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ISSUE #57 : JUNE—JULY 2015 KIULU VALLEY : VALLEY IN THE MIST EARTHQUAKE HIT RANAU, SABAH LEMAING IS CLOSED FEATURED UNIQUE LODGE : THREE CAMEL LODGE

Borneo EZone 57

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-Sabah Earthquake -Closure of Lemaing -Featured tour : Maliau Basin Trek -Kiulu Valley : Valley in the Mist -Sukau Rainforest Lodge Receives 3-star -Another 14 New Lodges Join NatGeo Unique Lodges of the World Collection -Volunteering for Habitat for Humanity -Signall Hill Eco Farm

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Page 1: Borneo EZone 57

ISSUE #57 : JUNE—JULY 2015

KIULU VALLEY : VALLEY IN THE MIST

EARTHQUAKE HIT RANAU, SABAH LEMAING IS CLOSED

FEATURED UNIQUE LODGE :

THREE CAMEL LODGE

Page 2: Borneo EZone 57

Borneo EZone is Borneo Eco Tours monthly newsletter regarding our product updates, ongoing and upcoming community and environmental projects, and

recent happenings.

CONTRIBUTORS:

Albert Teo, Belinda Too, Dwana Andrew, Rosalind J. Kantis, Riog

Yanarch, Nancy Lamau

ADVISORS:

Albert Teo, Baton Bijamin,

Timothy Teo, Susan Soong

PHOTOS BY:

Albert Teo, Nancy Lamau,

Rahman, Dwana Andrew,

Pius Joimin, Suhailie, Riog Yanarch

NEWS AND HAPPENINGS

3 Sabah Earthquake

4 Closure of Lemaing

4 A Helping Hand

5 Featured Tour Package

6 Product Updates

7 Kiulu Valley – Valley in the Mist

SUKAU RAINFOREST LODGE CORNER

9 SRL Recieves 3 Star Rating

NATGEO UNIQUE LODGES CORNER

10 Featured Lodge : The Three Camel Lodge

10 14 New Lodges Joins NatGeo Unique Lodges

BEST SOCIETY CORNER

13 Volunteering for Habitat for Humanity

14 How Guest of BET/ SRL contributes to BEST

Society’s projects

14 Volunteering and Internship

15 Signal Hill Eco Farm

STAFF NEWS

17 Internship review

18 Carrot Award

18 RECWEL – A Weekend of Compassion

19 RECWEL—Hari Raya Celebration

BEYOND MEMORIES

21 Photo Album

22 Guest Feedback

WHAT’S INSIDE

Cover photo by Gordon Charles Whittleston—Feb 2015

Next Page Image : Kiulu Valley at Kiulu-Mantob. Read on page 7.

PAGE 3

PAGE 4

PAGE 7

PAGE 13

PAGE 15

Page 3: Borneo EZone 57

MD SAYS

Welcome to our June-July 2015 57th issue – our 10th year anniversary of Borneo Ezone.

This is a roller coaster year of ups and downs. The year started with Sukau Rainforest Lodge becoming a charter member of National Geographic Unique Lodges of the world on our 20th anniversary celebration followed by the lodge getting a three star rating as a jungle lodge-the highest rating possible.

On June 5, a 6.0 Richter scale earthquake struck Mt Kinabalu and took away 18 lives. The two subsequent mudfloods also destroyed our newly opened 16 bed Lemaing Camp, a RM300,000.00 community based ecotourism CBET project in Kiau village.

In July, BEST Society and Borneo Eco Tours were blessed with another new opportunity to develop a new community based project, Kiulu Farmstay in Kiulu by a group of 12 volunteer architects from the Malaysia, UK and Australia. This is part of our integrated approach to CBET to work with a cluster of three villages in Kiulu consisting of Mantob, Mumpiring and Pinagon Baru centred around homestay program. The project is expected to complete in end of August 2015.

Meanwhile, BEST Society will be busy implementing some community projects including Bengkoka Living water project, Sikuati organic farming project and Kiau earthquake recovery projects.

Enjoy,

Bsc.Econ.(Hons.) / London University, FHCIMA, CHA, ADK.

