Sabah’s unique accommodations highlight conservation efforts

Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai launching the Utan Rainforest Lodge together with STB chief executive officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit (second right), and Borneo Eco Tours managing directors Albert Teo (right) and Timothy Teo (left).

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah's stunning biodiversity presents a unique opportunity to attract medium to high-end tourists through the development of niche accommodations, particularly in conservation areas.

These accommodations will allow visitors to immerse themselves in nature while learning about the region’s vital conservation efforts.

At the launch of the Utan Rainforest Lodge on Friday (Oct 11), Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai highlighted the need for high-quality lodging that harmonises comfort with the great outdoors.

“As the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chairman, I believe that by offering eco-friendly and specialised stays, we can encourage tourists to engage more deeply with our natural environment and the critical conservation initiatives in place,” he said.

The Utan Rainforest Lodge, developed by Borneo Eco Tours, is strategically situated within the wildlife-rich Sungai Kapur Virgin Jungle Reserve.

Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai signing the Utan Rainforest Lodge plaque, while (from left) Lahad Datu District Forestry officer Osman Bangkong, STB chief executive officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit, Borneo Eco Tours Managing directors Albert Teo and Timothy Teo, and Tawau Regional Forestry Officer Arapa Lamuda look on.

It features 12 rooms and provides a variety of curated activities, including birdwatching, wildlife viewing, river cruises, night safaris, and jungle trekking.

Bangkuai commended the lodge as a significant addition to Sabah's eco-tourism offerings, complementing other establishments that promote sustainable tourism.

“This lodge contributes to our goal of providing visitors with unique and comfortable experiences while supporting conservation efforts and benefiting the local economy,” he added.

Present at the event were STB chief executive officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit, Borneo Eco Tours managing directors Albert Teo and Timothy Teo, Tawau Regional Forestry officer Arapa Lamuda, and Lahad Datu District Forestry officer Osman Bangkong.

Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai at the official opening of Utan Rainforest Lodge. Also in photo are STB chief executive officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit (standing fourth left), Borneo Eco Tours managing directors Albert Teo (standing sixth right) and Timothy Teo (standing seventh right), Tawau Regional Forestry officer Arapa Lamuda (standing fifth right), and Lahad Datu District Forestry officer Osman Bangkong (standing third left).

Located just two hours from Lahad Datu, Sungai Kapur is home to an array of endemic species, including the Proboscis Monkey, Bornean Orangutan, Sun Bear, Bornean Ground-Cuckoo, and the elusive Helmeted Hornbill.

By investing in such accommodations, Sabah can provide visitors with the opportunity to fully embrace and enjoy the natural beauty of the region while supporting conservation efforts.