Protecting paradise for future generations

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do

Located on the untouched island of Pulau Tengah, we strive to protect the scenic beauty of our surroundings. We are committed to creating a meaningful and lasting positive impact on the ecosystem, environment, and local community. We do this through sustainability and conservation strategies, and our deep love and appreciation for nature. We aim to cultivate an innovative eco-tourism model that both motivates and empowers our guests.

Our vision and commitment

At Batu Batu, we are working towards a future where holidays become a powerful catalyst for positive change. Where guests can enjoy responsible travel, knowing they are helping preserve our beautiful habitat. We do this through the preservation and regeneration of biodiversity, fostering community resilience, preserving cultural heritage, and investing in local communities.

Since we began our sustainability journey, we have seen tangible results. We are proud to report healthier and more diverse coral reefs, a growing number of turtle nests and hatchlings on the island each year, and the successful reduction of waste to landfill from our resort.

The 4Cs

In 2020, Batu Batu joined The Long Run, a global membership organisation of nature-based tourism businesses. It is committed to accelerating positive environmental impacts through the “4Cs”: Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce. This holistic approach provides a framework for integrating responsible, sustainable and regenerative practices across all our operations, allowing us to drive continuous improvement as we work toward realising our vision.

At the core of our sustainability efforts is Tengah Island Conservation (TIC). What began as a Turtle Watch Camp at Batu Batu in 2015 evolved into a full-fledged, independent NGO in 2019. This helps us to work closely with local coastal and island communities, Department of Fisheries and State agencies to monitor and safeguard the marine park’s important ecosystems and promote sustainability. Through its research, restoration, and community engagement, TIC plays a vital role in conserving the ecosystems of Johor’s marine park islands for future generations.

Sustainability in Action

Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond conservation:

Food Waste Reduction: We are working towards processing 100% of our food waste through a combination of on-site composting and an innovative black soldier fly system. This closed-loop solution produces nutrient-rich compost for our organic garden.
Minimising Single-Use Plastics: To reduce waste at the source, we provide water dispensers, reusable glass bottles, and refillable toiletries to actively support green travel and help minimise the use of single-use plastics across the resort.
Energy Efficiency and Carbon Impact: We use LED lighting, a solar energy system and natural ventilation to improve our energy efficiency and reduce consumption.
Water Management: We operate a biological water treatment system, desalinate seawater, and implement water-saving initiatives to help with responsible water use.
Organic Farming: With the support of FOLO (Feed Our Loved Ones), we have an organic food garden that incorporates circular systems, including composting food waste and rainwater harvesting. The initiative increases health awareness among staff and guests while reducing our dependency on external food sources.

Local Supply Chains: Local Supply Chains: Over 50% of our operational supplies are sourced from the local town of Mersing, supporting the local economy.
Local Employment: Over 70% of our employees are local to Malaysia and we prioritise opportunities for local employment.
Collaboration: Together with TIC, we work closely with government agencies and communities to support marine conservation initiatives and community-based tourism.

Design and Construction: Using local materials with traditional building styles and architecture to minimise environmental impact, maximise ventilation and blend into nature.
Cultural Heritage: Partnering with Rumah Eko, a TIC initiative, we work with local communities to revitalise and showcase the local island traditions, including crafts, island dances (Zapin Pulau) and food.
Culinary: Our daily changing menus showcase Malaysia’s ethnic diversity (Chinese, Nonya, Indian, Malay flavours). Wherever possible, we use locally available ingredients and flavours – coconuts, garden-harvested herbs or “ulams”, lemongrass and ginger.

Responsible Business Practices: We engage suppliers on the 4Cs, working towards integrating these principles into our procurement and supplier management systems. This cultivates long-term, responsible growth and economic sustainability throughout our value chain.
Long-Term Resilience: We are committed to Batu Batu’s sustainable vision for future generations by nurturing internal talent. In line with our strategic objectives, we continuously upskill our team to support their professional development.
Donations: A percentage of Batu Batu’s revenue and guest contributions for every villa night go directly to provide Tengah Island Conservation (TIC) with unrestricted funding, showcasing our model that tourism can meaningfully drive conservation.

