Sabah Tourism Board to promote Tabin Rainforest Lodge
Published on: Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Liew (2nd left) receiving a tote bag featuring birds that are endemic to Borneo from Timothy. Looking on from left are Teo, Malangking and Chang.
Kota Kinabalu: Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Christina Liew said the Ministry through its agency Sabah Tourism Board (STB) will promote the newly-established Tabin Rainforest Lodge (TRL) in Lahad Datu.
She said the deluxe accommodation facility, which is surrounded by untouched forests, is yet another tourist destination that will lure nature enthusiasts, naturalists, birders and adventure-seekers, among other travellers, to this part of Sabah.
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“Given the nature of its terrain, European travellers will love to visit this place for its pristine (natural) beauty and biodiversity (variety of animals and plants).
“The area is perfect for ecotourism activities such as hiking, bird watching and camping,” Liew said after a courtesy call by Borneo Eco Tours (BET), the operator of TRL, recently.
Just next door to the Tabin Wildlife Reserve, TRL is accessible with a two-hour overland trip from the Lahad Datu town.
Liew suggested that TRL be promoted at ITB Berlin, the world’s largest travel trade show, and at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, known as the ultimate destination for travel and tourism. The WTM is reportedly the world’s most influential travel and tourism event.
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Award-winning BET is a leading sustainable tourism operator, specialising in wildlife, nature, and adventure tours, and has been at the forefront of ecotourism since 1991. Its Managing Director Albert Teo invited the Minister to officially open TRL.
Briefing Liew on the mission of BET, Teo said it is to offer visitors unique experiences by soaking in the natural wonders of the Tabin Rainforest. Nestled at the edge of Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Tabin Rainforest is a dense canopy of vegetation that is home to a myriad of animal species.
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“At the same time, we are committed to preserving the environment, empowering local communities as well as supporting nature and wildlife conservation,” he added.
Teo’s son Timothy, who is BET Co-Managing Director, gave a presentation on the wildlife and birdlife in Tabin Rainforest, showcasing the Borneo pygmy elephant, Bornean orangutan, proboscis monkey, sun bear, and other species of mammals and reptiles.
Some of the bird species found in the area are endemic to Borneo, such as the Borneo Ground-Cuckoo and the Helmeted Hornbill, according to him.
“Which is why Tabin Rainforest Lodge is ideal for a two-night sojourn to catch a glimpse of Sabah’s amazing wildlife when visitors go on a Tabin Wildlife Safari,” Timothy said, adding that this tour package is popular with international tourists.
Also present were the Ministry’s Deputy Permanent Secretary I Mary Malangkig and BET General Manager Ivan Chang.
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