PRODUCT UPDATE

BB 19 Reef & Rainforest 6D/ 5N

This new tour combines the best of wildlife search on land and underwater. Orang utans sightings is guaranteed as our clients are guided to Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre to see them in close range. Move on to Sukau for wildlife sightings in the wilderness – exclusively on relaxing river cruises. Stay in our award winning Sukau Rainforest Lodge for 2 nights of staying-in-the- jungle experience. Drive to south-eastern town which links world top diving spot, Mabul- Sipadan via sea transport.

Internationally rated as one of the top diving spots, Sipadan Island offers the richest treasure of marine habitat in the world, with more than 3000 species of fish and hundreds of coral species discovered. The oceanic island is formed by living corals growing on top of an extinct undersea volcano, which rises 600m from the seabed. The turtle tomb, an underwater limestone cave with labyrinth of tunnels and chambers that contain many skeletal remains of turtles add another unique feature to divers visiting to Sipadan. Some identified marine life includes mantas, eagle rays and barracudas.

(Left) Orang utan in Sukau

Mabul Island is another world-class diving spot adjacent to Sipadan Island. Oval shaped and surrounded by white sandy beaches, this unique island is just 15 minutes ride by speedboat from Sipadan. Mabul is arguably one of the riches single destinations for exotic small marine life anywhere in the world. The attractions on Mabul are of the smaller variety such as lobster, shrimp, crocodile fish, moray and garden eels. This makes it an ideal setting for macro-photo opportunities. More details on this package is available at: http://www.borneoecotours.com/tours_view.cfm?THE_ID=61 .

Right) Sipadan Mabul Resort’s Water Bungalow

TENGKU ZAINAL ADLIN BIN TENGKU MAHAMOOD

Tengku Adlin is the Chairman of the Tourism Board (as of 2007). He is also the current Vice- President Emeritus after being Chairman and trustee of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) (1997-2005), a past trustee on the board of WWF International based in Switzerland, Chairman and Immediate Past Chairman of the Danum Valley Conservation Area Management Committee (1974-2005) and Past Chairman of the Maliau Basin Conservation Area Management Committee, Chairman City Birds Sanctuary (2000-2005), Chairman Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society (2006), Trustee Sabah Parks (2000-2006) and Honorary Advisor of Borneo Orchid Society.

Tengku Adlin is the author of numerous books and publications on nature and adventure as he had led or participated in many expeditions to unexplored or lesser known interiors of Sabah. He is one of the pioneers who ventured into the Maliau Basin ‘Sabah’s Lost World’ (1984) and subsequently planned and participated in the first scientific expedition by the Sabah Foundation and WWF Malaysia into Sabah’s Lost World (1988).

Tourism Malaysia presented him its highest award the Minister of Tourism Special Award (Individual) for the 2004 Tourism Malaysia Award. The State appointed him Chairman in 2000 to date. He has worked hand in hand with key players in the tourism industry at state, national and international levels with a common and shared vision to promote and market Sabah as a world class and a premier ecotourism destination 1

A new species of the largest flower in the world, Rafflesia, discovered on an expedition on Trus Madi Range is named after him - Rafflesia-tengku adlinii. His latest book ‘Maliau Basin Sabah’ Lost World’ is to facilitate the declaration of this unique pristine primeval rain forest as a World Heritage Site. He is currently involved in the WWF initiative to assist Borneo’s three nations (Brunei, and Malaysia) to conserve on a huge scale, the world’s second largest, the area known as the ‘Heart of Borneo’ – a total of 220,000 sq. km of pristine equatorial rain forest through a contiguous trans- boundary network of protected areas and sustainably-managed forest, and through international co-operation led by the Borneon governments and supported by a global effort, with WWF as secretariat, to realise the green ‘Heart of Borneo’ - Three Countries One Conservation Vision.

Tengku Adlin was also given Malaysia’s highest recognition for services to Tengku Adlin with HRH Prince Henrik conservation, the Langkawi Award (1999) by the Yang Dipertuan Agong (King of in tree planting project, Sukau Malaysia) and followed by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) highest international award for services to conservation, the Duke of Edinburgh Conservation Gold Medal ‘In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the conservation of the natural environment in Sabah, Malaysia, at all levels; from an involvement in fieldwork, education, and public awareness to policy making and international cooperation’ by Prince Philip President Emeritus WWF at Buckingham Palace, London (1999).

Sukau Rainforest Lodge is proud to dedicate room no. 5 as our highest recognition for his remarkable contribution in conservation.

Read more personalities on our website: http://www.sukau.com/public/con_per.asp

Mark Louis Benedict – Our Best Tourist Guide in Malaysia Tourism Awards 2005/06

In this issue, we are pleased to introduce one of our leading nature tourist guides, Mark Louis Benedict. Employed with us since February 2004, Mark had displayed outstanding guiding skill at very young age. Holding firm to his motto, ‘success is 99% perspiration and only 1% luck’, Mark believes one must do the best and give the best in life, be it at work or at home.

During school days, he was an active student and was elected president of Nature Society Club for 2 years. Working in Borneo Eco Tours is his first job and he sees BET is a company with future, strong environment ethic and good welfare. “Overall, I’ve good working relationship with everyone and that shows that we all can work as a team”, said Mark.

Mark enthused that fellow guides must provide the best service to all clients. “Guides are the company’s ambassador and to live up to Borneo Eco Tours’ core values, we must show that we care for the environment which is the backbone for nature tourism, particularly in . As frontliners, we are one of the primary channels to promote tourism and to ensure guests who visit here appreciate what we have”. “A good guide is someone who has deep concern on the guests and does the best to meet guests’ requirements. We must always anticipate what the guests want. To go the extra mile, an excellent guide will foster friendship with the guests”, he added.

Despite his young age, Mark never has problem getting along with elderly guests who use his service. “Though age difference can affect the topic of conversation, the important thing is to find our common ground, where both parties enjoy the topic that we can exchange ideas”, Mark continued.

While enjoying guiding, Mark spends his free time playing soccer, basketball, badminton and he is also a good guitarist. In the recently concluded Malaysia Tourism Award, Mark was awarded the Best Tourist Guide in Malaysia (Nature) for his outstanding performance in guiding. Mark thanked family-like Borneo Eco Tours colleagues for their support and the award is very much a blessing for everyone who works hard for Borneo Eco Tours’ guests.

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HAPPENINGS

Borneo Eco Tours Wins Award in Malaysia Tourism Awards 2005/06

Mark Louis Benedict of Borneo Eco Tours was named the Best Tourist Guide (Nature) during the Malaysia Tourism Award ceremony in on 22 nd July 2007. Borneo Eco Tours’ John Chin emerged finalist in the same category while in the Best Tour Program and Best Inbound Tour Operator category, Borneo Eco Tours was also selected as finalist. Read more about the award at: http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=51554 . Pix: Minister of Tourism, Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor presenting the award to Mark

Borneo Eco Tours Celebrates Malaysia Tourism Awards Achievement

On 13 th Aug., Borneo Eco Tours’ management and staff celebrated their achievement in Malaysia Tourism Award with a simple yet significant party at Kota Kinabalu headquarters. On hand to receive appreciation gifts and certificate was Mark Louis Benedict, who won the Best Tourist Guide Award. The celebration is remarkable for Borneo Eco Tours staff as a tribute for the teamwork and dedication of the staff .

Pix: Mark receiving appreciation gift from Mr. Albert Teo

Duo who Helped Death March POWs Honored in Australia Two local unsung heroes from World War Two were honored on the 5th August 2007 in Sydney, Australia for their role in saving Australian Prisoners-of-War (PoWs) during the infamous 260km Sandakan- Death March in 1945. The duo are Saumin Bin Gadalip @ Kaingal, 74 and Domima OKK Akoi, 87.

The historic trip to Australia was a collaborative effort by Borneo Exhibition and Education Group Inc, Perth (BEG Inc) and Borneo Eco Tours’ Recreation and Welfare Club of which Managing Director, Albert Teo is the Advisor. BEG Inc sponsored the costs of accommodation, meals and transportation for the two heroes and their escorts while in Australia. Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) in Perth, Australia sponsored the air tickets while Borneo Eco Tours’ Recreation and Welfare Club sponsored the air-tickets of the two escorts, passports for Kaingal, Domima and Fazly, visas, travel insurance and Left to Right: Domima & Kaingal winter clothes for all, costing a total of more than RM5,000. Albert also acknowledged a donation of RM500 for Kaingal from an anonymous donor.

Albert said the Recreation and Welfare Club is committed to seeking out any local heroes for due recognition for acts of bravery during World War Two. He wants to expose his staff to community work through this project in fulfillment of one's social responsibility. Domima was chaperoned by a granddaughter, Jennet Joseph Sitin, while Kaingal was accompanied by a grandson, Fazly. Albert led the group to Australia.

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Albert Teo Launches 6th Edition of Sabah Photo Book

Adventurer, photographer, author, ecolodge and tour operator Albert Teo has just launched the 6th edition of his photographic book of “Sabah, Land of the Sacred Mountain". First published nineteen years ago in 1988, “Sabah, Land of the Sacred Mountain " has sold 25,000 copies and has become the top five best seller in Sabah. The latest edition has been revised with an addition of ten more pages to 139 pages and 26 new photographs of a total of 219 of places of interest around Sabah.

Driven by his passion of travel and the outdoor in the last twenty two years, Albert has been travelling and trekking the length and breadth of Sabah to capture many wonderful images of Sabah , many of which are now reproduced in his Journey through Borneo series of post cards. Retailed at only RM38.00, the book has become a must buy souvenir item for every tourist to Sabah. A total of 10,000 copies have been printed.

