Saturday, June 07, 2008

Sukau Rainforest Lodge - Ecolodge in our backyard


In the heart of Sabah sits an ecolodge that exemplifies one of the better responsible tourism practices in Malaysia.

High above us, two Orang Utan are perched on the tree branches, munching happily on figs. A monitor lizard darts off as our boat approaches while an Oriental Darter swooshes across the water.

Through our binoculars, we spot a pair of Black-and-red Broadbills with their crimson and black plumage and turquoise beaks. Hoot, hoot, hoot . . . the Bornean gibbons cry out in the distance. The mist lifts up slowly, unveiling a theatrical wildlife “stage” as our boat glides across the Menanggul tributary of the Kinabatangan River.

Wild Asia’s Dr Reza Azmi and I are guests at Sukau Rainforest Lodge (SRL), an award-winning ecolodge perched on the banks of the Kinabatangan River near Kg Sukau in Sabah.

SRL’s founder and managing director, Albert Teo, also owns Borneo Eco Tours (BET), a nature-based tour operator in Kota Kinabalu.

Founded in 1995, the ecolodge has snagged a string of international awards including the prestigious British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow Awards 1997 for Pacific Region for its green practices and contribution to the local community.

Continue reading (incl. pics) at: Sukau Rainforest Lodge - Ecolodge in our backyard

No comments: