KUCHING: A long-anticipated revival is on the horizon for Borneo Highlands Resort, as plans to redevelop the iconic highland destination gain fresh momentum with new investment and infrastructure focus.
Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, said once a distinctive retreat known for its cool climate and panoramic views, Borneo Highlands Resort is now poised for a major comeback with authorities prioritising improved accessibility and strategic redevelopment to unlock its full tourism potential.
“A key priority moving forward is to enhance road connectivity, particularly access to Puncak Borneo, which is seen as critical to supporting both tourism growth and investor confidence.
“The immediate focus is to ensure accessibility is improved, especially road access to Puncak Borneo,” a spokesperson said, noting that infrastructure remains central to the area’s redevelopment plans.
In tandem with this, Awang Tengah, who is also the Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development, said efforts are underway to revitalise existing facilities at Borneo Highlands Resort.
An investor has already been identified with an agreement expected to be formalised in the near future.
“We have identified an investor to revive the existing facilities, and we are looking at a development timeline of approximately 36 months.
“The revival of Borneo Highlands Resort is a strategic tourism development while reinforcing Sarawak’s position as a stable and attractive investment destination,” he said.
The highland resort, long recognised for its natural beauty and tranquil environment, is seen as having strong potential to become a major tourism draw once redevelopment is completed.
“The area offers a unique natural setting, and if fully realised, it can become a key attraction for both domestic and international visitors,” he added.
The renewed push follows earlier reports and proposals to reposition Borneo Highlands Resort as a high-value eco-tourism destination.
While previous plans had progressed gradually, the latest developments signal a more structured and committed approach.
At the same event, Land Custody Development Authority (LCDA) General Manager, Datuk Zaidi Mahdi, said that an investor interested in developing Borneo Highlands Resort is scheduled to meet with LCDA to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU), although the identity of the investor will only be disclosed at the signing ceremony.
“They (the investors) will be here next week and we will have the signing ceremony of the MoU with them to upgrade the facilities of the resort first. As of now, the investors concerned will only be revealed during the MoU,” he said.
Meanwhile, Awang Tengah, who is also the Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment, said projects and investments’ sentiment in Sarawak remains resilient despite global uncertainties.
Addressing concerns over geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, he acknowledged potential impacts but emphasised diversification efforts.
“We cannot avoid global geopolitical challenges, but we are actively diversifying our investment sources rather than relying on any single country,” he said.
Despite that, he said confidence in the state’s investment climate remains strong, underpinned by stability and unique regional strengths.
“Sarawak continues to attract interest from across Asia. Many countries are still keen to invest, both directly and indirectly, given our stability and the opportunities available,” he added.
