LONDON: Several new Sabah tourism products extolling adventure, nature and wildlife were showcased at the recent World Travel Market (WTM) 2024 in ExCeL London.
State 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.
Advertisement“1Stop Borneo Wildlife (a non-governmental organisation) produced the first digital travel guide on Borneo Nature. It was authored by wildlife conservationist Shavez Cheema and two other writers, with emphasis on reforestation, wildlife and tourism. Liew (right) receiving a copy of Borneo Nature Travel Guide from Cheema.
Co-exhibitors at the Sabah Pavilion included Utan Rainforest Lodge at Sungai Kapur, Lahad Datu, initiated by Borneo Eco Tours.
SPONSORED CONTENT Ford aims to boost its presence in Sabah, Sarawak The improved ride quality makes the Ranger more comfortable for passengers. Read more Its Co-Managing Director Timothy Teo said it 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.
“The Lodge’s strategic location within the VJR (Virgin Jungle Reserve) allows guests to fully immerse in a pristine habitat that has remained largely untouched by human activity.” The Buffy fish owl found in the Kinabatangan area.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});By offering guided tours and educational programmes, 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.
Advertisement (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});“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. A sunset river cruise on Sungai Kapur, Lahad Datu.
“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 breath-taking 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 was on community-based tourism. It offers a programme specially designed for tourists who are keen to explore the lifestyle of the Orang Sungai 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.
“Tourists get the opportunity to have traditional cooking lessons.
“We give them the recipe and let them have meals, too, in villagers’ homes.”
Bringing tourists to catch river prawns (Udang Galah) and fish using the traditional bubuh trap is part of the package. There is also a batik painting session. Capping the tourists’ experience will be a night walk guided by the local community in quest of nocturnal wildlife.
Wildlife that thrive in the Kinabatangan include the Malay civet cat, Malay badger, mousedeer, slow loris, birds such as kingfisher, white-crowned shama, hooded pitta, trogon as well as various species of frogs and spiders.
The Kinabatangan is also noted for pygmy elephants, orangutan and proboscis monkeys.
Borneo Trails Tours & Travel’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Bernadette Jiliu, said their Lodge offers eco-tours and river cruises that provide meaningful insights into the behaviour and habitats of orangutans and pygmy elephants.
“Guests are provided filtered water to refill their bottles, cutting down on single-use plastics,” said Jiliu.
“We have installed solar panels for lighting and powering small equipment, thus reducing the Lodge’s carbon footprint.”
