Mount Kinabalu backpackers lodge in Borneo
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
Lupa Masa uses its own supplied hydro electricity that comes from a river a short distance before the property- we believe a first in Borneo.
Lupa Masa is built from local giant bamboo - the most sustainable construction material there is. After two years new stands are already growing and within a few more years will be able for harvesting again. Roofing is local sourced palm thatch that is cool and less noisy than man made alternatives.
Food is grown and supplied locally from the surrounding villages.
Human waste goes into a septic tank and then reed bed, food waste is composted and plastic and other materials are limited in their use.
Before Lupa Masa was built there was illegal hunting taking place adjacent to the national park. This has now been reduced and in the future there will be night hides set up to view the nocturnal creatures. The surrounding forests are rich in mammals and birds including a tiny bat that lives inside the bamboo and often at dawn gibbons can be heard. There are very few mosquitoes at Lupa Masa due to the intact eco-system that surrounds it.
Fortunately being next to the rainforest and national park clean water supply is not a problem and even in the dry season the small rivers that provide Lupa Masa do not dry up.
Community
Lupa Masa has employed the local community from the start in construction and all labour requirements. As there are no roads into Lupa Masa everything had to be and has to be carried in at extra cost. Whole families are sometimes used for big carrying jobs and this provides income directly to the communities.
As Lupa Masa develops and grows it will help promote a local homestay program in nearby villages and expand the range of treks and other activities that are on offer.
As staff requirements grow Lupa Masa will continue to train and employ those from the surrounding villages. These will be in areas of guiding, catering and accounting. Interested individuals will be offered the chance to obtain state recognised badges and awards so that they can further their personal goals and desires.
Food at Lupa Masa is either grown on site or bought from local markets and farmers. The suppliers are being encouraged to use less pesticides and eventually Lupa Masa will only source organic food which will mean healthier food for the farmer at higher prices and healthy food for the guests of Lupa Masa. A win win situation.
Visitors are encouraged to use locally owned transport options and are given suggestions of other places to visit in the region which are also promoting low scale community and environmental tourism.
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