The 4Cs

Conservation

At the core of our sustainability efforts is the Tengah Island Conservation (TIC) program. This helps us to safeguard the important ecosystems of the island and promote sustainability. Through its research, restoration, and community engagement, TIC plays a vital role in conserving the ecosystems of Pulau Tengah for future generations.

Food Waste Reduction: We are working towards processing 100% of our food waste through a combination of on-site composting and an innovative black soldier fly system. This closed-loop solution produces nutrient-rich compost for our organic garden.
Minimising Single-Use Plastics: To reduce waste at the source, we provide water dispensers, reusable glass bottles, and refillable toiletries to actively support green travel and help minimise the use of single-use plastics across the resort.
Energy Efficiency and Carbon Impact: We use LED lights, solar water heaters, and natural ventilation to improve our energy efficiency and reduce consumption.
Water Management: We operate a biological water treatment system, desalinate seawater, and implement water-saving initiatives to help with responsible water use.

Community

Local Supply Chains: Over 50% of our operational supplies are sourced from the local town of Mersing, supporting regional economic growth.
Local Employment: Over 90% of our employees are local to the area, and we prioritise opportunities for local employment.
Collaboration: We partner with stakeholders to promote responsible and sustainable tourism, such as working with local authorities and NGOs to support marine conservation initiatives and community-based tourism projects.
Organic Farming: In partnership with FOLO (Feed Our Loved Ones), we have an organic food garden that incorporates circular systems, including composting food waste and rainwater harvesting. The initiative increases health awareness among staff and guests while reducing our dependency on external food sources.

Culture

Design and Construction: Using local materials with traditional building styles and architecture to minimise environmental impact and blend into nature.
Cultural Heritage: Partnering with Rumah Eko, a community-owned initiative, we offer guests activities incorporating local traditions, including crafts, island games, and traditional cooking sessions with the local community.
Culinary: Our daily changing menus showcase Malaysia’s ethnic diversity (Chinese, Nonya, Indian, Malay flavours). Wherever possible, we use locally available ingredients and flavours – coconuts, garden-harvested herbs or “ulams”, lemongrass and ginger, etc.

Commerce

Responsible Business Practices: We engage suppliers on the 4Cs, working towards integrating these principles into our procurement and supplier management systems. This cultivates long-term, responsible growth and economic sustainability throughout our value chain.
Long-Term Resilience: We are committed to Batu Batu’s sustainable vision for future generations by nurturing internal talent. In alignment with our strategic objectives, we continuously upskill our team so they can develop professionally.
Donations: A percentage of Batu Batu profits and guest contributions for every villa night go directly to support Tengah Island Conservation (TIC), showcasing our model that actively promotes regenerative tourism through meaningful conservation.

"Our journey to understand, protect, and preserve the natural beauty of the Johor Islands has been ongoing for over 13 years now. Along the way, we’ve witnessed the fruits of our efforts - healthier reefs, more turtle nestings and thriving conservation projects through TIC. Yet, the opportunities to create meaningful change remain as boundless as ever."

– Cher Chua-Lassalvy, Founder

Tengah Island Conservation (TIC)

In 2019, Batu Batu founded Tengah Island Conservation (TIC), a registered non-profit conservation organisation based at the Tunku Abdul Jalil Conservation Centre on the island. While Batu Batu continues to provide significant funds, TIC also receives substantial support from other contributors, including Malaysia’s Ministry of Finance, the State Government and UNDP. Staffed by a full-time team of marine and conservation biologists, the team is dedicated to protecting the Johor Marine Park’s unique biodiversity.

Habitat & Species Monitoring

TIC also monitors island erosion rates using advanced drone UAV technology and replants mangrove and coastal native trees in the affected areas. Additionally, TIC has collected and removed over 44,403.7kg of marine debris, including plastic bottles, straws, shoes, and ghost nets, from six islands. The essential data collected allows policymakers to make data-driven decisions.

