Marriott Bonvoy has joined forces to support orangutan conservation with the Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island Foundation (BMOUIF) to launch a nationwide conservation campaign aimed at protecting one of Malaysia’s most iconic and endangered wildlife species.

Known as “A Story That Matters: Uniting Hospitality and Conservation for a Better Future,” the initiative combines tourism, education and conservation to encourage travellers and local communities to play a more active role in safeguarding Malaysia’s natural heritage.

At the heart of the campaign is Aggy, a young Bornean orangutan whose remarkable rehabilitation journey has become a symbol of hope for wildlife conservation across the country.

A Partnership That Connects Travel with Conservation

Tourism and conservation are increasingly becoming closely linked as travellers seek experiences that create positive social and environmental impact.

Recognising this shift, Marriott Bonvoy and BMOUIF have developed a campaign that transforms hotel stays into opportunities to support wildlife protection. By combining Marriott Bonvoy’s nationwide hospitality network with BMOUIF’s decades of conservation expertise, the collaboration aims to raise awareness about endangered orangutans while encouraging responsible travel.

The initiative also forms part of Serve 360: Doing Good in Every Direction, Marriott International’s global sustainability and social impact platform that focuses on creating lasting value for communities and the environment.

Aggy’s Story Inspires a New Generation of Conservation Support

The campaign centres around the story of Aggy, a young Bornean orangutan who was orphaned shortly after birth.

Through months of dedicated care from veterinarians and wildlife specialists, Aggy gradually recovered before being successfully reintroduced to Orang Utan Island, where he was accepted by an adoptive orangutan mother.

His journey represents the long-term commitment required to rehabilitate endangered wildlife and highlights the importance of sustained conservation efforts.

By symbolically adopting Aggy, Marriott Bonvoy hopes to inspire guests and members to contribute towards BMOUIF’s rehabilitation, research, conservation and education programmes.

Bringing Orangutan Conservation into Hotels Across Malaysia

As part of the nationwide campaign, Marriott Bonvoy hotels across Malaysia will introduce a series of activities designed to educate guests about orangutan conservation.

Visitors will encounter QR code donation touchpoints throughout participating hotels, allowing them to contribute directly to BMOUIF’s conservation programmes. Guests will also have access to the #AStoryThatMatters social media campaign, which shares Aggy’s inspiring story and raises awareness about the challenges facing endangered orangutans.

In addition, Marriott Bonvoy members will enjoy exclusive admission rates to Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island, encouraging more travellers to experience one of Malaysia’s unique wildlife destinations while supporting conservation efforts.

Selected Marriott properties will also host awareness activities throughout the campaign period to help guests better understand Malaysia’s rich biodiversity.

More Than Two Decades of Protecting Orangutans

The Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island Foundation has spent more than 20 years dedicated to orangutan conservation, veterinary research and environmental education.

Founded through the vision of the late Tan Sri Datuk (Dr) Haji Mustapha Kamal, the foundation has become one of Malaysia’s leading conservation organisations focused on the protection and rehabilitation of endangered orangutans.

Today, that legacy continues under the leadership of Felina Tan Sri Datuk (Dr) Mustapha Kamal, Executive Chairman of M K Land Holdings Berhad, with continued support for research, education and responsible tourism initiatives centred around Orang Utan Island.

Since 2009, the foundation has welcomed more than 17,000 students through educational programmes while supporting over 430 veterinary medicine and conservation biology interns, helping develop future conservation professionals alongside its wildlife protection work.

Responsible Tourism Creates Lasting Community Impact

The collaboration demonstrates how the tourism industry can contribute beyond accommodation and travel experiences.

By encouraging visitors to learn about wildlife conservation while supporting local conservation organisations, the campaign creates opportunities for travellers to participate in meaningful environmental initiatives.

According to George Varughese, Market Vice President – Malaysia, Marriott International, hospitality is about creating meaningful connections not only with people but also with the destinations where hotels operate.

Meanwhile, Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Abdul Latif Mohamad, Chairman of BMOUIF, believes Aggy’s story reminds people that every orangutan deserves the opportunity to thrive and that collective action can help secure a better future for Malaysia’s wildlife.

Why Wildlife Conservation Matters for Malaysia

Malaysia is home to some of the world’s richest biodiversity, making wildlife conservation an essential part of protecting the country’s natural heritage.

Beyond preserving endangered species, conservation initiatives also support environmental education, scientific research, eco-tourism and sustainable community development. Partnerships between businesses and conservation organisations demonstrate how different sectors can work together to create long-term environmental and social benefits.

As responsible tourism continues to gain momentum across Asia, collaborations like this highlight how travel can become a powerful platform for conservation awareness and community engagement.

Learn More About the Campaign

Travellers interested in supporting orangutan conservation can participate through Marriott Bonvoy hotels across Malaysia during the campaign period or visit Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island to learn more about the foundation’s work.

For updates, visit marriottbonvoy.com for more information and download the Marriott Bonvoy app here. Travelers can connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook.