Sustainability with Heart: Building a Greener Future in Lahad Datu By Writer on-the-go / Lorena Binisol
What began as a simple cycling trip in 2010 quietly unfolded into a life-changing journey for Itisha Ismail, fondly known as Tisha, and her Swiss husband, Simon Werren. What they discovered in Lahad Datu wasn’t just a destination—it was a sense of belonging that would redefine their lives.
Tisha, who grew up in Ampang with family roots in Malacca, had long been connected to Lahad Datu through her father’s work. But it wasn’t until she and Simon cycled from Kota Kinabalu to Sabah’s east coast that the town revealed its deeper charm.
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| briefing guests on their initiative to improve the soil |
By 2013, the couple had married, anchoring Lahad Datu as both their home and the foundation of their shared purpose.
Encouraged to explore the town’s untapped potential, they began engaging with the Sabah Tourism Board, initially to promote cycling experiences. What started as a recreational idea soon evolved into something far more meaningful—an ecosystem of sustainability, cultural preservation, and conscious living.
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| Beautiful cocoa at their farm Lahad Datu |
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| Coffee beans |
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| Tourists had opportunity doing tasks at the farm |
Taking a leap of faith, they launched Bike and Tours, blending travel with purpose. It marked the beginning of a journey rooted in community and environmental awareness.
From Wheels to Roots
When the world slowed down during the pandemic in 2020, Tisha and Simon adapted. From the foundation of Bike and Tours emerged Hawa’s Artisan Kitchen (HAK)—a deeply personal dining experience named in honor of Tisha’s late mother.
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| Tisha (left) showing her guests preparing food |
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| Guests having fun cooking with Tisha, the host |
HAK is no ordinary restaurant. It operates by reservation only, with no fixed menu. Each meal is guided by what is freshly available, turning every dining experience into a story of the land.
Guests are treated to heritage Malay dishes such as Laksa Johor, sambal, and butterfly blue pea tea, alongside thoughtfully crafted vegan options. Ingredients are sourced locally or grown sustainably, including Arabica coffee from Mount Kinabalu farmers, kampung ginger, bunga telang, and moringa.
Every plate carries memory, culture, and intention.
Farming for the Future
Simon’s passion for sustainability led him to explore syntropic farming, inspired by Swiss agriculturalist Ernst Götsch. This regenerative approach focuses on restoring ecosystems while producing food in harmony with nature.
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| A day at farm, briefing |
In 2017, the couple launched the Bukit Piton Reforestation Project, contributing to the rehabilitation of orangutan habitats. This initiative later expanded into Synborneo, a model that integrates farming with conservation.
By channeling farm surplus into reforestation efforts, they created a circular system—where agriculture supports environmental restoration, and nature, in turn, sustains agriculture.
A Table of Stories
After years of nurturing their land, the couple began harvesting ingredients directly from their farm. What they couldn’t grow, they sourced from local vendors, strengthening ties within the community.
Visitors are invited not just to dine, but to experience. Farm visits, intimate cooking classes, and shared meals turn strangers into storytellers. Conversations flow easily—especially around topics like food sourcing and the realities behind ingredients such as palm oil.
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| Red oil palm oil, a healthy oil their latest product |
Rather than preaching, Tisha and Simon gently encourage awareness. Their approach is thoughtful, grounded, and refreshingly honest.
In early 2026, they reached a meaningful milestone: producing their own red palm oil and chocolate in small, handcrafted batches. While not commercially viable, the process itself became a celebration of craftsmanship and curiosity.
A Legacy in the Making
Today, HAK is more than a dining space. It is a living philosophy.
Tisha and Simon’s journey weaves together travel, food, farming, and conservation into a quiet but powerful narrative—one that proves sustainability doesn’t need grand gestures. It begins with small, intentional choices.
One meal.
One harvest.
One act of care at a time.
Their story is not just about building a greener future—it’s about redefining how we live, eat, and connect with the world around us.
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