Vast business potentials for eco-tourism in Brunei

By Azaraimy HH

Singapore's vast appetites for eco-travels and cultural tours, especially in the growing educational trips, open up great potential for Brunei's vast green jewel, voiced Singaporean companies on their optimism during a Brunei-Singapore business matching at the International Halal Product Expo in the International Convention Centre yesterday.

Companies like JMA Consulting Group Pte Ltd said nature-touring is gaining popularity among primary and secondary schools in Singapore, and due to the pristine condition of Brunei's forest reserve, coupled with the ambition for a full fledge eco-tourism industry, especially with the Heart of Borneo initiatives, Brunei can easily, if tap, become a ready destination for nature-based educational tours.

JMA Consulting chief executive officer, Sharifah Maznah Syed Omar, said after learning the potential of Brunei's eco-tourism, the company is in the process of networking and identifying potential tour operators as partners.

At the business matching, Deputy Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, Dato Paduka Hj Hamdilah Hj Abdul Wahab, said being very close neighbours, Singaporeans know the conditions here and what Brunei can offer as potential business and investment partners.

"We have sustainably been conserving our pristine tropical forests, which covers around 75 per cent of our total area today, through a capped production and cut one-plant policy.

"And through territorial initiative of Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia, Brunei will be allocating 58 per cent of our land area to the Heart of Borneo, commercialising the value of the forest by developing and promoting eco-tourism in the short-term, undertaking research and development of microbes and micro-organisms with NITE of Japan plus other interested parties, and harnessing of our bio-diversity as we become a signatory to the Convention to Biodiversity starting this year."

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Sunday

Sarikei has a lot to offer to eco-tourism

SIBU: When it comes to eco-tourism, Sarikei certainly has a lot to showcase.

Take Sungai Pau waterfall for example, its natural landscape remains undisturbed by human activities.

Sungai Pau waterfall located in a hilly area is reached after a 40-minute walk from Rumah Nyuka (Nyuka longhouse).

It is a popular picnic spot among locals during weekends, said the executive of Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) Sibu Office, Rudy Anoi.

Interviewed at his office at Jalan Tukang Besi here yesterday, Anoi cited that Sungai Pau waterfall was another potential area that could be effectively developed as a tourism product in the central region of Sarawak besides Sungei Munsoh which was further away.

“The slightly smaller Sungai Pau waterfall has only two tiers of waterfall compared to Sungai Munsoh which has three.

“The water there is crystal clear and would be very ‘tempting’ for nature lovers who desire to take a swim. The highest point of the waterfall is about one-storey tall.

Continue reading at: Sarikei has a lot to offer to eco-tourism

Sabah to conserve 78,000ha of mangrove, wildlife reserves

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is permanently conserving wetlands and forests three times the size of Kuala Lumpur at a wildlife rich region on the state's east coast.

Sabah Forestry Department director Datuk Sam Mannan said the state cabinet approved the setting aside of some 78,000ha of mangrove and wildlife forest reserves in the Lower Kinabatangan-Segama region.

The cabinet made the move when giving its nod to the suggestion by the Borneon Biodiversity and Ecosystems Conservation Phase II programme to list the area as part of the global Ramsar Site Network.

Named after a place in Iran, Ramsar is an international convention on wetlands that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. It it was first established in 1971 and came into force in 1975.

Continue reading at: Sabah to conserve 78,000ha of mangrove, wildlife reserves

Central region of Sarawak for eco-tourism

SIBU: The central region of Sarawak has the potential to effectively position the state as a preferred eco-tourism destination.

An executive of Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) Sibu Office, Rudy Anoi believed this was possible because the central region, which comprises Sibu, Sarikei, Mukah and Kapit, had a lot to offer in term of eco-tourism products.

However, to realise such potential, he suggested that prospective places of interest in the central region had to be identified as a starting point.

When interviewed at his office yesterday, Anoi said: “The Ministry of Tourism Malaysia is now emphasising on the development of eco-tourism products. With 18 national parks and wildlife sanctuary all over the state, elevated further by its wide geographical area, Sarawak has plenty to offer, especially eco-tourism products.

Continue reading (incl. pic) at: Central region of Sarawak for eco-tourism

Ezo Zone: Kubah National Park's cool!

JESSICA Alba may not know this but she brought sexy back to Kubah National Park with her 2003 film, Sleeping Dictionary.

