SUSTAINABILITY
Where luxury meets responsibility in the heart of nature’s most treasured sanctuaries
CONSERVATION AT YTL
Stewardship without boundaries: protecting nature’s legacy across land and sea
At YTL Hotels, our commitment to sustainability is deeply rooted in respect for nature and the communities that surround us. Across our resorts, we champion meaningful conservation efforts that not only protect our natural heritage but also inspire our guests to connect with the world around them.
From sea turtles to seagrass, mangroves to majestic hornbills, each initiative reflects our belief that luxury and environmental stewardship can coexist and thrive.
Marine Conservation at
Gaya Island Resort
Since its launch in 2013, the Gaya Island Resort Marine Centre has been a beacon for marine conservation in Sabah. Dedicated to three core pillars: Turtle Rescue, Coral Reef Restoration, and Conservation through Education, the centre has rescued, rehabilitated, and released several endangered green sea turtles and a critically endangered Hawksbill turtle. Each turtle underwent extensive care before returning to the sea.
The centre features four coral reef display tanks and a 14,000-litre recovery tank that doubles as a coral nursery. In partnership with organisations like Reef Check Malaysia and supported by marine biologist Scott Mayback, guests are invited to observe coral propagation techniques and engage with marine life preservation up close.
The Marine Centre also runs weekly conservation talks and outreach programmes, including collaborations with local schools and fishing communities to promote sustainable practices and reduce marine debris. A Turtle Hotline ensures timely rescue responses in collaboration with the Sabah Wildlife Department and the Marine Research Foundation.
Wildlife & Mangrove Preservation
– Gaya Island Resort
Launched in 2016, the Gaya Island Resort Wildlife Centre leads the charge in preserving the island’s natural treasures. The centre, spearheaded by resident naturalist Justin Juhun and his team, focuses on three key areas: Proboscis monkey preservation, nature and wildlife conservation, and immersive nature trails.
Gaya Island is home to over 100 proboscis monkeys, a species classified as endangered. The resort works closely with Sabah Parks and the Sabah Wildlife Department to monitor and support these primates, including efforts to rescue and relocate displaced individuals.
The Wildlife Centre houses specimen displays and conducts active research on the island’s rich biodiversity, offering guests a deeper understanding of its unique ecosystem. The resort’s curated nature trails provide guided explorations through undisturbed dipterocarp forests, promoting education while limiting human impact.
Beyond the shoreline, our commitment to conservation extends into the heart of the island’s ancient forest. The Gaya Island Resort Wildlife Centre collaborates with researchers and students to monitor native species and restore mangrove habitats. With every seedling planted and every creature observed, we move closer to a balanced coexistence between people and the wild.
Nature Conservation Centres at Pangkor Laut Resort and Tanjong Jara Resort
Our Nature Conservation Centres blend luxury with environmental stewardship. Pangkor Laut protects ancient rainforest ecosystems, where hornbills soar through 2-million-year-old canopies and vibrant marine life thrives. Tanjong Jara safeguards coastal habitats, from sea turtle nesting sites to coral reefs in the South China Sea.
Guests join conservation through guided rainforest walks, turtle monitoring, and coral planting initiatives — transforming each stay into meaningful engagement with Malaysia’s biodiversity. Our expert naturalists reveal hidden wonders, from medicinal plants to playful otters, creating unforgettable encounters where luxury meets sustainability.
These living classrooms demonstrate our commitment to preserving Malaysia’s natural heritage while offering guests privileged access to conservation in action. Every experience supports vital protection efforts, ensuring these ecosystems flourish for generations.
The Turtle Hatchery at Tanjong Jara Resort
As part of an exclusive partnership with PULIHARA, the resort has established a longstanding turtle hatchery adjacent to the Nelayan Restaurant. Constructed with a simple yet robust wooden lattice structure, the hatchery provides guests with a view into the nesting process while ensuring the safety of the nests from potential predators.
Guests are offered the opportunity to delve into the captivating world of sea turtles, discovering the majestic creatures that inhabit our oceans, learning about the challenges they encounter, and the ongoing efforts to protect their offspring from poachers while reintegrating them into their natural marine habitat. This collaborative initiative provides informative talks and invites participation in nest inspections during the day (subject to availability), with the chance, if fortunate, to witness the mesmerising emergence of young hatchlings at night.
Moreover, an innovative nest adoption programme empowers guests to pledge their support, safeguarding a nest from poachers and preventing its potential sale in local markets as food. Participants in this program receive regular email updates featuring photographic progress reports and an exclusive invitation to revisit the resort to witness the remarkable hatching of turtle eggs.
PULIHARA, formerly known as Lang Tengah Turtle Watch, exemplifies this commitment as a non-profit organisation and recipient of the prestigious Star Golden Hearts Award in 2023. With years of unwavering dedication, PULIHARA provides invaluable expertise, volunteer support, and educational resources, facilitating the release of tens of thousands of endangered turtle hatchlings into their natural habitat.
