Client: Batu Batu Resort & Wild Asia
Project: Marine Conservation Centre
Role: Design Consultant
Status: On the drawing board
Design Team: Leong Seng Kheong, Ian Hall, Fauzan Aris

Batu Batu Reef and Island Study Centre (BRISC) is a link between beach tourism and marine conservation, in this case facilitated by the partnership between Batu Batu Resort and Wild Asia. Arkitrek has teamed up with architect Leong Seng Kheong to design the centre buildings and infrastructure.

Pulah Babi Tengah (Middle Pig Island!) off the coast of Johor, Malaysia used to be a refugee camp run by UNHCR back in the 70’s. You can still find many old wells and ruined foundations in the cool shade of the casaurina groves. The BRISC functions of living, working and diving will cluster around the wells in the shade of the trees. The thick screen of vegetation at the beach edge will be retained and broken only by an informal beach bar.

BRISC aims to enhance understanding of nature and secure more consistent sightings of charismatic animals such as turtles around Pulau Tengah. The partnership is hoped to inspire other tourism operators in the region and local government to adopt responsible tourism policies. After all, when your tourism product is crystal clear sea, clean beaches and abundant marine life. It makes good sense to protect and enhance it.

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