The story, about a young, idealistic colonial officer posted to Britain’s deep-jungle Sarawak outpost in 1939 and his forbidden love with sexy, local tutor (Alba), was filmed around the area and managed to paint a lush picture of Borneo – the kind that has since lured many tourists to the island.

Naturally one would think that even the locals would make a mad dash to the park, following in the footsteps of the Hollywood celeb. After all, look at what Lord Of The Rings did for New Zealand tourism.

Sadly, that was not to happen with Kubah. Since the film’s release and the gazetting of the park in 1988, Kubah remains Sarawak’s least known national park although it is the most easily accessible from Kuching – just a 20-minute leisurely drive through the town’s many famously huge roundabouts that dot the urban landscape.

Glamorous Camp

But for guests like myself, few tourists only means good news. Like having the waterfall all to yourself – yes, the same one that gave the film that stunning backdrop in its publicity gig. Or getting the park rangers accompany you on the many trails, drinking in the scenery and sharing in the forest knowledge from those that know the area well.

Still, it can be a bit unnerving camping on the park’s 2,230-hectare ground with just you and the photographer... and perhaps a handful of park rangers on night duty.

Continue reading (incl. pics) at: Ezo Zone: Kubah National Park's cool!

Sabah targets to earn RM48.5 bil from tourism by 2025

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah targets to earn RM48.5 billion from tourism by 2025, says Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun. In his keynote speech at a seminar on opportunities in the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) organised by Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) at Beverly Hotel here yesterday, Masidi said under the SDC, the state will market Sabah as an exclusive destination and attract quality tourists who will spend more and stay longer.

The state will promote eco-tourism and new products while involving the rural people, he said. “In addition, the tourism strategy should also benefit the people of Sabah and enhance their quality of life,” he said in his speech read by his ministry’s permanent secretary, Suzannah Liaw.

Tourism, Masidi pointed out, is one of the main contributors to the state economy besides agriculture and manufacturing, and last year it contributed about RM4.72 billion, or 14.72 per cent of the state’s gross domestic product, benefiting not just the government but also everyone in the state including taxi drivers and businesspeople.

Continue reading at: Sabah targets to earn RM48.5 bil from tourism by 2025

Good tourism growth potential in Sibuti

SIBUTI: In a visit to Kuala Bakam here on Friday, Aidan Wing, State Assemblyman for Lambir, said he noted good potential for tourism growth in areas such as Sibuti, Bekenu and Lambir, with strong emphasis on eco-tourism products.

He said the natural beauty of green environment, beautiful sandy beaches and rivers ideal for water sports should be exploited further to attract more tourists especially foreign ones to come. More activities should also be planned in these areas for the purpose, he added.

Meanwhile, he said he was happy with efforts so far to develop more tourism products to boost the local tourism industry.

“I’m confident the development of eco-tourism and agro-tourism products along Bakam district and its surrounding areas would continue to grow to boost the tourism industry,” he said during an interview held his visit to Kuala Bakam.

Continue reading (incl. pic) at: Good tourism growth potential in Sibuti

Maliau Basin: Sabah's Lost World

Deep in the rugged heartland of Sabah lies a piece of paradise. It is one of the few remaining areas virtually untouched by man—not just in Sabah but in the whole world! The Maliau Basin is distinguished by its almost circular perimeter outlined by a razor-sharp rim with steep slopes on all sides. The highest point is thought to be Gunong Lotung which is over 1,600m in elevation although this has not yet been accurately surveyed.

Despite its volcano like appearance the 25km Basin is in fact a sedimentary formation comprised mainly of gently inclined beds of sandstone and mudstone. It is a single significant water catchment area drained by a set of tributaries of the Maliau River, one of which descends a magnificent series of waterfalls known as the Maliau Falls. More than sixteen waterfalls have since been discovered making Maliau Basin one of the highest concentrations of waterfalls in one area in Malaysia. Here also you will find Lake Linumunsut, Sabah’s only true lake, formed by a landslide blocking a small tributary of the Pinangah River. Maliau Basin has never been permanently inhabited and over 80% of the area remains unexplored.

Before you decide to dress up like Indiana Jones and embark on an epic journey of slashing your way through wild untamed jungle, access to Maliau Basin is strictly controlled. The 390km2 Basin was originally part of a 10,000km2 timber concession belonging to Yayasan Sabah (Sabah Foundation), a government subsidiary. Realising the immense biodiversity value of the area, Sabah Foundation voluntarily designated the Maliau Basin as a Conservation Area for the purposes of research, education and training in 1981.


Sixteen years later, in 1997, the Maliau Basin Conservation Area was upgraded by the Sabah state government to a Protection (Class One) Forest Reserve which means no commercial interests will be allowed into the basin other than limited ecotourism, and the area was extended to its present size of 588.4km2 (58,840 hectares). It is also gazetted under the state Cultural Heritage (Conservation) Enactment 1997, which provides for the preservation, conservation and enhancement of the cultural heritage of Sabah.

Early expeditions which came close to Maliau Basin date back to the early 1900s up to the 1970s but they never found their way onto the rim of the Basin itself. A pilot was reported to have almost crashed into Maliau’s sheer cliffs in 1947. The first team to properly visit the interior of the Basin was in 1982 and this opened the doors for several organised scientific and adventure expeditions. The scientific expeditions in 1988 and 1996 revealed a spectacular array of plant species, including six species of pitcher plant and 37 species of orchid, several of which are new records to Sabah.

Rafflesia tengku-adlinii, one of Sabah’s rarest plants, was found during this expedition, and no new sites have been found elsewhere since. In addition, there are many more species of rhododendrons, orchids, ferns and other plants, which will require much more research and study.


These plants thrive in a diverse and unique landscape of lower montane forest dominated by majestic Agathis trees, rare montane heath forest and lowland and hill dipterocarp forests. There are over 40 species of dipterocarps as well as wild species related to well-known fruit trees, such as the rambutan, mangosteen, durian and jackfruit. These forests are also a refuge for rare and endangered animals such as Sumatran rhinoceros, banteng, proboscis monkey and Asian elephant, along with 182 species of birds.

One of the most dramatic signs of wildlife is a clear path which cuts across low heath forest through a pass on the southern rim into more fertile alluvial forest sites near the centre of the basin. Known as “Jalan Babi”, this natural game trail is likely the migration route of pig herds in search of food, especially during intense fruiting seasons.

The label “Lost World” which has been used to describe Maliau Basin was said “to be inspired by Arthur Conan Doyle’s story of the adventures of Professor Challenger in unknown territory northwest of Manaus (Brazil), where a lofty plateau was Maliau is as pristine, as incredibly self-contained and magical a place as could be found on Borneo which is one of the world’s everlasting icons of the splendour of nature.” (KM Wong, Malaysian Naturalist, Vol. 54/3).

It is difficult to disagree with this observation. Spectacular scenery, wild unexplored jungle, undiscovered plant life, exotic animals—Maliau Basin is a treasure trove of possibilities and discovery. The real meaning of the name “Maliau” is lost beneath the dark tea-coloured waters that flow through the basin. One account says that it is a Murut word for “murky”, which describes the silt-laden river waters during floods.

Another tells of a Murut name which means Land of the Giant Staircase after the steplike hills and ridges there. Whatever meaning Maliau may carry, it is without doubt one of the most significant natural treasures of Sabah. It transcends the meaning of wilderness, remoteness and the allencompassing joy of discovery. It is simply, one of God’s green gifts to the world.

Courtesy of: New Sabah Times 'In' Sites - Sabah Travel and Leisure Guide

Semporna - Discover nature’s secret

By Anna Vivienne

Semporna’s islands are valuable for the sheer magnitude of marine biodiversity they support. Islands located in the Sulabayan area were identified in the National Eco-Tourism Plan as a potential marine eco-tourism site thus prompting the Semporna Islands Project. Conducted by the Ministry of Tourism, Environment, Science and Technology it is in collaboration with Sabah Parks, WWF Malaysia, UK’s Marine Conservation Society and Belgium’s Nature Link. It is designed to help foster understanding of the importance of marine conservation on the islands and is carried through displays, exhibitions and workshop among schoolteachers, local community and relevant officials.

Plans are also underway to gazette eight islands, Bohey Dulang, Bodgaya, Tetagan, Sebangkat, Selakan, Maiga, Sibuan and Mantabuan, to be known as Semporna Islands Park. Well-developed and extensive coral reefs are present surrounding the islands and these supports a high diversity of fishes, soft corals, sponges, anemones, echinoderms, mollusks and other species. Diversity is greater than that of Pulau Sipadan and is reported to be comparable to that of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

Some of the islands are uninhabited, while others have long been occupied by fishing villages and small farms. The banned practice of blast fishing have removed the larger more conspicuous fish and caused damage to coral around these islands.

The 350 square km area will be managed by Sabah Parks where communities would be allowed to remain provided they conduct sustainable fishing. Such move has been met with some resistance from local inhabitants who want to maintain rights to their traditional fishing ground.

The first sight of Pulau Bohey Dulang and Pulau Bodgaya took my breath away. The sheer cliffs and lush tropical jungle of Bohey Dulang, Bodgaya (often called by its abbreviation Gaya), and the Tetangan islands make for a striking contrast to the uninspiring flat and coconutcovered islands and islets around them. These imposing figures are part of the rim of an ancient volcanic crater, now inundated and encircled by coral reefs. The cliff-fringed Bodgaya and Bohey Dulang are majestic with their peaks shooting vertically up from the sea, some reaching a towering 300 metre.

Together with travelling companion Otto, our first stop in exploring the Semporna Islands was Bohey Dulang. The island is home to the now dilapidated Japanese-owned pearl farm, which virtually closed off the island to visitors until 1992 when the company suddenly closed shop. The Kaya Pearl Co., is now home to a Sabah Park research/visitors centre as well as an army and security outpost. There is little to see here except for the Sabah Park’s office, which serves as an exhibit room, store room and meeting room. For the more adventurous traveller, there’s a three-hour climb to Bohey Dulang’s highest peak for a breathtaking view of the surrounding islands.

Separated from Bohey Dulang by just a few metres at one end, Bodgaya features a more hospitable terrain for a community of Bajau Laut. It’s thickly covered jungle slope made it the ideal obstacle course for the world famous Sabah Eco- Challenge Race in 2000.

20 minutes boat ride away is Pulau Sibuan, home to two families of Bajau Laut and an army base. With the current tight security imposed on traveling around Semporna’s water, make sure the person organising the trip has made a formal request to the relevant authority before you set off. We stopped by Sibuan for a security check with the resident army personnel. Once the formalities were over, we became their guests and spent an interesting afternoon sharing lunch and stories.

The local Bajau Laut inhabitants generously supplied coconuts. Otto and I had earlier planned on diving at one of our island destinations. Refreshed after our lunch we decided to explore Sibuan’s underwater world. Otto explains that Sibuan’s gentle sandy slope has made it a favourite among snorkelers and first-time divers. The marine life is not as rich as those found in Sipadan but the massive barrel sponges and plate corals towering the floor bed is a magnificent sight nonetheless.

To visit each and every island would take more time than what was available to us. As we made our way for a brief stop in Semporna, my tour guide pointed out the other islands. Pulau Mantabuan, approximately 3km long and 1.5km wide is another island of the Bodgaya Group. It is one of the few uninhabited islands and a familiar destination for scuba divers. Pulau Maiga is a popular stopover for fishermen seeking shelter when the sea gets rough. The island has several long stretches of white sandy beaches fringed by coconut trees. Its nutrientrich warm water supports prolific coral growths and teeming shoals of fishes.


Semporna’s violent past is evident in the peninsula’s bold mountainous topography, which continues offshore. Immediately to the west of the Bodgaya group are several high islands, and beyond. them, the larger islands of Silawa, Bait, Pebabag, Puno-Puno, and the largest of all, mountainous Pulau Timbun Mata which extends offshore along nearly the entire northern coast of the Semporna Peninsula. Gunung Sirongal (486 m), perched near the eastern tip of the island, is the highest offshore point in the district and serves as an essential navigational landmark.

Along the southern edge of the peninsula is a chain of several small high islands, Menampilik, Nusa Tengah, and Si Amil. Interspersed with these are more numerous low islands of stranded coral limestone. The largest and most important is Pulau Bum Bum, also the most densely populated in the district. There is a bus service that goes around the island and the fare is 50 cents whichever way you go. Scattered around the northern part of the island are seaweed farms, grown on long lines floating in the green, shallow waters.

Seaweed is an important source of income for local farmers who harvest, dry and sell them to international markets for human consumption, animal feed, pharmaceutical products, fertilizers and as industrial raw material for the production of a wide range of products. Visiting these seaweed farms is possible as long as one is prepared to haggle it out with small boat owners. They may charge as much as RM100 (just to take you there), so if you want your money’s worth go during high tide when the engines are less likely to get stuck in the sandy bottom or tangled up in the seaweed.

To the south is Pulau Omadal which prior tothe establishment of Semporna in 1887, served as a staging port and maritime link in the network of regional trade that extended from central Sulu to the eastern Borneo coast. Slaves were a major trading commodity and moved from Sulu through Omadal to Bulungan in eastern Kalimantan, then an important regional slave market.

The island is home to old hand-carved grave markers; their origin still debated and is either Chinese or Japanese depending on whom you ask. It’s best to have a guide if you plan on exploring the island. Omadals are the least enthusiastic bunch when it comes to having foreign visitors at their doorstep. It’s customary to ask permission from local villagers before you start clicking away with your camera.

We arrived back in Semporna late in the afternoon and decided to visit Bukit Tengkorak (Skull Hill), the town’s only oncession to tourism on the mainland. Taxis offer the quickest and most convenient mode of transportation. The five kilometer drive cost RM10 each way. If you worry about them leaving as you do the 20 minute hike up the hill, pay the fare after the trip is over.

Just 15 minutes drive from Semporna town, Bukit Tengkorak, also known as Bukit Kabongan (Hood Hill) was gazetted as a historical site by the Sabah Museum in 2000. The dug up steps have long been eaten away by the rain so the steep track up may be muddy and slippery. A second part of the climb is wooden steps that give way to observation decks. From the highest viewing point it is possible to see Pulau Bum Bum in its mass coconut-covered entirety.

Covering an area of 150 acres, this long extinct volcano served as a major pottery-making site in Southeast Asia between 4340–4350 BC. Amazingly, more than half of the pottery and obsidian artifacts date back to about 1200–900 BC, traced back to Talasea, Melanesia some 3,500 km away.

Semporna’s charm is not just in its underwater life but also its wildlife and local culture. Semporna, its islands and the elusive Bajau Laut community have managed to retain some of their secrets, with that unmistakable sense mysticism and charm.

Courtesy of: New Sabah Times 'In' Sites - Sabah Travel and Leisure Guide

A Boost for Eco-Tourism in Sabah

Blame it on Jacques Costeau. On a visit to Pulau Sipadan, the renowned French oceanographer famously observed: “I have seen other places like Sipadan – but 45 years ago – but now, no more, now we have found again an untouched piece of art.”

That was in the early 1980s. Word has spread around the diving community, and now Sipadan, with its unsurpassed variety of marine life, is recognised as one of the top diving destinations in the world. The only oceanic island in Malaysia, Sipadan rises some 600m from the seabed, at the heart of one of the richest marine habitats in the world. The list of attractions is quite staggering – greenback and hawksbill turtles, barracuda and big-eye trevally, manta rays, hammerhead and whale sharks, etc.

Other notable dive destinations include Mabul Island, with luxury chalets on stilts and shallow reefs; the three islands of Pulau Tiga National Park surrounded by a crystal-clear sea; Turtle Islands Park; Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, a group of five beautiful islands with good facilities, beaches and snorkelling just a 10-minute boat ride from Kota Kinabalu.

Continue reading at: A Boost for Eco-Tourism in Sabah

Eco-tourism spells prosperity for Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: Eco-tourism has changed the life of a small community that once depended on river fishing and small-scale agriculture to put food on the table.

Today, the Orang Sungai of Kampung Sukau are not only earning tourist dollars, they are also picking up English and learning management and people skills. They have come to appreciate nature and are contributing to the conservation of endangered animals such as the orang utans, proboscis monkeys and Borneo pygmy elephants that live in the nearby Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary.

Their community-based outfit, Red Ape Encounters and Adventures Sdn Bhd (RAE), was set up in 2001 in a joint effort between the Sabah Wildlife Department and Hutan, a non-governmental organisation based in the village.

Nearly 750 visitors have come to the village in the last five years, enabling villagers to earn some RM665,000.

Continue reading (incl. pics) at: Eco-tourism spells prosperity for Sabah

Sandakan Rainforest Park introduction seminar

SANDAKAN: Some 115 participants attended a seminar themed at “An introduction to a new eco-tourist destination: Sandakan Rainforest Park”on December 15, 2007.

The participants mainly tour operators, tourist guides, hotel managers and other nature- tourism stakeholders.

