Mine tunnel a hit among tourists.

Date: 2 January 2013

Mine tunnel a hit among tourists.

KUANTAN: HUNDREDS of visitors thronged the former Sungai Lembing mining site here on New Year's Day after its underground tunnel was opened to  the public for the first time  since 1888. Local and foreign tourists gathered at the ticketing counter as early as 8am before the first batch of 15 people were taken into the tunnel, using a special tram at 10am.

Among the early birds yesterday was factory worker Eng Tick Hang, who came with a friend from Penang. He said they had been looking forward to visit the tunnel and took the opportunity to drop by during their holiday here.

"All this while, we only read in the newspapers and books about the mining site. But now, we have the opportunity to enter it. To preserve its original condition, the tunnel had only undergone minimum repairs." The 48-year-old said the tour guide, who accompanied them during the visit, was knowledgeable as he explained to them about the history of the tunnel and answered all their questions.

Nafisa Muminova, from Tashkent in Uzbekistan, described the experience of going into the tunnels as enlightening. She learned how the mining process was carried out in the old days. "It is my first trip inside a mine, which happens to be the deepest tin mine in the world. After having gone through the tunnel, I have some idea of the kind of life led by the miners who once worked there. The authorities should consider opening more tunnels inside the mine as they will provide visitors with more adventure and thrill," said the 22-year-old.

Her friend, Khairunnisa Wahiddudin, 37, found the tunnel tour educational and it provided visitors with good information on the history of the mining activities. "This is a rewarding trip. It's seldom one can get such an experience in this part of the region. The light and audio systems inside the tunnel also provide visitors with a real-time adventure. As many foreign visitors are expected to visit the tunnel, I hope the authorities could provide tour guides who can speak English and Bahasa Malaysia."

As of 10am yesterday, more than 300 people had purchased tickets to ride a modified tram, which could carry 15 people into the tunnel. The tram stopped after 80m and visitors disembarked for a guided tour inside the 1.5km tunnel. The tour guide showed them interesting sites like the Million Dollar Chamber, which was where a group of ex-miners illegally mined in 1987 despite the tunnel's closure.

By HIDIR REDUAN | news@nst.com.my

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