Fellow, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia.

Advisor, Camp Lemaing, Kg. Kiau, Sabah, Malaysia. www.lemaing.com

Managing Director/Chairman, Borneo Eco Tours, Malaysia. www.borneoecotours.com

Managing Director/Chairman, Sukau Rainforest Lodge, Malaysia. www.sukau.com

Director, Borneo Ecotourism Solutions and Technologies (BEST). Society, Malaysia.

www.bestsociety.org

Member, Marketing committee, Sabah Tourism Board.

Member, Rural Tourism Product Development committee, Sabah Tourism Board (2013-16),

Member, Tourism Product Development Committee, Sabah Tourism Board (2013-16)

Page 4: Borneo EZone 57

On 5th June 2015 at 7.15am, an earthquake hit Ranau, Sabah with a magnitude of 6.0. It lasted for

30 seconds and was the strongest to affect Malaysia since 1976. Areas in the east coast of Sabah

also felt the tremors, as far as Labuan, Miri, Sarawak and Brunei.

The earthquake affected 187 climbers of 21 nationalities. 137 were stranded and rescued but 18

lives were perished, 4 of whom were local mountain guides. Their courage and heroism have

become the talk of the town, as some eyewitnesses saw them protecting the climbers. The four

guides were Robbi Sapinggi, Valerian Joannes, Ricky Masirin and Joseph Solungin.

The epicentre of the earthquake was very near to Mount Kinabalu and had caused major

destructions to the surroundings. One of the peaks on Mount Kinabalu, the iconic Donkey's Ears

was broken and main routes to the summit were also damaged and impassable to the stranded

climbers. There were over 90 aftershocks reported ranging in magnitudes from 1.6 to 5.2.

As a result, from the earthquake, most areas in the Kinabalu Park have been closed temporarily for

repairs and rehabilitation.

VALERIAN JOANNES RICKY MASIRIN JOSEPH SALINGIN

SABAH EARTHQUAKE

3

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SABAH EARTHQUAKE

ROBBI SAPINGGI

Page 5: Borneo EZone 57

CLOSURE OF CAMP LEMAING A series of tremors and added by

tropical storm following the 6.0

Richter scale earthquake on 5th June

had caused major landslides, followed

by the flood of rock debris loosened

by the earthquake, wrecked the lives

of the inhabitants of the villagers

including Kiau.

Two mudfloods that hit Kiau including

the latest on 4th July, caused severe

damage to Lemaing, a community

based ecotourism lodge, an hour trek

above Kadamaian river from Kiau.

The mudslides irreversibly changed the

landscape of the area and permanently

raised the river level by more than 10

metres.

On July 6th, Dr Ravi Mandalam and Dr

Heng Aik Cheng (President of Sabah

Society) and wife, Ian Hall of Arkitrek,

Baton Bijamin (General Manager),

Leslie (Operation Manager), Pius

(Adventure and Community Specialist)

of Borneo Eco Tours, Albert Teo of

BEST Society and staff of Lemaing went

to assess the damage and the real

cause and consider various options for

the reconstruction of Lemaing.

As such, Lemaing will be rebuilt on a

different site in the area. Until a suitable site is found and the rebuilding

process commenced, Lemaing

operation will be unable to provide

any advice as to the timeframe of how

long this process will take.

With the turn of event,

Lemaing is CLOSED until

further notice. Borneo Eco

Tours' guests who have booked

Lemaing tours will be offered

an alternative tour with the

same value OR a full refund.

A HELPING HAND

The employees of Borneo Eco Tours and Sukau Rainforest

Lodge have collectively pledged a donation in aid for the

Persatuan Malim Gunung Kinabalu (Mountain Guides

Association) for a total of RM 4836 which was organised by

MATTA. The management of Borneo Eco Tours also

matched the same amount to be handed to BEST Society for

Kiau 5-year recovery plan.

Page 6: Borneo EZone 57

We have updated our nature tours to Maliau

Basin. For those who want to spend more

time to experience the wonders of Borneo’s

primary tropical forest but had a limited time

to do the full tour trekking at the heart of

Borneo, this is the opportunity to take a

glimpse of the lost world of Borneo.

