nusa Dua beach, Nusa Dua, Bali

4. Selong Belanak beach, Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara

5. Geger beach, Nusa Dua, Bali

6. Mawun beach, Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara

7. Jemeluk beach, Karangasem, Bali

8. Bingin beach, Pecatu, Bali

9. Tanjung Aan beach, Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara

10. Tanjung Tinggi beach, Belitung Island, Bangka Belitung

Icomos is an advisory body of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco)

Rii Hae Un, a professor at the Department of Geography of Dongguk University in Seoul, also echoes her group’s concern over the uncontrolled development on the Ifugao Rice Terraces.

She noted that the Banaue Rice Terraces weren’t included in the inscription of the “Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras” in the Unesco World Heritage List for scoring low in the “integrity criterion” because of the presence of numerous modern structures.

“Even though the Banaue Rice Terraces are not inscribed onto the World Heritage List, they must be kept as a cultural landscape,” she explains. “A seven-story building is not good. You have to think about it.”

Banaue town has two of five rice-terraces clusters that were inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage list in 1995—Bangaan and Batad.

The other clusters inscribed are in Nagacadan in Kiangan, Hungduan, and in central Mayoyao.

These Rice Terraces, including the one in Banaue (Viewpoint) were declared National Treasures in 1973 and 1978 through Presidential Decrees 260 and 1505.

In 1949, the terraces had been marked by the Philippines Historical Committee, now the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

Ruin the authenticity

Rii gave her observations to the Inquirer during the Philippines-Korea Icomos Exchange Program recently held at the Thomas Aquinas Research Complex of University of Santo Tomas Graduate School (USTGS), following a five-day tour of Ifugao, Mountain Province and the Ilocos provinces.

Experts from Icomos Korea were toured by the USTGS Center for Conservation of Cultural Property and Environment in the Tropics and professors of UST Graduate Program on Cultural Heritage Studies.

“Even outside the core or buffer zone, if there is a high-rise building, that also ruins the landscape,” Rii said, emphasizing the importance of the Rice Terraces as the first cultural landscape inscribed onto the World Heritage list.

“This is very important not only for the Philippines; this is important for the world, so you have to keep the traditional way of being a cultural landscape,” Rii said.

Rii also observed traditionally shaped houses had been built with completely different materials, which “somehow ruin the landscape.”

“If you build something totally new, then it can ruin the authenticity of the place,” she explained.

She suggested keeping the structure’s exteriors traditional. She said interiors could be modernized.

On the controversial parking building, she said “maybe you have to dig into the ground or expand it on a horizontal way. The architecture should not be too modern and should relate to the natural landscape.”

Same as Manila

She also noted that the proliferation of high-rise buildings in Banaue would result in the place becoming generic and “the same as Manila.”

There should be regulation in height, “which should be around three floors only,” and the colors of the structures should harmonize with nature, she said.

Rii underscored the need to keep the traditional way inside the core zone of World Heritage properties, “but you could not force them to live like in the 18th century when they are living in the 21st century.”

Residents, she said, can have modernized life inside while maintaining the traditional appearance of their houses.

Bright future

The grueling five-day tour also brought the group to a rice-terraces cluster in Bontoc, Mountain Province. Icomos Korea also toured Nuestra Señora de la Asuncion Church in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur; the heritage town of Vigan; and San Agustin Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte.

Rii observed some houses in Vigan needed repair since they looked abandoned and even ruined. She praised the Philippines for the Best Practice in World Heritage Award given by Unesco to Vigan in 2012, and the delisting of the Ifugao Rice Terraces from the Unesco Endangered List on the same year.

“In general, I really appreciate how the Philippines (has done it),” said Rii. “I hope the Philippines can work more in keeping its cultural heritage as it is.”

“If the government, experts, local people can help each other, then you can find a bright future for the Philippines,” she added