Visit to Kg. Sabibingkol, Pensiangan, Sabah, Borneo

Early November this year, I went to Kg Sabibingkol, Pensiangan together with our team. Its a small village of just over 100 people in the Pensiangan area. Our organisation have received funding to install a 3kW micro-hydro system alongside a solar-powered socio-economy centre. The journey to the village is about 1 hour hour ride by boat.

Photos by Philip C.

Photos by Philip C

Our team spent some time interviewing the villagers and do a workshop. The villagers are very excited on Micro Hydro project .

Currently the village has electricity for a few hours a day from incredibly expensive generators. The project will provide 24 hour electricity at a much lower cost and the project includes plans for providing employment and income-generating opportunities for those currently living there. Amongst other ideas, the villagers have a vision for bringing tourists into the area to demonstrate the local way of life and to show off the surrounding jungle and waterfalls.

We also made a quick visit to Pensiangan an hour up river, an outpost of the British army in the first half of the last century. The Japanese were here during the second world war too, from 1942-45.

Shops opened by Chinese settlers following the Japanese occupation are still in place.There is also an abandoned jeep still sitting on top of the hill.

After 2 nights and 3 days in the village, we have gathered all information needed. We're so happy and grateful for the good hospitality of the community in the village.