ITINERARY:

Day 1 : Depart for MBCA. Overnight at

Studies Centre Rest House

Day 2 : Trek through the rainforest near

Agathis Camp. Overnight at Studies Centre

Rest House

Day 3 : Visit nature Gallery. Overnight at

Studies Centre Rest House

Day 4 : Depart for Maliau Studies Centre

BB2E MALIAU NATURE TREK

5

FEATUR

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READ MORE

Page 7: Borneo EZone 57

To complement

with this tour, we

are featuring this book for guest

who are interested to learn more

about the mystical Maliau Basin - one

of Malaysia's finest remaining

wilderness areas. For those who had

booked the tours with us, you are

our valued guests and we are giving

you discounts for every book you

purchase. So don’t miss out the

good bargain!

Discover Borneo’s nature, culture and wildlife with the opportunity to stay at 5-star

hotels, Pacific Sutera Hotel, Magellan Sutera Resort and National Geographic Unique Lodge of the

World - Sukau Rainforest Lodge. This offer is valid for traveling till 30 September 2015.

SECRETS OF THE LOST WORLD :

SABAH'S MALIAU BASIN

MYR 18.75 RM 25.00 DISCOUNT 25 %

PR01 : BORNEO SAFARI PACKAGE

Experience the highlights of Borneo in comfort. Sun at the island, cool

breeze of the mountain, a glimpse of local culture, taste of the jungle and

the cities. Stay at 5-star hotels, Pacific Sutera Hotel, Magellan Sutera Resort

and National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World - Sukau Rainforest

Lodge.

PR02 FAMILY VOYAGE

Discover the rainforest, the island, the culture, the jungle, the wildlife all in one itinerary of 10 spectacular days with your pack. Stay comfortably at 5 star resorts and National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World - Sukau Rainforest Lodge.

MYR 4242 / PAX

MYR 4088 / PAX

BR20 : MALIAU BASIN :

SABAH'S LOST WORLD

MYR 100.80 RM 168.00 DISCOUNT 40 %

Visit www.borneoecotours.com/resources to see more books with discounted prices.

6 P

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Page 8: Borneo EZone 57

VALLEY IN THE MIST

KIULU VALLEY

7

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Imagine the silence of pristine fields, a silence broken only

by the calls of the native animals and the soothing sounds

of water flowing over rocks. This is just one of the many

delights awaiting you at Kiulu Valley. Located 60

kilometres from Kota Kinabalu, this beautiful valley offers

you an experience of a lifetime by taking you through one

of the most beautiful and unspoilt parts of Sabah

A year ago, Albert Teo and team envisioned a new

Community Based Ecotourism project in Kiulu, with the aim of

transforming it into an integrated ecotourism destination that

includes farmstead, homestays and outdoor adventure

activities. The principal objective behind this project is to

alleviate poverty among the local community by creating new

income and job opportunities – a social entrepreneurship

approach that acts as a catalyst for community development

and capacity building.

Our community based ecotourism project in Kiulu has begun

on July 4th 2015, as we collaborated with Arkitrek and

volunteer architects from the United Kingdom (UK) to build a

farmstay by the Kiulu River. Set to be completed by

September, the farmstay will be the perfect place for visitors

to cool down from the heat of the day, as they dip in the

sensationally cool Kiulu River. Visitors can sit back, relax, have

a bite or two and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.

2

3

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For those who crave that electrifying rush of

adrenaline, they can experience the thrill of Quad

Biking in Kiulu Valley, driving round hills and

farmland, over dirt tracks, up and down steep

slopes, through muddy banks and water splashes.

Buffalo Riding is another activity where visitors

can ride around the village whilst enjoying the

panorama views of Kiulu Valley. Other

adventurous activities include trekking through

jungles; exploring hidden trails to one of Sabah’s

beautiful waterfall systems; and a night walk in

search of frogs and nocturnal wildlife.

