Penanjung Island, Sekadau: Spacious Pool, Cozy Café, and Miukang’s Creative Entertainment

The view at the Penanjung Island pool: For the people of Sekadau and the surrounding area, this place is quite adequate for recreation and entertainment. Doc. Tribun Pontianak.

BORNEO TRAVEL - SEKADAU : If you ever find yourself traveling or on a business trip in West Kalimantan, make sure to set aside some time to visit the intriguing man-made natural attraction of Miukang in Sekadau: Penanjung Island.

Island is just a name for a tourist spot in Sekadau

Is it an island? Not quite—it's just the name. 

It’s an area that, ten years ago, was practically nothing. It went unnoticed until Miukang, an uneducated local, decided to acquire it from the residents. He bought the land cheaply and transformed it into a water-based tourist destination, fitting perfectly with its topography.

Yes, indeed. This area is unique and beautiful. The Sekadau River flows through it, and when the water recedes, it runs swiftly. At the far end, visible from the entrance gate, you’ll see a small bridge known as Jembatan Penanjung.

It turns out that creative ideas and brilliant concepts don’t always come from those with formal education. Intelligence isn’t just about drinking certain tonics or attending school and university; it’s about learning. 

That’s Miukang for you—the designer and owner of Penanjung Island, complete with a hotel, restaurant, coffee shop, and various local snacks.

Sekadau residents are well aware of it. Penanjung Island is the only water attraction around.

Miukang’s creative entertainment

It features a water slide, a sparkling fountain that splashes in the air, and a variety of activities for both children and adults. There are also nearby restaurants and cafes.

The writer and Miukang.

The writer knows Miukang well, having known him for a long time. He’s a diligent worker, often mingling with his staff. Sometimes, he handles tasks himself, believing that if something needs to be done, he should do it. He doesn’t shy away from “dirty” work or the scorching sun, and he’s just as willing to work in the rain. What matters is that the job gets done and done right.

“Miukang is indeed a hard worker—a workaholic. He’s compulsive in his work and responsible to stakeholders. We sleep soundly knowing he’s in charge,” says Adilbertus Aco, Director of the Keling Kumang Education Foundation, who regularly uses his services.

The holistic concept of Penanjung Island is unique. Those studying entrepreneurship should intern and learn here, especially about creative economics. Miukang is truly adept at seizing opportunities.

Miukang saw that Sekadau lacked entertainment options. When people are bored, they don’t know where to go. Not everyone likes coffee, but everyone enjoys relaxing and needs entertainment.

A concept that worked. But of course, it needed sufficient funds. Miukang explains, “I got the capital from the Passionist priests and Bishop Yulius Mencuccini from my early days as a construction laborer. Don’t judge me by what you see now. It’s all a process. It’s all thanks to God,” he says.

In Sekadau, Miukang is a well-known figure. The Penanjung area is now almost synonymous with him. There are several rental houses and numerous rental properties he has built around. There’s even a nasi warung (rice stall) that doubles as a rental residence. He’s developed Penanjung like a business center, an integrated hub of activity.

Guests from Malaysia stay at the Penanjung Hotel: Standard!

There’s Evo Cafe, offering a variety of snacks and drinks. With its spacious and comfortable setting, guests enjoy lingering over coffee and chatting. The cafe is ideal for meetings, reunions, or casual gatherings. Bringing guests here is never embarrassing because the menu and service are quite satisfactory.

For those who don’t drink coffee or tea, there are fresh juices available. All fruits are offered, except those that are seasonal.

Hanging out and relaxing in the cafes around Penanjung is very pleasant

In Miukang’s hands, even without a formal education, everything can have economic value. He is a living example that school and university are not everything. Why? Because formal education can be completed. What’s essential in life is learning continuously.

The development concept of Penanjung Island, for instance, carefully considers all interrelated aspects. Everything supports each other. With the connection of Jalan Keling Kumang (Rawak) to Jalan Raya Sintang from his house, Penanjung has become even more strategic.

Miukang is currently developing a plantation area similar to agrotourism, spanning hundreds of hectares. As far as the eye can see, this area extends to the boundary of the Keling Kumang Education Foundation’s land, where there’s a student dormitory for the Keling Kumang Institute of Technology, Keling Kumang Agro, and livestock enterprises.

“There will be a waterfall with a height of several meters. This will be a place for people to relax while enjoying the natural scenery. 

Sekadau will become a student city with all its associated activities in the future,” explains the humble gentleman from Sekadau.
-- Masri Sareb Putra