Held at the auditorium of the Sabah Forestry Department in the morning than on a guided tour of the park in the afternoon.

During which the participants were shown the park’s facilities: The Kebun Cina Gallery where historical, scientific and conservation values of the park are explained with posters, plant and animal specimens and historical documents, outdoor recreation facilities such as the jogging track and children’s playground, a natural pitcher plant garden which four species the Nepenthes ampularia, Nepenthes gracilis, Nepenthes mirabilis and Nepenthes rafflesiana of the insectivorous plants grow naturally and nature trails through pristine and semi-natural forests where the participants encountered live specimens (topotypes) of 13 species of plants, first discovered in the Sandakan Rainforest Park area.

They were also informed that facilities such as an entrance plaza, eateries and observation tower will be built in the near future.

Continue reading (incl. pic) at: Sandakan Rainforest Park introduction seminar

More villages for Sabah homestay programme

KOTA KINABALU: The State Government wants to identify more villages that can be involved in the homestay programme.

Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, Datuk Masidi Manjun said that as of to date, there are only 186 homestay operators in Sabah.

“We are still lagging behind in terms of participation in the homestay programme,” he said in his speech at the launch of the ‘Home Stay Development Seminar in Sabah’s Tourism Sector: Prospects and Challenges for Bumiputra Women Entrepreneurs” held at a hotel here yesterday.

The speech was read by the ministry’s assistant minister, Datuk Karim Bujang.

In Malaysia, there are 1,583 homestay operators, with Sabah being the second highest in terms of participation.

In view of Sabah richness in nature, Sabah should be the example of other States in the country where homestay programme is concerned, he said.

“We have everything. We are rich in natural resources which itself is an attraction to tourists. We also have an environment which is suited for eco-tourism.

Continue reading at: More villages for Sabah homestay programme

WWF sees tourism potential for Balambangan Island, Kudat

By Arman Gunsika

KOTA KINABALU - Balambangan Island located about 21km north of the Tip of Borneo in Kudat has tremendous potential to be developed for eco-tourism, according to World Wildlife Fund (WWF) executive director Dr Dionysius SK Sharma here.

He said a study conducted by Sabah Parks on four of the more than 20 limestone caves on the island revealed unique formations consisting of stalatites, stalagmites, flow stone, straw and many other speleotems, all contributing to the aesthetic value of the area.

Dr Dionysius said the caves constitute only one aspect of the island's significant biodiversity and that endemic species like snail species and slipper orchid, critically endangered tree species like seraya, rare species of pandan and orchids of horticultural importance are among the unique features of the island.

Apart from its bio-diversity, the island has much historical value, grounded in the establishment of an East India Company post by the British traders in the late 18th century.

Used as a trading settlement, the interests of the British traders in Sabah steadily grew from this outposts.

He also said archaeological findings from the Pleistocene era (the ice age) discovered by researchers from the Malaysian Archaeological Research Centre at USM in August 1977 have established human existence dating even further back.

The discovery included three prehistoric human bones and 36 artifacts made out of animal bones that may have been likely used as tools.

However, he said, the fate of Balambangan Island lies on the clinker and grinding plants of cement as part of the State government's aim of setting up an integrated Clinker Plant project to meet the cement demands in Sabah.

According to the KIA report, Balambangan Island has an estimated quarry reserve of 65.3 million metric tonnes, equivalent to over 52 years of clinker plant operation.

Local communities would benefit from employment opportunities.

Dr Dionysius said quarrying deposits the environment and rock blasting could lead to the destruction of coral reefs, which would be of no help to the tourism industry.

However the reefs off Balambangan Island are currently not on the priority list of diving enthusiasts.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Ecotourism - the next big thing

By Zowy Costa

Ecological tourism or Ecotourism - for short, is a type of tourism, which appeals to the ecologically and socially conscious. Ecotourism focuses on local culture, jungle adventures, volunteering, personal growth, and learning new ways to live on the planet; typically involving travelling to destinations where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. It is considered to be 'green' tourism and environmental-friendly.

Responsible ecotourism includes programmes that minimise the negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment, and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. Therefore, in addition to evaluating environmental and cultural factors, an integral part of ecotourism is in the promotion of recycling, energy efficiency, water conservation, and creation of economic opportunities for the local communities.

Ecotourism aims to give people a first-hand experience of natural environment and to show them the importance of conservation.

