In this issue

 

Photosnap Challenge 2008

Title: Family of Frogs

October 2008 Winner
Ms Helle Bech Nygaard, UK
 

Learning Bahasa

Conversation (E) - Perbualan (B)

E: What are the recommended food here?
B: Apakah makanan yang anda cadangkan?

E: How long is this flight?
B: Berapa lamakah penerbangan ini?

E: Where can I exchange money?
B: Di manakah saya boleh menukar wang?
 

Borneo eZone Committee

Advisor:
Albert Teo & Susan Soong
Text:
Willie Ki, Albert Teo, Jessica Peter, Sylvia Jeanes, Charro Aron Charles & Asc. Prof. Dr. Jennifer Chan
Edited by:
Abram Francis Le Cerf
Layout:
Laurah Misaha & Verus John
Photos:
Albert Teo, Abdul Saat Walli, Bart Schilings, Sylvia Jeanes, Prof. Dr. Jennifer Chan, Charro Aron Charles, Jari-Jari Spa & Peter Achleitner
PRODUCT UPDATE  

4D/3N Mt Kinabalu Delight

Going for green and tranquility is a popular trend, and at the World Heritage Site, Kinabalu Park be prepared to be exhilarated by the sheer cool montane temperature whilst exploring nature. Enjoy the breathtaking landscape of awe-inspiring flowering flora surrounding the majestic Mt Kinabalu. Arrange a leisurely visit to Poring Hot Spring and discover the many wonders of nature; or visit the Kundasang War Memorial with its beautifully adorned garden to commemorate the infamous war prisoners’ Death March during WWII. At the end of the day, pamper yourself in a cozy and friendly inn for a sound rest. Come and experience a fun and exciting holiday retreat at your convenience today!

For more details, please click here.

Kiansom Villa

Kiansom Villa is the latest product offered by Borneo Eco Tours. Set in a private and tranquil part of Borneo, this double storey 3-bed room villa offers a fantastic hideaway from the city life and is ideal for family getaways or friends’ reunions. Situated on elevated plateau, Kiansom Villa strategically provides an unobstructed view of its gorgeous natural surroundings. Spend a glorious day at the swimming pool or indulge in your favorite leisurely activities. The self-catering villa provides a peaceful ambiance while Kiansom's main attraction, Kiansom Waterfall and Orchid Garden are just a short drive away. Spacious yet intimate, modern and comforting, Kiansom Villa is truly a haven retreat. Please find details about Kiansom Villa at www.kiansom.com

PERSONALITY OF THE MONTH

Sylvia Jeanes

Sylvia officiating her room in June 2008

The compelling story about Sylvia Jeanes’ contribution to human development and nostalgia for the Kinabatangan River is truly an inspiration. Sylvia was born in Brisbane, Australia on 2nd May, 1941. Coming from a poor and uneducated family, there was no thought that she could continue. She got a job as a telephonist before joining the Church Missionary Society within the Anglican Church which worked internationally in the fields of education, medicine and so on. After night-school, Teachers' College, and experience in a semi-rural primary school, she proceeded to Sydney where she obtained a Licentiate in Theology. Later studies in Singapore gave her the opportunity to write her research paper for her Master of Ministry outlined the History of the Sabah Anglican Interior Mission. In 1992, she returned to Sydney where she obtained a MA in Theology and then lectured in the Sabah Theological Seminary in Kota Kinabalu.

The Anglican Church in Sabah had nine English-medium primary schools, one of which was in the remote area of the upper Kinabatangan, at Tongud, four days from Sandakan, and two days boat-ride above Sukau. Sylvia's first journey to the upper Kinabatangan in September, 1967 was an unforgettable one. Departing Sandakan on the Resident's launch alone, her first night in Sukau sleeping on the launch, was to venture into a land of the fearfully unknown.

Picture: Sylvia Jeanes (topright).

Her arrival in Tongud was welcomed by the teachers and students of the Tongud Mission Primary School. At that time, only one student had proceeded to the nearest Secondary School in Sandakan, which was known all over the State for the pupils' fluency in English. One student later staffed the Rural Health Clinic in Sukau. Others were employed by the Game Branch in the Veterinary Dept and have contributed to the work on the Turtle Islands, and as Game Rangers. Others have made their contribution in the public and private sectors. Some pupils have returned to their former school as teachers, and clerks. Others have gone on to help staff the hospital in Tongud, and others into the church. Her contribution to education was recognized by the Government with the granting of permanent residence in 1980, and was awarded a BSK (Bintang Setia Kinabalu) in 1986.

