Main area of focus in Caring for the Destination:  

Environmental protection

Detailed description of the Caring for the Destination Initiative: 

Borneo Eco Tours operates according to its strict environmental and social policies, which lead to the creation of its non-profit arm called Sukau Ecotourism Research & Development Centre (SERDC) in 1991. SERDC was established to develop eco-tourism through funds mobilisation and project consultation. In 2007, SERDC was officially registered as a not-for-profit organisation called BEST (Borneo Eco-tourism Solutions and Technologies).

BEST's main objectives are to promote sustainable tourism in particular eco-tourism and to develop alternative livelihood opportunities for local communities. BEST achieves these goals through education programs, including workshops, skill training, technical assistance and leadership development programs with local leaders, and by testing and applying modern technologies and environmental management practices in a local setting, for example, at Sukau Rainforest Lodge. BEST also facilitates co-operations between numerous stakeholders such as plantations, tourism lodges, tour operators, local community, and government departments (e.g. Wildlife Department, Forestry Department, and Sabah Tourism), NGOs (e.g. WWF) and universities (e.g. University of Malaysia Sabah) to ensure the long term sustainability of ecotourism in Sabah.

Borneo Eco Tours' intrinsic connection with BEST ensures that practical, every day steps to minimise impacts on the environment are upheld. On this Kota Kinabalu World Heritage Site tour, you are guided along existing trails to limit impact on the surrounding jungle. Knowledgeable guides will impart their knowledge of these beautiful areas to you providing you with an insight into Malaysian unique and thriving natural environment and how to protect it.