‘Gem in the Jungle’: Sacred Heart Chapel in Bawan draws pilgrims after RM500,000 restoration

The Sacred Heart Chapel in Bawan, Sarawak, known as the "Gem in the Jungle," has attracted numerous pilgrims since its reopening in February after a RM500,000 restoration funded by Unifor. Built in 1898, this historic chapel is one of Sarawak's oldest Catholic churches and a significant landmark for the Iban Catholic community. It's scheduled to host 32 pilgrimage groups until October, as part of the Jubilee Year 2025 celebrations, and is one of three designated pilgrimage centres chosen by the Sibu Diocese.