Kinabatangan: During a six-day working visit around the east coast of Sabah, the Minister of Tourism and Culture Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri Bin Abdul Aziz and his entourage visited Sukau Rainforest Lodge on Monday, 28th March 2016.
Dato' Sri Mohamed Nazri talking with one of the SRL guest.
Mr. Albert Teo shows David Attenborough Boardwalk to Dato' Mohamed Nazri
Mr. Albert Teo taking a memory picture with Dato' Mohamed Nazri
Also present at the lodge, Malaysia’s first free-to-air television network, TV3, and the Sabah Parks Board of Trustees Chairman, Dato’ Seri Tengku Dr. Zainal Adlin Bin Tengku Mahamood, who is also one of the lodge’s Conservation Fellows.
During his hour-long visit, Founder and Managing Director of Sukau Rainforest Lodge, Mr. Albert Teo, Sandakan Branch Manager of Borneo Eco Tours, Mr. Fernando D. Rulloda, and Room Division Supervisor of Sukau Rainforest Lodge, Ms. Masnizah Bakri gave him a tour of the lodge.
He visited the Melapi Restaurant, Sundeck (where he was introduced to the local staff), Gecko Lounge, Abai Wing, Ape Gallery, Hornbill Boardwalk, David Attenborough Boardwalk, Bilit Wing, and Gomantong Hall.
“Me and the state are proud that employment opportunities are given to the local communities. I can see that 99.9% of the staff here are from Sukau. This made me happy because when we promote tourism in Malaysia, many will ask what is the purpose of it. We can say that with tourism comes employment opportunities for the local communities, and this is what is happening right now,” said Dato’ Nazri.
The tour follows the presentation of Mr. Albert Teo at Gomantong Hall on the lodge’s history, green policies, community and environmental projects and National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World recognition.
“Today, there are about 20 resorts in the Kinabatangan area. It is important to ensure that the resorts maintain its uniqueness and do not become too commercialised. I am happy with tourism in Sabah because there’s passion and care for the environment. Our buildings must blend in with the natural environment, which will then attract tourists from all around the world to visit Sabah, Malaysia.”
“I hope there will be more local entrepreneurs in Sabah that will follow the footsteps of Mr. Albert,” commented Dato’ Nazri.
His visit ended with a tea break at the lodge’s dip pool site.
Besides Sukau Rainforest Lodge, other tourist attractions he visited include Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Bakkungaan Kecil and Selingan islands at the Turtle Island Park, Sukau Village and Gomantong Cave in Kinabatangan.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge wins Tourism Malaysia’s “19th Malaysia Tourism Awards 2014/2015” for Best Hotel Services (3 Star & Below). The Malaysia Tourism Awards, held once every two years, is the highest form of recognition by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture and Tourism Malaysia for industry players whose outstanding contributions have played a significant role in the success of Malaysia’s tourism industry. It also acts as an incentive for participants to strive for the highest level of professionalism and quality in both products and services.
The awards ceremony which took place on Wednesday, 17th February 2016 at Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur was organised by Tourism Malaysia and graced by YAB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia. The Ministry of Tourism and Culture presented a total of 65 awards to local and foreign tourism industry players and media.
The Malaysia Tourism Awards 2014/2015 has 14 categories and 50 sub-categories for nominations. The 14 categories are:
The Best Hotel Services category recognises hotels rated by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia that offer quality and superior services to their guests. There are five awards under this category:
Each category has its own judging criteria. The Best Hotel Services category was judged based on the following criteria: (1) encompasses overall efficiency, courtesy and other qualities related to services in areas such as reservations, reception and guest relations, in-room services, food and beverage amenities, recreational facilities, and other such services; and (2) other factors include value-for-money and ambiance.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge is honoured to receive the Best Hotel Services (3 Star & Below) of the 19th Malaysia Tourism Awards 2014/2015. We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all winners and express our gratitude to our guests, staff and management team for their endless support and effort. Read more about our other awards and recognitions here.
(Photo source: Tourism Malaysia)
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