Nexus Resort Karambunai, Sabah, Malaysian Borneo

Earth Hour got off to a rousing start at Nexus Resort on 28 March 2009. The initial plan to have a bonfire at the beachfront during the symbolic one hour of darkness was thwarted when heavy rain began to pour just before 8pm. A quick turnaround by the resort staff and the lobby was transformed into a stage for a superbly entertaining performance of cultural dances and traditional music.

Ms Angela Lim, a Communications Officer from WWF and her colleagues from the WWF Malaysia office in Sabah came to support the event. She gave a short introduction on Earth Hour and its significance in creating a greater awareness of global warning to at least 50 guests who had gathered at the lobby.

From 8:30pm till 9:30pm, all the non-essential lights at the resort were switched off including the reception. Guests who arrived during this time checked in by torchlight and were very supportive throughout the whole process. The children in the crowd were especially excited with the music and dances and joined in the fun at every opportunity.

The resort’s in-house strollers, Hinava, kept the crowd clapping and dancing along with a selection of rock and roll and local Kadazandusun songs.
Two amateur photographers, Charles Wai and Radzie Rahman, were there to take photos before and during the event.

Nexus Resort is determined to continue its support not only for future Earth Hour events but to also work towards instilling awareness among its staff to practice energy conservation as a way of life.

Ms Angela Lim of WWF (second from left) and her colleagues pose with the Nexus Resort dances at the end of the cultural performance

The cultural performance was a great hit with the resort guests as they danced under two spotlights in the darkened lobby