Hornbill Golf and Jungle Club recognized for environmental commitment
Sarawak course first IGOLF Laureate Course in Malaysia
The Hornbill Golf and Jungle Club , located in Sarawak, Malaysia on the island of Borneo, became Malaysia’s first IGOLF Laureate Course.
Part of the Borneo Highlands Resort, Hornbill Golf and Jungle Club reflects the environmental “back to nature” philosophy of Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew, the owner (and owner of The Mines Resort in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia).
Mr. Loh Leh Ching, CEO of Borneo Highlands, in accepting the IGOLF Laureate Course certificate from IGOLF Chairman Paul Spencer Sochaczewski, noted that Hornbill Golf and Jungle Club is located on some 5,000 acres of partially-logged land at an altitude of 1,000 meters, near the border of Sarawak (Malaysia) and Kalimantan (Indonesia). This land was abandoned, since it was uneconomical for logging. Only 1,500 acres of the land will be developed, with low impact activities; the rest will be managed as a nature reserve.
Borneo Highlands Resort employs some 160 employees, with 65% of the employees coming from nearby communities.
The course uses a minimum of chemicals, with organics used wherever possible. There is extensive hand-weeding. The course serves as a de facto nature reserve. The Malaysian Nature Society runs a regular bird census on the course, and provides conservation consultations.