Jungle resort an example of harmony between nature and progress

MIRI: In a forest just 40 minutes by road from here is eco-friendly Borneo Tropical Rainforest Resort (BTRR). Nestled amidst rolling hills adjacent to Lambir National Park, it covers an area of 315ha. Since its opening in 2007, the resort which is about 36km from here has become a popular spot for corporate team building, motivational activities, hiking, angling and other outdoor activities.

The latest attraction is a water park described by resort owner Henry Law Ing Hua, 60, as “the biggest in Sarawak and the only one in the jungle in Malaysia”. There are two pools (one for adults and the other for children) with slides (13m high and sloping down for 36m), tunnel slide and mini slide for children.

Horse riding: One of the activities which guests can try when they visit the jungle resort.

Law said his ultimate dream was to build a resort city in the jungle, incorporating nature with minimal impact on the natural environment. So far his multi-million ringgit resort has attracted myriad of visitors, from state leaders, government servants, corporate sector employees, and association members and students to church members and miscellaneous visitors. On average BTTR receives about 10,000 visitors per year.

“To facilitate movements around the place we have built about 16km of road, and three lakes (with the biggest one about 12ha). “We also rear lots of fish including the much sought empurau which we sell at RM600 per kg,” said Law. He is one of those people who believes that if he takes care of the land it would be good to him. Partly for this reason, he feels most at home when he is at the resort.

This son of a farmer from Durin in Sibu has followed in the footsteps of his parents since he was a little boy. Thus, in the resort he has a 50ha fruit orchard, free range chickens, ducks, rabbits, sheep and deer. The self-sufficient resort gets its own water from the hills. “It is extremely clean and healthy water,” said Law, adding that as much as possible the resort tries to be prudent in its energy and water usage.

BTTR has 48 chalets, two hostels for about 200 guests, and a camping site that can hold about 500 people at any one time. The 100 staff members are capable of taking care of an average of 3,000 visitors daily. Law said for the coming mid-term school holiday, they have a special package for families - free access to the water park for those who have paid the normal entrance fees or stay-in package.

Educational: Close encounters with farm animals are not only fun for BTRR young guest but educational as well.

On ordinary days, RM10 is charged for each entry, which is paid on top of other charges. Senior citizens above the age of 55 get 30% discount for a day’s visit or overnight stay. This is valid until May 31. Besides the eco-friendly activities, BTTR will hold an international rock concert sometime this year with support from Sarawak Tourism Board.

Law said they were in the process of finalising the arrangements for this event. The concert has actually been held for the last two years, but on smaller scale with patronage mainly from Brunei. Oddly, despite the wholesome activities and impressive set-up, the resort has yet to attract many foreign tourists.

But Law is hopeful. He is confident that with more international flights coming to Miri, many tourists would eventually be attracted to the resort. “We know we have certain attractions based on feedback from some foreign tourists who came to stay with us. “They were impressed with our tropical rainforest and pristine environment,” he said.

-thestar online.

www.borneorainforestresort.com