The fertile soil in Kiulu Valley is a major factor for

agriculture. The local Dusuns will show visitors

how to plant and grow rice – a paddy planting

activity that is done sustainably, organically and by

hand, the way it had been for generations. Visitors

can also dine by the paddy field, giving them the

opportunity to taste local dishes that are organic,

healthy and delicious. Apart from that, the local

Dusuns will demonstrate to visitors the process

of rubber tapping – from using a special tapping

knife to shear off a thin layer of the rubber tree’s

bark and letting the latex flow into a cup attached

to the tree – to manually rolling and drying the

rubber sheets to be processed as end products.

With so many fun and exciting activities, Kiulu

Valley is a great place for family outings, school

field trips, camping and team building activities.

What sets Kiulu Valley apart from the rest is its

location next to the beautiful Kiulu River – deep

pools and shady spots with only birdsong, the

rushing of the river and flitting butterflies to

disturb the peace. Kiulu Valley is a real learning

experience and it is one of those experiences that

will leave a lasting memory.

A year ago, Albert Teo and team

envisioned a new Community Based

Ecotourism project in Kiulu, with the aim

of transforming it into an integrated

ecotourism destination that includes

farmstead, homestays and outdoor

adventure activities.

Pic 1 : A scenic paddy field at Kiulu-Mantob Village.

Pic 2 : The local villagers train a buffalo to be used as buffalo

riding activity .

Pic 3 : First meeting with the villagers in Kg. Mantob on 27th

October, 2014

Pic 4: The building of the Kiulu Farmstay commences on July 4th.

Pic 5 : A group of volunteers from UK will spend 2 months at the

village to build Kiulu Farmstay supervised by Arkitrek.

Pic 6 : Local villagers who help with the construction of Kiulu

Farmstay.

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/kiuluvalley

/kiulufarmstay

/borneoquadbiking

Page 10: Borneo EZone 57

We are pleased to announce that Sukau Rainforest Lodge (SRL) has received a three-

star rating certificate from the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia – the highest

possible for a jungle lodge – making it the only lodge in Kinabatangan region to be rat-

ed with three stars.

Managing Director, Albert Teo said “this is a wonderful achievement on the back of

the recognition early this year when SRL became a charter member of the National

Geographic Unique Lodges of the World. A double recognition in 2015.” SRL is com-

mitted to creating a complete ecotourism experience by embracing conservation,

community development and sustainable tourism as part of its green policies.

“Hotels in Malaysia are rated according to the star rating system designed by the Min-

istry of Tourism and Culture. The system assigns points from 1-10 to six different cri-

teria in order to determine the star rating of the hotel.” The six criteria include the

appearance and cleanliness of common areas, presence and quality of facilities, quality

and ambiance of bedroom, quality and variety of services provided, safety and hygiene,

and professionalism of staff.

Sukau Rainforest Lodge is honoured to have earned the three-star rating certificate.

This achievement would not have been possible without the support of our guests,

management team and staff.

Read more about SRL’s other awards and recognitions

9

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Page 11: Borneo EZone 57
Page 12: Borneo EZone 57

CALLING ALL INSTAGRAMMERS, USE HASHTAG #sukaurainforestlodge OR TAG US

@sukaurainforestlodge TO BE FEATURED HERE

11

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NEW PROMO VIDEO

Sukau Rainforest Lodge (SRL) is an

ecotourism leader throughout

Borneo for over 20 years. SRL is

perched on the bank of the

Kinabatangan River in Borneo, one of

Asia’s most important waterways.

SRL was the first lodge in the area

designed based on ecotourism

principles.

SRL was built in 1995 with the mission to excel as an ecolodge by providing a unique and authentic

experience in hospitality, interpretation, conservation with local community participation and

leadership development. SRL embraces conservation, community development and sustainable

tourism as part of its green policies.

In conjunction with celebrating Sukau Rainforest Lodge 20th Anniversary, SRL became a charter

member of National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World. To express our gratitude, we are

happy to share with you our latest video of Sukau Rainforest Lodge and its many wonders.

Page 13: Borneo EZone 57

FEATURED LODGE :

THE THREE CAMEL LODGE

The Three Camel Lodge leads the way for

Mongolian ecological and conservation efforts in

opening and maintaining the property, located in

the heart of the Gobi Desert.

An award-winning luxury property that

combines culturally-minded design with a

heightened blend of adventure, sophistication,

and education. Located in the wilderness near

Dalanzadgad, the only village with a domestic

airport in South Gobi Province, and Bulgan,

home to one of the only farms in the desert.

This region of the Gobi houses a fantastic array

of wildlife and endemic foliage, arid conditions

that give way to sometimes surprising results,

and nomadic people who are warm-hearted and

hold the blood of Genghis Khan in their ancient

veins.

The Lodge serves as a base for scientific

research and wildlife monitoring and actively

fights against animal poaching and the

unauthorized removal of dinosaur fossils from

paleontological sites. Hunting has been

prohibited within a 12-mile radius of the camp.

Website : www.threecamellodge.com

Facebook : TheThreeCamelLodge

Twitter : @ThreeCamelLodge

Images and text from The Three Camel Lodge website

ANOTHER 14 NEW LODGES TO JOIN THE COLLECTION

There have been 14 more new lodges that

have joined the NGUL collection. The lodges

span the globe and the spectrum of travel

experiences. They are:

1. The Bushcamp Company, South

Luangwa National Park, Zambia

2. Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island,

Australia

3. Cuizmala, Costalegre, Mexico

4. Hacienda de San Antonio, Colima,

Mexico

5. Inkaterra Hacienda Concepción,

Amazon Rain Forest, Peru

6. Inkaterra La Casona, Cusco, Peru

7. Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, Sacred

Valley of the Inca, Peru

8. Mara Plains Camp, Olare Motorogi

Conservancy, Kenya

9. ol Donyo Lodge, Chyulu Hills, Kenya

10. Petit St. Vincent, St. Vincent and the

Grenadines, Caribbean

11. Siwash Lake Ranch, British Columbia, Canada

12. Tutka Bay Lodge, Alaskas Kenai

Peninsula, United States

13. Winterlake Lodge, South-Central

Alaskan Wilderness, United States

14. Zarafa Camp, Selinda Reserve,

Botswana

In January 2015, National Geographic Unique

Lodges of the World started with 24 charter

lodges. Sukau Rainforest Lodge is the first in

South East Asia to be in this collection. The

National Geographic Unique Lodges of the

World collection is a global network of

sustainable hotels and lodges that provide

travellers with enriching, authentic, and

inspiring guest experiences. Each carefully

selected inn, lodge, or resort celebrates its

local culture and wildlife and encourages

guests to engage with their environment.

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www.nationalgeographiclodges.com

Page 14: Borneo EZone 57

BEST SOCIETY CORNER 7

GIRLS’ POWER : BORNEO

ECOTOURISM SOLUTIONS

AND TECHNOLOGIES (BEST)

SOCIETY SENT OUT A GROUP

OF FEMALE VOLUNTEERS TO

SUPPORT HABITAT FOR

HUMANITY

20th June 2015, Saturday – Building house

for the needy with Habitat for Humanity is a

monthly activity organized by BEST Society

and Borneo Eco Tours. This program has

started since 2014.

Recently, another group sent by BEST to

build a new house in Kg. Sarapung, Kolopis,

Penampang. Lovely, all volunteers were

female and very energetic. There were total

of 8 participants from multi departmental.

They were joined by another group of

students of 17-18 years old from France

International School who were on a 10 days

volunteering program with Habitat for

Humanity. The students are very young,

energetic and friendly.

It was a privilege for the team that HfH

National National President (Malaysia) Mr.

Allen Tong and HfH Sabah President Mr.

George Chong with Mr. Anthony Tham and

Mdm. Emily Togium, the board members,

came to the site to support the volunteers.

Mrs. Doris Nois expressed her gratitude

with all the help she and her family received.

BEST and BET will continue to help by send

another group for the month of July.

Habitat for Humanity is an international non

profit organization aims to helping eliminate

poverty housing worldwide by building a

decent, affordable houses and served the

people worldwide.