In “Sabah, Land of the Sacred Mountain”, the chapters include People and languages, prehistory, history and chapters on each of the five divisions namely West coast, Interior, , Sandakan and division. There are also maps of the state, and each division, airlinks to Sabah as well as a suggested nine day tour itinerary for anyone planning on visiting Sabah after reading the book.

The book is also liberally illustrated with many flowers, plants and wildlife photographs taken personally by Albert. Not forgetting the various eco-resorts both on remote islands and jungle resorts including his own award winning Sukau Rainforest Lodge. "Sabah, Land of the Sacred Mountain”, 6th edition is available in all local bookshops and souvenir shops as well as on "Borneo Eco Tours Sdn Bhd" website www.borneoecotours.com .

Lina & Agnes’s New Babies

Our Tour Consultant, Lina Abdul gave birth to a healthy 3.3kg baby boy on the 16 th May. Named Ayman Jermain, the baby is the first child for Lina and her spouse. Having Ayman in the family is a blessing and joy to her parents. Lina feels like a reborn person with a new perspective of life in which she has to manage her time better to get more values out of her new life.

Our Sales & reservation Manager, Agnes Lawrence is also blessed with a new baby. Born on 20 th June, Amber Weysha John is Agnes’ third child and Agnes’ first daughter. Let’s congratulate Lina and Agnes!

Lina with Ayman Cutie Amber

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INFO ZONE

Kundasang War Memorial

For our guests who go on our BB2C 2D 1N Kinabalu Park Safari, one of the attractions must be the War Memorial. A visit to the memorial tells thousands of unspoken facts of the infamous death march during World War II. The memorial was initiated by New Zealander, Major G.S. Carter (Toby Carter) and designed by local architect J. C. Robinson in 1962 to honor the 2428 Australian and British Prisoners of War (POWs) who died in the torturous death marches from Sandakan to Ranau. The memorial also commemorates the locals who sacrificed their lives to help the POWs. Overall, there were 6 Australian POWs who survived the Death March and there was no record of English survivor.

The Memorial was restored in 2005 privately in conjunction with the 60th Anniversary of World War II. The Memorial is made up of four beautiful gardens namely the Australian Garden, the English Garden, the Borneo Garden and the Contemplation Garden to represent the different nationalities involved in that remarkable chain of events. Visitors have the option to watch video show on the history of the Sandakan Death March before or after touring the gardens.

Kundasang War Memorial is essentially one of the remaining remembrances of World War II and a priceless tribute to all fallen heroes who risked their life for the next generation in .

Hello Agnes, We just got back from Borneo. We were six of us including two children. (Zalman Rai). Thank you very much for everything you did for us. I have worked in the same field before. 18 years ago I used to run a big Safari outfit called Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge in Nepal. I used to be the Operations Manager for Tiger Tops and handled all sorts of clients from the royalties to the regular people. Therefore I understand the work involved. I really appreciate your help. Our guide Mr. Saat was absolutely wonderful. He is an asset to a company like Borneo Eco Tours. He has all the qualities that a good guide requires. In a tour operation a guide’s first job is to make sure that client gets what he wants. He did a fantastic job of that. In my opinion that it is not that one can do what a client wants but the effort and communication with the client. Mr. Saat made our stay very comfortable. My daughter’s birthday was wonderful at Sukau Lodge. All the staff was fantastic. We truly appreciate Jonathan, Winston and rest of the Lodge staff for their help. Looking forward to coming back again.

Thank you again Surendra Rai, USA – June 2007

5 WHY YOU SHOULD USE BORNEO ECO TOURS AND SUKAU RAINFOREST LODGE? Continues from previous issue …

15. Value for money. When you consider all the above, our tours represent true value for money.

To read other reasons why you should use us, please click the following links: www.borneoecotours.com/why_bet.cfm and www.sukau.com/public/whyus.asp .

Learning Bahasa Conversation (E) – Perbualan (B) BORNEO eZONE COMMITTEE Advisor: Albert Teo E: Welcome to Borneo! Board of Advisors: Baton Bijamin, Susan Soong B: Selamat datang ke Borneo! & Verus John E: What is your name? Text: Willie Ki & Sabah Tourism Board B: Siapa nama anda? (Personality of the Month)

E: Today’s weather is very fine Layout: Willie Ki B: Cuaca hari ni agak baik Photos: Albert Teo, Explore Asia Tours, Sabah

Tourism Board, Daily Express, Adrian Migiu, E: Borneo is a lovely place Susan Soong, Lina Abdul & Agnes Lawrence B: Borneo ialah suatu tempat yang indah

We look forward to your feedback on Borneo eZone. Please forward your feedback to [email protected] . Terima kasih!

“The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor”

- Vincent T. Lombardi

Borneo Eco Tours Sdn Bhd (226853-W) KKKP 2277 Lot 1, Pusat Perindustrian, Kolombong Jaya, Mile 5.5, Jalan Kolombong, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia Contact Number: 60-88-438300 Fax Number: 60-88-438307 Email: [email protected] Home Page: www.borneoecotours.com

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