From 1967 – 1979, Sylvia did many long trips up and down the Kinabatangan in times of drought, in rapids, in floods, breakdowns, sleeping at pengkalons, shops, timber-camps, villagers' houses, bitten by bed-bugs and scorpions. Once swamped by a launch and left swimming where later a crocodile was sighted. Each trip has its own story to tell. The trips came to an end in 1979 when a logging road reached Tongud. After that the journey in and out was by land-cruiser.

Her last boat-trip to Kinabatangan was to visit the Sukau Rainforest Lodge with her sister in November, 2003. What nostalgia as she crossed the Labuk Bay, stopped at Mumiang, journeyed through Abai, then Sukau. So much had changed, but the river and the animals had remained. Sylvia still resides in Sabah, but now in Kota Kinabalu. She still assists the poor and under-privileged with running literacy classes under her house. She plans on staying here as long as she has life and hopes for many more visits to the Kinabatangan and Rainforest Lodge, all of which hold a lifetime of memories.

In recognition of her enormous contribution to the Orang Sungai in Kinabatangan, Sukau Rainforest Lodge is proud to name Room No. 14 after Sylvia Jeanes.

Learn about the other fourteen Conservation Fellows here.

STAFF PROFILE

Joebonaventure - Sales & Reservation Supervisor

In this issue, we are pleased to introduce another Tour Consultant from our sales and reservation team. Equipped with tertiary education in Mass Communication, Joe has deep passion for local people and culture. Indeed Joe's passion in this area is one of the main reasons why he chose a career in tourism in the first place. Joe noted that there are plenty of opportunities in tourism so long as natural resources and culture remain intact. “It is the responsibility of everyone including government, tour operators and local community to preserve these priceless heritages” he added. Touching on his career, Joe agrees that continuous learning is important to grow one’s potential. Serving Borneo Eco Tours’ clients since 2006, Joe was recently promoted to Sales & Reservation Supervisor. Joe is aware of the growing responsibilities he has to shoulder. “With the role as a leader, I need to change my approach in work. It is important to constantly equip myself with necessary knowledge and apply them”, said Joe, applauding the company’s effort in providing a vast library of reading materials. At leisure, traveling and sightseeing is Joe’s favourite pastime.
HAPPENINGS

 

Developing Sabah’s Tourism Products & Brand Seminar

A one-day seminar was successfully held at Gallery Hall, UMS on the 27th September 2008. Jointly organized by Borneo Ecotourism Solutions & Technologies (BEST), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and Edith Cowan University (Australia), the one day event drew a crowd of over 88, comprising participants from the tourism industry, hotels, higher learning education institutions and other relevant industries. Five prominent speakers addressed topics ranging from ecotourism, beauty and aesthetic surgery, geotourism, global tourism trends, health and wellness tourism, in relation to Sabah's branding in the context of promoting the state. Keynote speakers included Prof. Ross Dowling of Edith Cowan University (Australia) and Advisor of Global Geoparks (UNESCO), Mr. Albert Teo, Managing Director of Borneo Eco Tours Sdn. Bhd., Dr. Charles Lee of Sabah Medical Centre, Associate Prof. Dr. Jennifer Chan (papers presented by Dr Jenny Liew) and Prof. Dr. Felix Tongkul of Universiti Malaysia Sabah. More details about this seminar at www.sabahtourismblueocean.org

Matunggong Community Development Committee (MCDC) One Day Workshop

Following the recent establishment of Matunggong Community Development Committee (MCDC), a one day workshop was organised by BEST and the Matunggong Secretariat Office on the 15th of October 2008 as part of its social entrepreneurship program. The workshop was conducted at the Matunggong Community Skills Center, situated in Kg Pinawantai. The workshop, entitled Vision and Project Identification Workshop, was officially launched by Assistant District Officer (ADO) of Matunggong, Mr Arnold Jobi. In his speech, Mr. Jobi he expressed his utmost gratitude to BEST Chairman, Mr Albert Teo and project leader Ps Jerri Mulihin for their tireless effort to bring about the establishment of MCDC. Mr Jobi believes that Matunggong has numerous economic and tourism resources which could be developed. However, he also believes that in order to do so it will depend on the ideas of MCDC members to realise the communities’ potential. For further information please click here.