VOLUNTEERING FOR

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BEST SO

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Page 15: Borneo EZone 57

VOLUNTEERING FOR HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Page 16: Borneo EZone 57

Led by Mr. Albert Teo, Borneo

Ecotourism Solutions and Technologies

(BEST) Society and some of its

members visited Signal Hill Eco Farm

together with three other members

from Sikuati, Kudat who participated in

the Organic Farm Phase 2. The main

purpose of this visit was to know more

about Eco Farming, its operation and

the owner, Mr. Lee Thien Fook.

Mr. Lee started the farm two and a half

years ago from scratch for his wife

whom was diagnosed with cancer. With

limited financial income, Mr. Lee cannot

afford his wife’s (Mrs. Lee) ongoing

treatments in the hospital. She also

needed organic food for her daily

nutrient, so Mr. Lee decided to start

this organic farm to produce organic food for his wife. With

the eco farm, both of them can enjoy fresh organic

vegetables, chicken and duck and most of all – Mrs. Lee’s

condition became stable after eating organic food.

Mr. Lee is an innovative person as he is not afraid to

experiment with different things. An interesting method that

he uses to control the cycle of the farm is through nature. To

name a few, he uses warm water to control the temperature

of the soil, water the plant three times a day, remove the

bottom leaves of the plant so that pest from the soil will

come up. He also feeds chickens with herbs for healthy

chickens. With his abundance of fresh produce, he decided to

open up a restaurant that caters mainly for cancer patients

but also for other people who wants to eat fresh organic

food. “Take the right food to eat” was emphasized by Mr. Lee

after a productive sharing session with BEST Society. With

strong persistence and willingness to try, Mr. Lee has

successfully built a lovely eco farm.

Organic Farming in Sikuati, Kudat has started since May 2015

with Shell Sustainable Fund RM 40,000.00 and this visit was a

great exposure for all participants who are involved in organic

farming.

Pic 1 : Albert Teo together with Mr Lee, the owner of the eco farm

Pic 2 : Visiting the farm

Pic 3: Vegetables at the eco farm are all organic

Pic 4: Mr Lee and his fresh produce

BEST SOCIETY VISIT TO

SIGNAL HILL ECO FARM

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Borneo Ecotourism Solutions and

Technologies (BEST) Society is

seeking candidates who are willing to

share their skills with our dedicated

working management team and

supportive staff to help BEST Society

i n p r o mo t i n g s u s t a i n a b i l i t y

ecotourism, alternative employment

and income in Borneo. Any candidates

with relevant skills are encouraged to

apply. Successful candidates must go

through min imum 5 months

internship and job criteria depending

on your skills. For application or enquiry on internship program, you

may submi t your ema i l to

[email protected].

VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR FOLLOW US ON

FACEBOOK TO GET UPDATES ON OUR LATEST

PROJECT

Whenever you choose to travel with Borneo Eco Tours, you're not just choosing

your holiday or tour. You're a part of something much greater as your travel with

us directly funds all our community and social projects throughout Sabah. A part of

our profits each year goes to BEST Society, that's responsible for all our community,

social and environmental work. On top of that, international travellers to Sukau

Rainforest Lodge also contribute directly to this effort.

GIVING BACK

Borneo Ecotourism Solutions & Technologies Society (BEST) is a community and environment non profit division of Borneo Eco Tours help to implement projects, include among others, tree planting, supply of water tanks to villagers in Sukau, Dandun, Lugu, medical camps in Sukau, Abai, Bilit, Dandun, Mantanani, community based ecotourism lodge in Bavanggazo, virgin coconut oil branding and packaging in Kimihang, and organic farming at Rampai Besar in Sikuati. Our latest project is a community based ecotourism camp/ecolodge in Kiau Nuluh and Kiulu-Mantob. FOR MORE INFO AND HOW YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE A DONATION PLEASE VISIT www.bestsociety.org

Page 18: Borneo EZone 57

From February till June 2015 I had the wonderful

opportunity to be an intern at Borneo Eco Tours. It

was a great opportunity to gain a lot of knowledge and

experience, while working in an international tourism

company. Borneo Eco Tours gave me the insight into

their ecological business, working method and future

ideas. I could say that the way of thinking and acting of

the company is inspiring, something we all can learn

from.

