TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The West Borneo International Bike Camping was officially launched today, March 22, 2017, and will be held on April 28-29, 2017. The tracks of this cycling event will cross through three regions, namely Pontianak City, Mempawah, and Bengkayang.
Roni Wang from the World Wildlife Fund, one of the event's organizers, said that this is an international event that will be participated by domestic cyclists as well as cyclists from across the globe.
“During this event, the cyclists will stop-by in a number of tourist destinations throughout the cycling route,” says Roni Wang. He also explains that this event is also aimed at rejuvenating the local tourism.
“This event also attempts to introduce West Kalimantan’s tourism to foreign and domestic participants, especially along the north coast,” Roni said.
The tourist destinations that will be visited are Alun Kapuas Park, Khatulistiwa Monument, Amantubillah Palace, Mempawah Mangrove Park, Ceng Ho (Sam Po Kong) Temple, and Ancol Beach. “The beach and Mimi Land will be the last destination for the cyclists,” he said.
Participants will spend the evening at Mimi Land that will hold several of events. They will also get the chance to plant mangrove in a number of spots throughout the venue.
Chairman of the Indonesian Hotel & Restaurant Association (IHRA) of West Kalimantan, Yuliardi Qamal, says that the event is expected to be participated by around 300 people. “We were inspired by the success of the cycling event took place in Bromo, East Java.”
According to Yuliardi, the event has so far attracted participants from Hongkong, Jakarta, Solo, Berau, and more.
An official of Sports and Youth Department at the West Kalimantan Administration, Sugeng Hariadi, says that he completely supports the event. “We've very welcome with this event and we’re ready to support it. Hopefully, West Kalimantan will be better known in the future,” he said.
ANTARA