Liew (right) receiving a copy of Borneo Nature Travel Guide from Cheema.
LONDON: Showcasing Sabah’s new tourism products that boost adventure, nature and wildlife tourism took centre stage at the recent World Travel Market (WTM) 2024 in ExCeL London.
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew launched the 729-page Borneo Nature Travel Guide which contains information on the best spots to view wildlife and useful travel tips.
“Congratulations to 1Stop Borneo Wildlife (a non-governmental organisation) on its initiative in producing the first such digital travel guide on Borneo Nature. We encourage travellers to come to Borneo to see our iconic wildlife,” she said. It was authored by wildlife conservationist Shavez Cheema and two other writers with emphasis on reforestation, wildlife and tourism.
Liew had a field day meeting up with Sabah’s Co-Exhibitors at the Sabah Pavilion and being enlightened on their new tourism offerings.
One new ecotourism product is Utan Rainforest Lodge nestled within the heart of Borneo’s Virgin Jungle Reserve (VJR) at Sungai Kapur, Lahad Datu, initiated by Borneo Eco Tours. Its Co-Managing Director Timothy Teo said this product serves as a gateway to explore the pristine wilderness of Borneo, providing guests with intimate encounters with some of the world’s most endangered wildlife species.
“The lodge’s strategic location within the VJR allows guests to fully immerse themselves in a pristine habitat that has remained largely untouched by human activity,” he explained, adding that this offers a truly authentic rainforest experience.”
By offering guided tours and educational programs, Utan Rainforest Lodge fosters a deeper understanding of the rainforest’s delicate ecosystem, Teo said. From another perspective, he said this new ecotourism product is dedicated to benefiting the local communities surrounding the VJR through employment opportunities. “The lodge provides sustainable livelihoods for residents, especially for those residing in nearby villages and districts, promoting economic development while maintaining cultural integrity.”
Borneo Rainforest Lodge, tucked away in the heart of the spectacular Danum Valley Conservation Area, also offers a new tourism product – Explore the Jungle on Two Wheels.
Simply, it is an exhilarating jungle cycling adventure. While you explore lush tropical rainforests on two wheels, you have the chance to encounter some of Borneo’s rarest wildlife. You will be guided by an expert team as you navigate through scenic trails, according to Borneo Rainforest Lodge Chief Executive Officer Freddie Coleman.
He assured that “Explore the Jungle on Two Wheels” is perfect for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. “Just discover the Danum Valley on two wheels! This activity is designed for all skill levels. Whether you are a seasoned cyclist or a first-time rider, you will gain an immersive experience filled with breathtaking views, exciting discoveries, and a sense of serenity that only the rainforest can offer,” said Coleman who is also CEO of Borneo Nature Tours.
Sandakan-based Sepilok Tropical Wildlife Adventure’s (STWA) focus is on community-based tourism where it offers a programme specially designed for tourists who are keen to explore the lifestyle of the Orang Sungai community in Kinabatangan. Its Director Johnny Lim said this is made possible through a walk at the back of the trail behind STWA’s Lodge at Kinabatangan.
According to him, tourists will get the rare opportunity to have traditional cooking lessons. “We will give them the recipe and let them have meals, too, in the villagers’ homes.”
Bringing the tourists to catch river prawns and fish using the traditional bubuh trap is part of the package, Lim shared, adding that there will be a batik painting session with them. Capping the tourists’ experience will be a night walk guided by the local community in quest of nocturnal wildlife. Wildlife animals that thrive in the Kinabatangan area include the Malay civet cat, Malay badger, mousedeer, slow loris, sleeping birds such as kingfisher, white-crowned shama, hooded pitta, trogon as well as various species of frogs and spiders.
UK Travel Executive Leopoldine Marie was in quest of a tourism product which provides a hands-on experience of sustainable tourism to her guests interested in wildlife tours. Borneo Nature Lodge, located at Sukau, Kinabatangan, fits in perfectly. In their meeting, Borneo Trails Tours & Travel’s Director of Sales and Marketing Bernadette Jiliu explained that the Lodge offers eco-tours and river cruises that provide meaningful insights into the behaviour and habitats of Borneo’s iconic wildlife such as orangutans and pygmy elephants.
“We practise responsible hospitality where guests are provided filtered water to refill their bottles, cutting down on single-use plastics,” said Jiliu. “As part of our eco-conscious operations, we have installed solar panels for lighting and powering small equipment, thus reducing the Lodge’s carbon footprint.”
Additionally, the Lodge offers an educational engagement in which visitors learn about the unique ecosystem and the importance of conservation through interactive sessions and guided nature walks.