BEST Signs MOA with UNDP

On the 22nd of October 2008, BEST signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for a USD 2000 grant. This fund will be utilised by BEST to source and develop projects to be implemented in Matunggong, Kudat. As this project progresses BEST will apply for a further USD50,000 for the development of a proposed project.

Albert Teo Speaks at BIMP-EAGA Community Based Ecotourism Conference

Albert Teo, Adjunct Lecturer of Edith Cowan University and Managing Director of Borneo Eco Tours, was one of the keynote speakers at the BIMP-EAGA Community Based Ecotourism Conference at Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia (30 Oct - 1 Nov 2008), on Opportunities for win-win communities based ecotourism Partnerships: Investing in and profiting from partnering community based ecotourism operations and marketing.

Albert shared his 31 years of experience in the tourism industry and how he applied four different models he used in his business in partnering with the community.

A Souvenir of Sabah Malaysian Borneo

This is the 10th book published by Albert Teo over the last twenty years. This new publication is a 36 page, A4 size, full colour pictorial book, featuring some 141 colour photographs taken throughout Sabah. A Souvenir of Sabah Malaysian Borneo will be available for purchase at the retail price of RM19.90 per copy in all major book stores from December in Malaysia. Furthermore, tourists purchasing tours from Borneo Eco Tours will be given complementary copies. Refer to our website for more information.

Strategy for Value Creation in the Health and Wellness Business: The Sense Approach

An Overview of Health and Wellness Business
Health and wellness tourism is a relatively new high-growth industry which has been proliferating in the past decade. It has contributed significantly towards the tourism, hospitality and leisure sector. Within the tourism industry context, the growing health and wellness phenomenon has impacted the resort hotels and commercial sectors such as shopping centres and commercial buildings. A variety of different definitions of health and wellness tourism based on different stakeholders has also been found. A recent survey by Chan (2007) has shown that various interpretations of health and wellness tourism are as follows:

  • regarded as relating to personal well-being and lifestyles
  • a way to release work stress for working people in urban areas and a new form of leisure/tourism activity for foreign tourists
  • as a body treatment for personal well-being (stress release); cosmetic surgery for an individual
  • multi-services that include medical, personal beauty/surgery and leisure-related activities

Hence, in broad terms, health and wellness tourism tends to relate to the four key components, which are: medical, body beauty treatment, leisure activities and personal well-being. These components relate more to the provision of a service and the creation of an experience. Read more

Associate Professor Dr. Jennifer Chan Kim Lian is based in the School of Business and Economics at the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). She is also the Deputy Director for the Centre for Academic Advancement. Dr Jennifer received her PhD in Tourism and Hospitality Management from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, UK. She is an experienced tourism and hospitality researcher, consultant, and an academic with considerable professional experience in the field concerned. Her seminar presentation was addressed in the Developing Sabah’s Tourism Products & Brand Seminar in September.

GUEST FEEDBACK

Hi Borneo Eco Tours!

My husband and I had a wonderful honeymoon in March 2008 Sabah and a highlight was our trip to the orangutan sanctuary in Sandakan. We just wanted to give our highest recommendation for our guide Mark Benedict. He was extremely informative, charismatic and helpful. We were thrilled to have such an excellent guide. Many thanks and please pass on our thanks to Mark.

Penny and Sam Christie,
Sydney, Australia - July 2008

WHY YOU SHOULD USE BORNEO ECO TOURS AND SUKAU RAINFOREST
LODGE?  

7) Up to date equipment. We have a fleet of over 25 modern air-conditioned coaches, vans, land cruisers, cars and we also own and operate our own speedboats and handcrafted wooden boats. All night cruises are made possible with the technical advanced spotlight, featuring filter-coloured lenses that does no harm to the fauna with its powerful spot-beaming capability of up to 1,000 metres.

  • Borneo Eco Tours
  • Sukau Rainforest Lodge

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