Long service staff recognised with awards

Anita (left) and Calixtus, two of the earliest employees, were recognized for their long service at BRL.

13 December 2024

KOTA KINABALU: Anita Lat fondly recalls the early days of Borneo Rainforest Lodge (BRL) before it boasted the improved facilities and conveniences that guests enjoy today.

“Back then, the electricity would shut off at 11 PM, and we had to make our way back to the staff quarters in the dark,” she remembers.

“When we reached the junction, we’d run... I imagined that something was chasing us,” she reminisced during BRL's 30th anniversary celebration at the resort.

Anita, who received a 30-year long service award during the event, is one of the lodge's earliest employees, having joined shortly after its establishment in 1994 in the heart of the world’s oldest rainforest in Danum Valley, Lahad Datu.

Calixtus James Loudi, who began his journey as a guide in 1996 and also received a long service award for 27 years, shared, “I know this forest like the back of my hand.”

One of his most memorable experiences involved assisting an American guest in a wheelchair on a challenging 4-kilometer uphill trek to a viewpoint platform.

“We reached the top, and she was overwhelmingly grateful,” he recalls.

The guest even opened her bag full of cash and urged him to take as much as he wanted, but Calixtus graciously declined, saying, “It was a personal achievement, and that is priceless.”

BRL, recently awarded a prestigious 5-star rating and recognized as Malaysia's first jungle resort to be designated a 'Green Hotel,' has welcomed numerous foreign dignitaries, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, William and Catherine, on September 12, 2012.

The remarkable stories from the lodge's 30-year history have been compiled in a book titled “Legacy of Danum Valley: The Story of Borneo Rainforest Lodge,” which was jointly launched by Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Innoprise Corporation Executive Chairman Datuk Jasnih Daya, and BRL Chief Executive Officer Freddie Coleman.

In his speech at the celebration, Jasnih remarked, “Some may call it a gem, others a treasure, but I see it as a legacy with a bright future. We take pride in the fact that this resort has created opportunities and distributed economic wealth among the people of Sabah, as tourism is a vital industry for the state.”

He also paid tribute to the late George Hong, Managing Director, and the late Gavin Sham, Chief Operating Officer, for their significant contributions to the development and transformation of the resort into a world-class facility.

“The practice of our company's vision, mission, and values will serve as a benchmark for our long-term strategy to carve out a niche in the world’s oldest rainforest,” he added.

“We cater to specific guests and offer personalised services from the moment they arrive at the airport until their departure, setting us apart from other properties.”

Freddie emphasised that moving forward, they will introduce new initiatives with their partners, including cycling tours, river adventures, and wellness programs.

“Our aim is to deepen our guests' connection to the rainforest while diversifying jungle activities to create a truly enriching rainforest experience. Collaborative ventures, such as Blue Rings Reef in Lahad Datu, Brumas, and the Borneo elephant endeavour, further highlight our shared commitment to conservation and innovation,” he said.

Additionally, he mentioned plans to enhance rooms and facilities to elevate the dining and living experience, ensuring unparalleled comfort in the heart of the jungle.