Main area of focus in Caring for the Destination:  

Rural community development

Detailed description of the Caring for the Destination Initiative: 

Borneo Eco Tours, in conjunction with BEST (Borneo Eco-tourism Solutions and Technology) has been long-term supporter and advisor of three longhouses in Kudat, both financially and through the donation of resources. Various employment opportunities have been created through the ongoing operation of these longhouses. Community development programs have been strong in recent years. Borneo Eco Tours and BEST facilitated the establishment of a Village Tourism Committee at Mompilis Longhouse; this Committee steers decision making. In addition, three village leaders from Rungus Village were sponsored to participate in an education tour of Malaysia's top eco-tourism destinations.

On this tour, you will have the opportunity to have meaningful relations with people from these three villages. You will learn about the positive impact tour operations are having on their lives and be a part of cross cultural exchange.

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.