Sarawak's first private zoo to open in Bau as part of Tasik Biru Resort City
Lee, flanked by Abang Johari (right) and Abdul Karim, take a look at the architectural model of Blue Lake Apartment. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad
BAU (May 16): Sarawak's first privately-owned zoo is set to be established in Bau in three years' time, as part of the Tasik Biru Resort City development.
According to Tecktonic & Sons Holdings Sdn Bhd managing director Lee Chin Teck, the project is already in the process of securing a licence from the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC).
'We went to the SFC, and they said, 'Your application is number one' – meaning no one has applied for a zoo licence before.
'The CEO texted me just two days ago, and I believe our application is quite competitive. Hopefully, we can get a licence by the end of this year,' he said.
He made these remarks in his welcoming speech during the 205th Bau District anniversary celebration, Pesta Tasik Biru 2025 and launch of Tasik Biru Resort City, held at Pentas Utama, Tasik Biru Resort City here yesterday.
Adding on, Lee shared that the idea to develop a zoo was inspired after a research trip across Asia, where he visited leading private zoos in Vietnam and Thailand.
He said the zoo in Vietnam, in particular, sparked the vision to create a fully integrated destination featuring accommodation, entertainment, and wildlife attractions.
'Before you enter the zoo there, you see shophouses, hotels, apartments, and theme parks, which really opened my eyes.
'So, I came back and told Dr Felix, a veterinarian from Singai, to be our zoo consultant and return to Sarawak from Kuala Lumpur.'
The planned zoo, expected to cost around RM30 million, will be located within the Tasik Biru Resort City and will feature a diverse range of animals including tigers and lions (estimated at US$40,000 each) as well as giraffes, which cost double due to logistical challenges.
Lee sees the zoo as a key component of Bau's transformation into a tourist hub, describing it as a 'potential game changer' for the district.
'When I first started developing in Sematan, people thought I was crazy. Now that the project is fully sold and packed every weekend, I believe the same will happen here,' he added.
Abang Johari signs a plaque, witnessed by (from left) Jinep, Lee and Abdul Karim. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad
In line with environmental sustainability, Lee said he was inspired by the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles he learned during a recent mining trip to Canada, where he visited the renowned Butchart Gardens – a former limestone quarry turned botanical haven.
'Datuk Amar invited me on that trip, and I understood then that he wanted me to turn Tasik Biru into something like Butchart Gardens in Borneo.
'That is what I am aiming for with this zoo and the surrounding development,' he added.
With a 36-acre lake at its heart and the resort city steadily expanding, Lee believes Bau can emerge as a vibrant destination akin to Damansara in Kuala Lumpur.
Future developments include a safari zoo, Blue Lake Apartment with 149 units, and a hotel set to complement the zoo's draw.
'I hope that in three years, with the apartment, hotel and zoo completed, Bau will become a vibrant destination – no longer a quiet town, but a tourism jewel of Sarawak,' he said.
He added the zoo project also promises economic benefits for the local community, highlighting that the current LePaPa outlet in Bau has already created 250 job opportunities.
'Further expansion is planned in Selangau and Lawas, with the Lawas outlet being three times the size of Bau.'
Abang Johari (third left) witnesses the handover of mock key to Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) president Datu Ik Pahon Joyik (second right), representing DBNA Serapi Branch, from Jinep (second left). – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad
As the resort city takes shape, Lee thanked Deputy Minister for Transport (Maritime and Riverine) and Tasik Biru assemblyman Dato Henry Harry Jinep for his trust and support in the ambitious project.
The event was officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, and attended by Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang, and Puncak Borneo MP Datuk Willie Mongin. Bau Private zoo Tasik Biru Resort City Tecktonic
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