Integrated Island Waste Management

Located on Besar Island, near Pulau Tengah, Rumah Eko is an immersive learning hub and home to those seeking a closer connection to nature. It also plays a key role in island waste management through the Integrated Island Waste Management concept. The name combines “Rumah” (home in Bahasa Malaysia) and “Eko” (ecology), reflecting its sustainability mission. Rumah Eko fosters a communal and educational space where ecological awareness and sustainable living thrive.

Sustainable Tourism

TIC co-founded and co-chaired the Sustainable Tourism Network for Malaysia, advocating for responsible tourism practices and sharing resources to strengthen sustainable tourism. On the ground, we work in Pulau Besar and Mersing, supporting local communities through workshops, capacity building, and bio-asset mapping to identify and value natural and cultural assets—helping communities develop alternative, nature-based livelihoods.

Education & Outreach

TIC conducts environmental outreach and upskilling programmes with schools, community groups and tourism operators to become better Marine Protected Areas (MPA) users and environmental stewards. To date, TIC has engaged with more than 20,000 students and communities.

Tengah Island Conservation (TIC)

Habitat & Species Monitoring

TIC conducts scientific research and long-term monitoring programs to protect marine and terrestrial ecosystems. Since its inception, TIC has released 32,821 critically endangered Hawksbill and Green sea turtle hatchlings. Across seven islands within the Besar Cluster of the Johor Marine Park, 29.4 Km² of coral reefs and 2.4 km² of seagrass meadows have been surveyed and patrolled to protect and relocate turtle eggs to the Tengah Island hatchery. TIC also monitors island erosion rates using advanced drone UAV technology and replants mangrove and coastal native trees in the affected areas. Additionally, TIC has collected and removed over 44,403.7kg of marine debris, including plastic bottles, straws, shoes, and ghost nets, from six islands. The essential data collected allows policymakers to make data-driven decisions.

Integrated Island Waste Management | Rumah Eko, Pulau Besar

Sustainable Tourism

Education & Outreach

We believe eco-tourism offers enormous opportunities for creating positive change. Every individual who stays with us at Batu Batu contributes to this mission. We aim to inspire a deeper appreciation of nature and its importance, while motivating our guests to take action and make more sustainable choices in their everyday lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does sustainability mean at Batu Batu?

At Batu Batu, sustainability means protecting the ecosystems of our island and the wider marine park, while running the resort responsibly — using low-carbon energy, proper water treatment, and eco-friendly operations. Through Tengah Island Conservation (TIC), we conserve biodiversity, restore habitats, and partner with communities at local, state, and national levels, so that nature and humanity can continue to coexist.

How does Batu Batu contribute to conservation?

Batu Batu’s conservation efforts are spearheaded by the non-profit entity Tengah Island Conservation (TIC), which our founder, Cher created . TIC’s initiatives protect sea turtles, coral reefs, and seagrass meadows, oversee the management of island waste streams, and work to engage and educate the community about biodiversity across the Johor Marine Park.

What is Tengah Island Conservation (TIC)?

TIC is a registered non-profit, science-based and community-driven conservation organisation based in Mersing, Johor, Malaysia. It is dedicated to preserving and restoring the environment and the islands’ rich biodiversity. Taking a holistic approach, TIC integrates sea turtle conservation, protection of coral reefs and seagrass habitats, marine debris management, and community engagement programs. Your stay at Batu Batu directly supports TIC’s vital work in environmental protection and sustainable practices.

How does Batu Batu reduce its environmental footprint?

We practice sustainability by:

Processing food waste through composting and a black soldier fly system.
Reducing the use of single-use plastics by opting for reusable bottles and refillable toiletries.
Installing energy-efficient LED lights, using a solar energy system, and natural ventilation to reduce energy use.
Operating a biological water treatment system.

How does Batu Batu support the local community?

