KUCHING: The Orchid Garden at Jalan Astana has been upgraded to Orchid Park, following the Kuching North City Commission’s (DBKU’s) strategic plan for expansion.

Kuching North Datuk Bandar Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Abang Julai said the strategic plans are necessary, as the Orchid Park has great potential to be a major tourist attraction.

“With the change of status, there will be a few plans in store. This includes the 20-acre development of phase 2 where conservation and preservation efforts will be emphasised on Borneo orchid species. This is already on the drawing board and we just need funding to start off.

“We will also be building a mist-house or cool-house to place orchids of mild climate in the Orchid Park. In addition, we will also be implementing the ‘Love Orchid’ programme in 50 schools from Kuching and Samarahan areas,” he said during a briefing and tour for the Head of State’s wife Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Norkiah and the media yesterday.

He said the objective of the programme is to educate students on the planting and care of orchids as well as to instil a love for the flowers.

“This programme is also expected to be extended to non-governmental organisations,” he said.

The main attractions at the Orchid Park, located near the Astana and State Legislative Assembly (DUN) complex are the Bornean species namely lady’s slipper (Paphioppedillum Stonei and P Lowii), Coelogyne dearei and Phalaenopsis bellina.

The park has about 80,000 orchids consisting of 80 genera and 700 varieties.

Abang Wahap added that Kuching succeeded in winning the bid to host the 13th Asia-Pacific Orchid Conference (APOC) 2019 during the recently concluded 11th APOC in Japan.

“This is an international-level festival held once every three years. The 13th APOC will be co-organised by DBKU with Orchidwoods Company and Sarawak Convention Bureau.

“It will be the best platform for us to continue building a name in the world of orchids at the international level,” he said.

DBKU will hold the Second Kuching International Orchid Show on Sept 8-9.

A total of 15 countries are expected to participate including Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore, the Philippines, Brunei, Papua New Guinea, Laos and Ecuador.

Among those present yesterday were DBKU director Dr Saadiah Abdul Samat, DBKU deputy director Kartina Zamhari, Sarawak Convention Bureau general manager Chew Chang Guan and Orchidwoods Company owner Au Yong Kien Chung.