KUCHING: Sarawak has embarked on an ambitious journey to elevate its ecotourism sector with the signing of a landmark 20- year concession agreement between Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) and Sutera Sanctuary Lodges (SSL).
Under this agreement, SSL will assume management and oversee the enhancement of tourism services at Niah National Park, recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Tanjung Datu National Park, both celebrated for their ecological and cultural importance.
The signing ceremony took place today at Dewan Kenyalang in the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly Complex, witnessed by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan on behalf of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
SSL has been granted the rights to operate and develop accommodation as well as food and beverage services at both parks with an option to extend the concession for a further 20 years.
This public private partnership aims to carefully balance environmental conservation with tourism growth.
Bringing decades of expertise in managing iconic nature based tourism destinations in Sabah such as Kinabalu Park, Malaysia’s first Unesco World Heritage Site, Laban Rata Resthouse on Mount Kinabalu, Manukan Island and Poring Hot Springs, SSL will now introduce its award winning conservation tourism model to Sarawak.
Niah National Park, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2024 and renowned for its archaeological treasures dating back 40,000 years and its magnificent limestone cave systems, will see renovations and new developments beginning late 2025.
Plans include lodging facilities, a restaurant, a swimming pool and a bar all thoughtfully designed to preserve the park’s historical and environmental integrity.
At Tanjung Datu National Park, famous for its pristine beaches and rich marine biodiversity, SSL intends to build private villas, a spa, a restaurant and other premium amenities.
The development will prioritise sustainable architecture incorporating passive cooling, biophilic interior designs and low impact construction methods to maintain harmony with the natural surroundings.
