The island of Borneo in the South China Sea was used as a trading port by the ancient Chinese, Indians and Javanese as early as the fourth century. Gold, ivory and oriental spices travelled across the world’s third largest island to destinations throughout the region. The Indians named it Suvarnabhumi – the land of gold – and Karpuradvipa – Camphor Island. To the Javanese it was Puradvipa: the Diamond Island.
Today the land is uniquely split between three nations. Indonesia controls the southern and majority landmass, and the Nation of Brunei – one of the smallest independent states in the world – takes up 5.7sq km of the north coast. The rest is Malaysian territory: the state of Sabah in the north east, and the state of Sarawak in the north west.
Eastern promise
Sabah offers a destination set against the world’s oldest rainforest, endless pristine white beaches, unique flora and fauna, and a skyline of mountains. Known for a diverse and colourful potpourri of cultures, the state presents an array of theme dinners and parties to suit all people and passions, whether they are seeking a grandiose setting, a wild adventure or natural simplicity.
Getting there is simple: Sabah enjoys good air links with all major cities in the Asia Pacific, with direct and transit flights to Kuala Lumpur, Brunei, Hong Kong, Taipei, Kaoshiung, Manila, Cebu, Tokyo, Seoul and Sydney.
Sprawling, world class luxury resorts and five star business hotels offer services comparable to the world’s finest.
Sabah’s grand ballrooms can easily accommodate up to 2,000 people, and its concert halls providing seating for audiences 5,000-strong. Extensive communication facilities, state-of-the-art audio visual equipment and award-winning service ensure the success of conventions, team building events and theme parties, and create a long-lasting impression.
Sabah’s cuisine includes authentic Asian flavours from Malay, Chinese, Indian, Thai and Japanese traditions, as well as a host of international styles. Culinary expertise combines with fresh seafood and local fruits, assuring delegates of a treat.
Sabah’s growing popularity as an incentive and meeting destination is also due to its people. The state is home to 30 harmonious ethnic groups: a unique cultural tapestry. Renowned for their charming hospitality, Sabahans’ warm nature contributes much to a memorable incentive and meeting experience.
Western delight
The city of Kuching, capital of the state of Sarawak, is one of the most vibrant cities in the region, and home to the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
Just eight kilometres from the city centre, the BCCK is the first convention centre on the island of Borneo. It offers world class facilities for meetings and conventions for up to 5,000 delegates, banquets for two to 2,000 guests, and pillar-less exhibition and event space capable of flexible venue arrangements. Ceilings tower as high as 10m in the Great Hall, while the longest room spans 48.5m. All venues are serviced by a multi-ethnic team of passionate professionals dedicated to making every event a success.
The centre’s architecture is themed on its local rainforest: trusses around the BCCK are arranged to resemble tree branches, and the roof of the complex is shaped like a Ririk leaf. One of the many plants common to the nearby rainforest, the leaves were used for centuries by the Dayaks of Borneo to wrap food while away on lengthy hunting trips.
The natural inspiration extends to the building’s construction. Architects and engineers made sure that all major elements of the building could be made locally, and local ferns and evergreen trees were used in the centre’s landscaping. Glass panels are also shaded with plants to reduce solar gains and energy consumption.
The landscape that surrounds the BCCK is awe inspiring. The majestic Sarawak River flows along the east banks of the centre, where delegates can watch boats buoy lazily from the neighbouring marina, while beyond is the Nipah forest, where visitors just might see crocodiles soaking up the sun on the river’s banks.