I was lucky to get the opportunity to work at the sales

- and marketing department, and at the same time

working on a product development plan for the

company. Working on different duties, gave me a lot

of knowledge. I have learned how to work within the

tourism industry, something I could use for my future

work field as well. Nevertheless, I got the opportunity

to get a great insight into the beautiful culture of the

Sabah. Living in Sabah contributed to a wonderful and

real experience. The past few months helped me to

develop myself on business and personal level.

Something I am very grateful for!

I would like to thank each and every single person in

Borneo Eco Tours and Sukau Rainforest Lodge. You

made this opportunity the best experience of my life.

You made me feel welcome and appreciated from the

first moment. You were always available to answer all

my questions, about anything. Furthermore, without

you I would never get so many local experiences.

They always say "Time flies, while having fun". Well,

this is only something I can support. The past few

months passed by, way too fast and I wish I could stay

longer. Once again, thank you so much for everything!

I will miss everyone so much, keep in touch!! Terima

kasih and jumpa lagi!

STAFF N

EWS

17

INTERNSHIP REVIEW

Read more of our

past interns’ reviews

CARROT AWARD

At Borneo Eco Tours and Sukau Rainforest Lodge, we believe that appreciation through Carrot Award Program to excellent team players is fundamental for the work culture because they have played their part to our success! Carrot Award is presented to an employee, who has demonstrated, practised or promoted the five C's of the Company's values - Commitment, Consistent service, Competence,

Character and Care.

IVAN CHANG

SR. WEB PROGRAMMER

Ivan has been awarded for his

outstanding service for being a

great team player. His arrival

in the company was very

timely as he helped improve the company’s tour

operation system to ease the GST implementation. He always ready for any bug-

fixing and always helpful towards his colleagues.

ROSALIND J. KANTIS

SALES & MARKETING

COORDINATOR

Always smile and always ready

to help others, Rosalind has

been a great addition to the

family. No wonder that she has been awarded because of her extra miles and for being a great

team player.

"People work for money but go the extra mi le forrecognit ion, prai se and rewards"

SEE PAGE 9

- LIEKE LANDMAN

2

Page 19: Borneo EZone 57

Saturday, 27 June 2015 : A welfare visit to Bukit Harapan Therapy Community, Menggatal orga-nized by RECWEL BET KK was part of monthly

activities that being ar-ranged from the commit-tee member. There were 13 of us who had the op-portunity and time to

contribute for this visit.

The objective of the visit is to show solidarity, en-

courage and entertain the special kids and adults in Bukit Harapan. Also, we need to build person-al growth, to step outside of our comfort zone, to willingly serve others without prejudice and

fear, regardless of race, religion and beliefs.

There are 6 volunteers staff currently caring the total of 42 residents who are mostly orphans in Bukit Harapan Therapy Community. According to Carol, one of the staff, the home needs around RM 20,000.00 per month for daily opera-tion. They welcome donations from variety of

sources.

We had arranged a few activities with them such as singing and origami making. Some of them are talented, they sang perfectly and some could draw a beautiful drawings. Besides spending time with them, we also gave away humble gifts to each of the resident which consist of toothbrush,

toothpaste and face towel for their daily use.

We are very thankful to Bukit Harapan includes the staffs and the residents who had received our attendance to their place with an open and warm heart. We do hope that, we can come again and

visit the place.

Pic 1 : The residents welcomed their visitors with their favourite

song.

Pic 2 : Activity with the resident—making origami

Pic 3 : They love to sing

A WEEKEND OF COMPASSION

JOFFONIE MARIUS “Joy is one of the staff mem-bers that made my holiday memorable” - Monica Jhan-eri, India, February 2015

"People work for money but go the extra mi le for recognit ion, prai se and rewards" - Dale Carnegie .

HAMIT SUBAN “Hamid was just excellent - a really knowledgeable and hard-working bird guide who found lots of difficult species for us around the Kinabatangan River” - Daria & Alfred King, June 2015

CHIEW KIAN VUI VAN CAPTAIN

DEAN NEXTER “Thanks to you and all of your staff for a wonderful experience - with a special mention of our birding guide Nexter” - George D . Perry & Joan Harbinson, Canada, March 2015

STAFF N

EWS

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS AUG—SEPT 2015

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At Borneo Eco Tours and Sukau Rainforest Lodge we celebrate and share the joy of

different festivities and events as part as our work culture and to cultivate the spirit of

togetherness between employees and the management.

HARI RAYA CELEBRATION AT BORNEO ECO TOURS HQ

6th Folk Art Festival &

10th Sabah International Folklore Festival 2015

Local Folk Dance Competition (Tugu Budaya ke-7)

Sandakan Memorial Day

Flower Festival 2015

2nd Borneo Rhythms of Rimba (ROR) Wildlife Festival

Merdeka Day Open Regatta 2015

TMBT Ultra Trail Marathon 2015

National Day - Sabah State Level

International Coastal Clean Up Day 2015

Bazar Seni

Sustainable Seafood Cooking Competition 2015

Malaysia Day

Hari Raya Haji

The “Sleep Over & Night Safari at the Museum”

Borneon Run 2015

10-15 Aug

10-15 Aug

12 - 14 Aug

15 Aug

15 - 16 Aug

22 - 23 Aug

28 - 30 Aug

29 - 30 Aug

31 Aug

5 Sep

5 Sep

6 Sep

16 Sep

24 Sep

26 - 27 Sep

26 Sep

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INTERNATIONAL DAYS

9 August International Day of the World's

Indigenous Peoples

12 August

International Youth Day

19 August

World Humanitarian Day

5 September

International Day of Charity

8 September

International Literacy Day [UNESCO]

12 September

United Nations Day for South-South

Cooperation

15 September

International Day of Democracy

21 September

International Day of Peace

27 September

World Tourism Day

LEARNING MALAY LANGUAGE :

FOOD

Apple - Epal

Avocado - Alpukat

Banana - Pisang

Coconut - Kelapa

Grape - Anggur

Guava - Jambu

Honeydew - Tembikai Susu

Jackfruit - Nangka

Orange - Oren

Mango - Mangga

Papaya - Betik

Passion Fruit- Buah Markisa

Pineapple - Nanas

Star Fruit - Belimbing

Strawberry - Strawberi

Tangerine - Limau

Watermelon- Tembikai

CONSERVATION TIPS

1. Never pour water down the drain, use excess water to water indoor plants or a garden.

2. Check all plumbing for leaks

3. Choose appliances that are more energy and water efficient

4. Insulate water pipes to prevent breaks and reduce heat loss

From League City

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“Fabulous rainforest experience”

We just came home after doing the 3 day/2 night

package with Borneo Eco Tours staying at Sukau

Rainforest Lodge. We had a wonderful experience.

Our tour guide, J, was excellent. He was super friendly

and nothing was too much trouble. We were lucky to

see lots of wildlife during our visit. Sukau Rainforest

Lodge was like an oasis. Really lovely set up with

fabulous staff. Would highly recommend.

MALK4 - Perth Australia

“Superb”

A very nice place by the river. Beautiful and clean

rooms. The staff is great! I just love to cruise slow in a

boat looking for animals and then be back and have a

nice drink. Food is average but you are in the middle

of the rainforest.

I wished we had booked one more night... We just

stayed two nights.

Seattle94—Göteborg, Sweden

BEYOND MEMORY

LATEST

TRIPADVISOR COMMENTS

Pic 1 : Emily Buan, 10 year old guest of SRL photographing a herd of borneo pygmy elephant nearby with a total of 44 elephants

Pic 2 : Thea and Asbjorn of Denmark play the Congkak at the lodge

Pic 3 : Resident guide with her guests for the day—Mr Kelvin and family and couple Mr. Ulrich

Pic 4 : Lounging at the pool

Pic 5 : Mr Albert and Timothy Teo on a recent visit to SRL together with Mr Yukio Hasegawa

Pic 6 : Big family breakfast - The families of Caroline Martin and Elizabeth Nicholls

Pic 7 : Durian Daredevils—Stephen Walker and wife

Pic 8 : Safety vests are a must

Pic 9 : Resident guide, Sheila with her guests

Pic 10 : Spotted an orangutan

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