First jungle resort to get 5-star rating

Kota Kinabalu: The Borneo Rainforest Lodge (BRL) has become the first jungle resort in Malaysia to be awarded a 5-star rating after undergoing a rigorous evaluation process.

The recognition has set a benchmark for international market guests, providing a unique and high-quality stay experience.

The evaluation has also recognised BRL as a “Green Hotel” based on guidelines from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, said BRL’s Chief Executive Officer, Freddie Coleman.

The process was led by Coleman and the Director of Operations, Abd Sail Jamaludin.

Located in Danum Valley, Lahad Datu, BRL is a subsidiary of the Sabah Foundation Group of Companies, representing Malaysian hospitality and offering guests memorable experiences.

“We have upgraded several facilities to meet the 5-star standards and provide a more comfortable stay for our guests,” Coleman said.

Improvements include enhancing the lobby’s ambience, updating green practice documentation, and expanding gym facilities. The lobby now features additional seating areas for guest convenience during check-in and check-out.

Coleman highlighted the lodge’s commitment to sustainability through various in-house green practices.

These include UV sterilisation for filtered water throughout the lodge and a rainwater harvesting system for optimising water usage, such as vehicle washing.

Effective microorganism (EM) mud balls are used to treat wastewater, which is then safely absorbed by the surrounding environment.

Additionally, solar panels have been installed on each lodge unit to power water heaters, reducing carbon footprints and energy consumption.

An environmental sustainability team ensures that green standards are maintained to protect the rainforest’s longevity.

BRL has extended its green initiatives to its food and beverage sector by converting food waste into compost, fertilising an in-house herb garden.

This supports a farm-to-table experience and reduces reliance on imported inorganic herbs.

“This approach moves us towards a sustainable circular economy,” Coleman noted.

Source:- Daily Express