Sabah needs more niche accommodation options in conservation areas to align with its rich biodiversity.
This is aimed at enhancing the experience for medium to high-end tourists, particularly those willing to stay longer and invest in a unique nature experience while learning about Sabah’s conservation efforts.
Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, emphasised this during the launch of the Utan Rainforest Lodge.
He stressed the importance of offering high-quality accommodation that blends comfort with nature.
“By providing eco-friendly, specialised stays, we encourage tourists to engage more deeply with our natural environment and conservation efforts,” Joniston said.
The Utan Rainforest Lodge, developed by Borneo Eco Tours, is located within the wildlife-rich Sungai Kapur Virgin Jungle Reserve.
Joniston acknowledged the lodge as a welcome addition to Sabah’s eco-tourism offerings, which already include similar establishments promoting conservation and sustainable tourism.
“This lodge, like others, contributes to our goal of providing unique and comfortable experiences for tourists, while also supporting conservation efforts and benefiting the local economy,” he added.
Opened earlier this year, the Utan Rainforest Lodge features 12 rooms and offers a variety of curated activities, including birdwatching, wildlife viewing, river cruises, night safaris, and jungle trekking.
Located just two hours overland from Lahad Datu, Sungai Kapur is home to a diverse array of endemic species, such as the proboscis monkey, Bornean orangutan, sun bear, Bornean ground-cuckoo, and the elusive helmeted hdornbill, among others.
