Liu Shan Bang, a Chinese gold miner is probably one of the most famous historical figures from Bau, Sarawak.
In local history, he was known as the leader that led 600 Chinese rebels to a rebellion against James Brooke in 1857.
Today, a monument plaque was erected in remembrance of him at the Bau Old Town.
The Liu Shan Bang monument plaque is one the many interesting historical and tourist hotspots to see when visiting Bau.
Located about 30 kilometres from Kuching, the quaint town of Bau was once known as a gold-mining town during the 1840s.
Over the years, it has shown great potential in becoming a tourism spot due to its natural landscape and interesting historical background.
Bau is home to numerous tourist and cultural hotspots.
Among them are the Wind and Fairy Cave, Little Buddha Cave, Paku hot spring, the Blue Lake, Bung Bratak Heritage Centre, Bung Jagoi, the Catholic Memorial Pilgrimage Centre (CMPC), the Sleeping Beauty limestone mountain at Taition, and the Ghost Cave.
Aside from that, it is also rich with historical landmarks including the Knuckle Camp, an Australian Army Camp at Kampung Gumbang and Japanese underground tunnel in Pengkalan Tebang.
With tourism being one of the main industries for the area, former Bau District Officer, Anielia Siam noted some upgrading work projects in the area.
This includes the re-development of the Wind and Fairy Cave Nature Reserve under the Rural Transformation Project (RTP). The project is expected to complete by end of 2020.
Among the upgrading works includes upgrading of toilet facilities, tower façade, new viewing platform, improvement of cave trails and walkaways and providing supports along the trail to the summit.
Aside from that, constructions and upgrading works on Mount Serembu Eco-park is also in progress and is expected to be completed soon.
Mount Serembu is also known to be the site where the first White Rajah, James Brooke built his cottage as a highland retreat.
Upon completion, the eco-park which is noted to be a community-based tourism (CBT) product will be another major tourist attraction for activities such as hiking, trekking, mountain climbing and will be equipped facilities such as a hiking trail, café and homestay.
In addition to this, the Siniawan Old Bazaar is another famous place to visit when in Bau.
Every weekend, the typically peaceful town of Siniawan will be packed with the locals and visitors alike for its weekend night bazaar.
Currently, the night market has 89 food vendors of different backgrounds participating every weekend selling various types of food items and products every weekend.
During Chap Goh Meh celebration, it is an annual tradition for the local community to organise the Ah-Nyong Street Procession since the town existed in the 1880s.
The procession involves the participation of various temple groups and features the procession of Chinese goddess, lion dance, a parade of decorative cars, lanterns, and traditional performances.
According to Kapitan Boog Boon Kah from Siniawan, different communities of different races such as the Dayaks and Malay who don their traditional costumes and playing kompang (traditional hand drum).
Apart from interesting sites to visits, Anielia also said noted on the importance of promoting products by the local community as part of the tourism experience for visitors.
Officially opened in March 2019, she said that the Bau Handicraft House was opened as a handicraft centre for the local community to showcase and sell their local handicraft products.