Ecotourism is regarded as a sustainable tourism, which can continue without damaging the environment, as well as integrating the local community and involving them in the planning and implementation of tourism development.

Ecotourism is a low density and low impact tourism. Therefore it is considered to be sustainable. On the other hand, mass tourism is the destroyer of environment and considered to be unsustainable. Mass tourism lures in massive numbers of tourists, regardless of age, status, nationality and culture. However, some argued that ecotourism is sometimes regarded as 'egotourism'. With wealthy and snobbish people trying to get closer to the environment and therefore will cause much more damage than mass tourism. Jungle trekkers destroy the natural environment by trampling on the plants and species of the forest.

About 70% of Brunei is still covered with virgin rainforest, especially the areas of Temburong District.

Ecotourism plays an important role in Brunei's tourism industry. Temburong, rich with Brunei's flora & fauna, attracts ecotourists from all over the world. The main attraction is the Ulu Temburong National Park. Not only tourists, but scientists and biologists are also attracted to the flora and fauna of Temburong for their research. The Ulu Temburong National Park, being a forest reserve means that logging is prohibited. It is strictly controlled and managed to maintain the state of virgin forest.

Tourists can spend a few nights at the Ulu Temburong National Park, enjoying the beautiful scenery, witnessing various wildlife species and in addition to that, they can enjoy and experience the indigenous lifestyle of Temburong. Jungle trekking & hiking is one of the activities offered. The main attraction is the canopy walkway, in which tourists can enjoy the picturesque view from hundreds of metres above ground level. Adventure enthusiasts can also enjoy rafting and kayaking along the Belalong River.

Brunei still has room for improvements. Even though Brunei is a small country, it has the potential to develop its tourism industry, particularly in ecotourism. With the success of "Visit Brunei Year 2001", we can do the same thing and improve better for the forthcoming "Visit Brunei Year 2008". We can't deny the fact that tourism is the world's fastest growing industry.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Weekend

Donnavventura's cultural snapshots

Joining the local community in a dance

Benedetta Delogu posing with Kampong Ayer as the backdrop

Walking on a jetty at the Water Village

Group photo at Goh Hock Kee Motors showroom

Photos courtesy of and Copyright to Azrol Azmi and Brunei Press Sdn Bhd.

By Lyna Mohamad

As part of their Asian tour, the Donnavventura visit to the Sultanate to promote "Brunei Eco-tourism" to television viewers in Italy not only provided them with an informative adventure and a taste of the local culture but also fond memories during their brief but busy trip.

The team arrived last Monday to a warm welcome at the Sg Tujoh Control Post and toured numerous places of interest to learn about the culture and people of different ethnic groups.

The team made quick stops at the Billionth Barrel Monument and Tasek Merimbun, the largest lake in the country, and met with the Dusun community there.

Among the landmarks they saw in the capital were Masjid Jame Asr' Hassanil Bolkiah in Kiulap, Kampong Ayer, Istana Nurul Iman and Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque.

They continued their adventure in Temburong District for a visit to Batang Duri and a longhouse as well as a "Temuai" ride down the river to Ulu Temburong National Park where they spent the night in a chalet.

The six Italian adventurers, Silvia Spalvieri, Elena Papuzzo, Stefani Donati, Chiara Babilani, Elisa Grazzini and Benedetta Delogu will share their experiences on Brunei's culture and traditions, particularly the MIB philosophy, with viewers of the highly-rated Italian television series "Donnavventura".

Joint organisers, Brunei Tourism Board and Goh Hock Kee Motors, have done a great job in making the Donnavventura visit run smoothly and showed how the government can cooperate with the private sector in promoting Brunei to the world.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Weekend

Maliau Basin hopes to attain World Heritage status

TAWAU: The existence of the mysterious Maliau Basin, located in the south of Sabah’s central region, came to light in 1947 when a pilot almost crashed the light aircraft he was flying, into a steep slope in that area.

Since then, many attempts have been made to venture into this thickly forested and mist shrouded area but all were futile.

Only in 1981, a group of Sabah Foundation surveyors who used a helicopter, managed to venture into this basin.

The basin which is about 58,840ha wide is a unique in the sense that it is shaped like a huge volcanic crater.

