TIOMAN, July 25 — For four decades, Berjaya Tioman Resort has stood gracefully against the tides of the South China Sea, and its fortieth anniversary is more than a mere milestone — it is a celebration of sustainable business and a statement of bold vision for the future.
The resort’s enduring legacy of hospitality is also bolstered by its strategic reinvention.
Its rejuvenated facilities, personalised guest experiences, and sharpened focus on eco-tourism and sustainability reflect how the resort is adapting to evolving traveller values by upgrading guest experiences while preserving its cultural and island heritage.
Established in 1985 as the first hotel under the Berjaya Group, the resort has witnessed decades of transformation on Tioman Island, staying true to its commitment to environmental conservation through various environmental initiatives.
“Among our sustainability practices are waste reduction efforts such as eliminating single-use plastics in rooms, promoting linen reuse, and supporting reef-safe tourism activities.
“The resort also organises underwater clean-ups and coral planting programmes, engaging both staff and guests in its conservation drive,” said representatives from the group to reporters during a media familiarisation trip organised by Berjaya Land Bhd.
A unique ecological partnership has also blossomed between the resort and a grassroots turtle conservation site nearby, operated independently by a local villager.
“While not officially sponsored, the resort offers ongoing material support and encourages guests to witness turtle hatchling releases, fostering awareness of Tioman’s delicate marine life,” they said.
As the largest resort on the island, Berjaya Tioman Resort also shares its facilities with the local community, providing free access to its swimming pool for school training sessions and open use of its football field.
“These long-term gestures, coupled with a staff base made up largely of second-generation locals, reflect a sustainability model grounded in both environmental care and community integration,” they added.
The resort’s commitment to sustainability and preservation is reflected by its staff’s dedication to conserving the local flora.
For one staff member, Tonny a/l Johan, who oversees the resort’s gardens, working amidst Tioman’s lush greenery is more than just a job — it is a calling, deeply rooted in his heritage and a genuine love for the environment.
While not trained in formal conservation, Tonny’s instinct to protect native plants contributes to the island’s sustainability efforts, a value aligned with Tioman’s broader eco-conscious direction.
Originally from Endau, Johor, the Orang Asli worker joined the resort over a year ago as one of the staff responsible for landscaping and groundskeeping.
Much of his work involves caring for the local flora.
“There are a lot of trees that are native to this area, so we try to preserve them,” he said to Bernama.
Tonny and his landscaping team also practise basic green measures, such as using organic trimmings for composting.
Although the composting process is managed at the resort level, Tonny’s role at the ground level ensures the supply of raw materials and day-to-day upkeep of the resort’s natural surroundings.
“What I like most about this job is that it gives me meaningful work. I am doing what I love, caring for the environment. It also allows me to spend quality time with my family.
“I’ve always loved work like this because it makes me feel connected to nature,” he said with a quiet smile.
Tonny’s dedication reflects how sustainability in Tioman isn’t always policy-led, sometimes, it’s simply lived.