We support local employment and community sourcing initiatives, as well as community-based tourism projects. Over 70% of our workforce and 50% of our supplies are from the region.

What cultural experiences does Batu Batu offer?

We celebrate Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage by showcasing the diversity of Malaysia’s local foods at Batu Batu. We also partner with TIC and the local villagers on Pulau Besar via the Rumah Eko project to host traditional island cooking sessions, island dance classes (Zapin Pulau), and crafts workshops in . We have also integrated traditional Malay cuisines into our menus, made with local ingredients.

What is the Adopt a Turtle Nest program?

This program, run by TIC ensures the survival of the endangered green turtle and critically endangered hawksbill sea turtles, so that future generations will have the opportunity to appreciate them.

How does Batu Batu promote responsible tourism?

We actively promote sustainable tourism through TIC’s advocacy and capacity-building efforts locally, as well as by creating and co-chairing the Sustainable Tourism Network for Malaysia. Also, our involvement as a member of The Long Run, a global organisation for sustainable tourism focused on the “4Cs” (Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce) ensures that our work on responsible tourism benefits people and nature.

How does Batu Batu manage food waste?

We practice on-site food waste composting and an innovative black soldier fly system. This waste management solution is also a closed-loop system that produces compost with nutrients for our organic garden, supporting sustainable farming practices.

How does staying at Batu Batu make a difference?

Your stay helps support our conservation initiatives and the development and growth of our sustainable practices. A portion of every villa night is donated to the Tengah Island Conservation initiative, which helps protect the biodiversity of the Johor Marine Park and promotes regenerative tourism.

Can I participate in conservation activities during my stay?

You can participate in conservation activities, which include beach clean-ups, turtle hatchery tours, coastal tree planting and science talks. We are always developing new programmes that help our guests deepen their understanding of our conservation efforts and the island’s overall ecosystem.

What is Batu Batu’s approach to energy and water management?

We utilise energy-saving methods, such as simply reducing energy and water use, installing LED lights, and operating a biological water treatment system to manage wastewater responsibly.

How does Batu Batu support long-term sustainability?

We invest in our team’s professional development, promote responsible business practices, and engage suppliers under sustainable principles. Also, to ensure the ongoing nature protection, we created TIC as a completely separate non-profit organisation from Batu Batu. This way, we can access external funding. This approach guarantees long-term environmental resilience and sustainability, while continuing to serve the community, regardless of Batu Batu’s future business.

What is Batu Batu’s vision for the future?

We aspire to inspire a new kind of tourism; one that builds rather than depletes. Our vision goes beyond simply preserving nature’s beauty; we seek to protect the intricacies of biodiversity and ecosystems, which are critical to a balanced planet and the foundation of healthy, thriving communities. Our model of responsible, community-friendly tourism aims to support local communities and encourages our guests to adopt a respectful approach to travel.

The Long Run pledge

Member of:

We are committed to Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce to maintain equilibrium between ecological sustainability, cultural preservation, and economic sustainability.

Giving back to the community

Over 50% of our operational supplies come from the local town of Mersing.
We prioritise locals for employment opportunities.
We collaborate with other stakeholders to promote sustainable tourism, fostering better regional tourism.

Organic Farming and Circular Systems

In partnership with FOLO (Feed Our Loved Ones), we have an organic food garden that incorporates circular systems, including composting food waste and rainwater harvesting. The initiative increases health awareness among staff and guests while reducing our dependency on external food sources.

By staying with us, guests help to fulfil our sustainability objectives and safeguard the island's biodiversity.

Pulau Tengah, nestled within Johor’s protected Sultan Iskandar Marine Park in Malaysia, is a true hidden gem. This secluded island, which Batu Batu calls home, is a picture-perfect cliché of crystal-clear waters, lush greenery, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs.

Reservations on weekdays from 9am to 11pm: +60 17 755 5888

Front Office every day from 7am to 11pm: +60 17 755 0672

Mersing Representative for any enquiries as you travel to Mersing +60 17 755 4381

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