Continue reading (incl. pics) at: Maliau Basin hopes to attain World Heritage status

Sarawak imposes tougher restrictions on eco-tourism projects

MIRI: In an effort to ensure that virgin jungles in Sarawak are left undisturbed as much as possible, the state government has imposed higher levels of restrictions to limit the number of new eco-tourism resort projects statewide.

It is now ‘extremely difficult’ to secure licence from the state government to open up virgin jungles for building of tourist-resorts and hotels, said Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam.

“We (state government) have received many applications for permits from people who want to open up forests for building resorts and accomodation facilities to attract tourists.

Continue reading at: Sarawak imposes tougher restrictions on eco-tourism projects

Sarawak carrying out wide-scope of research on orang utan

KUCHING: Sarawak, which has taken a lead role in orang utan conservation work, is carrying out a wide-scope of research on the "wild man of the forest'' in Borneo.

The recently established Conservation Centre of Excellence for Orangutan Research is spearheading the comprehensive studies that cover the endangered species' behaviour (reproduction, diet, foraging, vocalisation and nesting), its ecology, population enhancement, habitat improvement and rehabilitation programmes.

Other activities are to compile an inventory of orang utan population, DNA studies, zoonotic diseases, visitors' impact study and eco-tourism programme.

Sarawak Forestry said the Conservation Centre of Excellence set up early this year in Nanga Delok, n the Batang Ai National Park in Sri Aman Division, had a research adminstration station to provide various facilities, like a research laboratory, telecommunication installations and accommodation for researchers.

Continue reading at: Sarawak carrying out wide-scope of research on orang utan

Borneo Tropical Rainforest Resort - New nature resort blooms in Sarawak

Belian-plank walkway trekking with the natural tropical greenery
A custom-made farm tractor to take visitors for an enjoyable

ride to the 100 acres of large tropical fruit orchard

One room type at the resort chalet

Photos courtesy of and Copyright to Brunei Press Sdn Bhd.

By George Francis

MIRI - Sarawak's first privately run multi-million ringgit agro-based tourism and nature resort, Borneo Tropical Rainforest Resort, is scheduled to open by December this year with the completion of its 48 rooms full service accommodation and other eco-tourism recreational facilities.

In a sprawling 780 acres of secondary jungle, the resort is nestled in the midst of the rainforest blending in perfectly with the natural lakes, water falls, rivers and the hilly landscapes. Adjacent to an extraordinary species-rich forest Lambir Hill National Park, the resort is only 38 km from Miri City, midway between Lambir Hills National Park and Niah National Park.

Resort developer-operator, Syarikat Kai Nguong Resort Development Sdn Bhd obtained a 60-year-lease of the area from the state government in the late 90s and has been doing works in the area for the past four years.

It is however, geared for a soft-opening next month for the Phase I comprising of 150 acres which encompasses the completion of 18 chalet rooms, cafe, banquet hall, outdoor pavilions, domestic animal farm, tropical fruit orchard and other exciting eco-tourism recreational activities.

In a media briefing to Borneo Bulletin and West Malaysian journalists and Sarawak Tourism Board on the sideline of Miri International Jazz Festival, the first such opportunity before the resort is open to the public, Ms Sim Ling Ling of Ethos Connect International Consultant, said once fully completed, it will have 48 rooms full service accommodation, meetings and banqueting facilities, health centre and business services and a range of eco-tourism recreational activities appealing to the discerning leisure and corporate travellers.

The tour of the agro farms takes about two hours as a custom-made farm tractor takes guests on a comfortable and enjoyable ride to the 100 acres large tropical fruit orchard in which 38 species of tropical and ethnic fruits such as bawang, dabai, etc are found. The seventy acres large domestic animal farm rears about 1,000 numbers of free range chicken and some 100 sheep and goats.

Another exciting event is the boat ride along a river where guests could enjoy the beautiful scenery of the flora and fauna, rainforst, wildlife and birds in a natural outdoor environment.

Other options to consider include fishing, jungle trekking, botanical gardens, sports, camping and BBQ. There are nature walks and rainforest trekking with a combined distance of 2770 metres.

"Combine relaxation with wide range of sports activities, sight seeing, educational and recreational actvities suitable for all ages," said the resort owner, Henry Law, 56, whose interest in building resort all started because of "outdoor hobby" and his family background too, from his father ranging from orchard, housing and landscaping businesses.

In Miri, Syarikat Kai Nguong, is a renowned landscaping contractor, a housing-property development in Labuan and Auckland New Zealand.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Weekend