Borneo Tropical Rainforest Resort bags two ‘green’ awards

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Mas Ermieyati (fifth left) poses with Malaysian winners at the Asean Green Hotel Standard Awards ceremony in Manila.

Mas Ermieyati (fifth left) poses with Malaysian winners at the Asean Green Hotel Standard Awards ceremony in Manila.

Avid nature photographers will be spoilt for choice at Borneo Tropical Rainforest Resort.

Avid nature photographers will be spoilt for choice at Borneo Tropical Rainforest Resort.

The resort boasts a rainforest surrounding that is enriched with trees, wildlife, rivers and waterfalls.

The resort boasts a rainforest surrounding that is enriched with trees, wildlife, rivers and waterfalls.

MIRI: Borneo Tropical Rainforest Resort, touted as the state’s only agro-nature resort, has made the state proud, having clinched two prestigious awards for good environmental practice.

It was honoured with the special ‘Green Hotel Award’ from the Tourism and Culture for 2015, and the ‘Asean Green Hotel Standard’ by the Asean Tourism Forum.

The first award was presented to the resort’s managing director Henry Law Ing Hua by the ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Dr Ong Hong Peng here recently.

The second recognition was received during the ceremony held in Manila, the Philippines, where Malaysian Deputy Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin attended as the guest-of-honour.

On the awards, Law told reporters here that the road towards achieving such recognition was not an easy one as there were lots of criteria to be met, adding that the green concept did not only mean having lush greenery, but also cleanliness.

“Clean, in the sense that it is not limited to the absence of rubbish, but also no pests like flies and rats,” he said.

“To maintain cleanliness at the resort, any food leftover from restaurants is collected and recycled as fish food. This works both ways — we avoid pests but at the same time, we feed the fish in our pond.”

Law also assured guests that they would not have to worry about mosquitoes, despite the resort being nestled in the middle of the jungle.

According to him, the place actually has special ornamental plants that can repel the insect.

Another green practice at the resort is the collection of rainwater and the use of solar panels to power up water heaters.

“More people begin to like the natural environment, with lush forest where they can retreat to relax and revitalise the body.

“As the forest is rich in negative ions, it is the most suitable place especially for the elderly and those recovering from any illness, as they can recharge themselves — so to speak,” he said.

The resort has attracted many tourists, locals and those from overseas, who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

“There are even primary, secondary and university students who come in groups to experience nature at its closest,” Law added.

The resort nestles in an unspoiled rainforest sanctuary next to Lambir National Park, about 36km from the city. Apart from accommodation and the usual amenities that go with it, it also offers deluxe day tours, overnight stays and leisure packages.

The resort is ideal for nature lovers, fishing enthusiasts, adventurers and is also perfect place for family outings, picnics, meetings and seminars.