The popularity of tourism in South East Asia has brought with it many challenges as far as degradation of environment and cultural disruptions are concerned.
Being a region renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture and a diverse ecosystem it is imperative to incorporate responsible tourism in order to mitigate these impacts and promote practices that not only preserve the natural habitat but benefit local communities as well.
Here are some of the best destinations in South East Asia where travelers can adopt eco-friendly practices to contribute to the preservation and appreciation of South East Asia’s cultural heritage. Booking through agencies who offer sustainable tours like Transindus holidays is another good option.
Malaysia
Of all the South East Asian countries, Malaysia is the only one which has put a comprehensive sustainable tourism plan in place.
The idea is to forge a strong linkage, keeping in mind the goals of the general public,private and NGOs on social economic development.
Sabah is a region in Malaysia where travelers can experience the ultimate eco-tourism adventure as it is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Sustainable activities like a wildlife safari on the Kinabatangan River with a responsible tour operator can support conservation efforts and priorize community benefits.
One can also visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to gain knowledge about the efforts to rehabilitate orangutans before releasing them into the wild.
Additionally,there are many eco-friendly resorts that contribute to wildlife preservation and work with local communities to promote sustainable tourism.
Laos
Laos is another Southeast Asian country, known for its Buddhist temples and some of the best preserved architecture in the region.The province of Luang Prabang,in particular,is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its temples and stunning scenery.
A visit to the breathtaking Kuang Si Waterfalls will support the local guides and the other eco-friendly businesses around the area.
Visitors can go shopping at the Phousi Market to purchase local handicrafts made by traditional methods,thereby supporting the artisans.
The Pak Ou Caves are another example of eco-friendly tourist practice involving a boat ride by a responsible tour operator to the sacred grottos.
Stay in lodges and guesthouses that use only solar power as their source of energy and help in supporting the local conservation efforts.
Vietnam
Vietnam is a picturesque destination and has embraced sustainability in many ways.The town of Hoi An is especially known for its well-preserved ancient town and lovely lantern-lit streets and is known to be the leading sustainable tourism promoter in Vietnam.
Travelers can enjoy sustainable activities like a bicycle tour of the countryside, thereby helping in reducing the carbon imprint and at the same time supporting the local bike rental outlets.
Attend a Hoi An cooking class to learn about traditional Vietnamese cuisine made by locally sourced organic ingredients.Spend some time at the Cham Islands,a marine protected area,to explore the diverse marine life accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide.
Choose to stay in homestays that adopt sustainable practices and provide opportunities to engage with the local community.
Thailand
Northern Thailand is a hub for nature and culture. The temples of Chiang Mai and the many festivals that are held there provide ample opportunities for responsible tourism.
The elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai provides an ethical and safe environment to elephants that are housed here for rehabilitation,but avoid those offering rides.
Explore the highest point in Thailand at the Doi Inthanon National Park with a responsible guide who will teach you how to interact with local tribes and promote conservation.
Take part in workshops to learn traditional craftsmanship and directly contribute to the welfare of the local artisans.
This sustainable tourism model adopted by Hoi An lays a great emphasis on environmental protection and cultural preservation that further encourages the development of tourism practices that are economically beneficial for the local community.
Cambodia
There is no doubt that tourism in any form creates jobs and strengthens the local economy,but mass crowds can cause cultural erosion and environmental damage.
In Cambodia, sustainable tourism is not just pumping money into the local communities,but also by immersing oneself in the indigenous practices and cultures.
With as few as 200,000 Khmer Loeu alive in Cambodia,visits from tourists provide them a vital chance to gain visibly that has been denied to them for years.
Also what you eat is an important part of sustainable travel,so when in a new place,make sure you experience the food.Avoid eating in chain restaurants and instead opt for local businesses instead.
Avoid hotels with pools that gulp gallons of water each day and head to beaches.Stay in places that promote water harvesting to support the effort of water conservation.
Indonesia
Indonesia has been constantly trying to develop eco-tourism in a way that can conserve the environment and improve the welfare of the local community by providing an alternate source of income for sustainable development.
The country offers some of the best natural holiday trips in the world that are guaranteed to offer a sustainable journey by which one can actually sustain the beauty of the forest and enrich the overall travel experience.
The West Bali National Park covers a huge coastline and is a wonderful place for birdwatching and getting an opportunity to spot the highly endangered Bali Starling.
Visit the Wae Rebo Village, South to the city of Ruteng,located 1200m above sea level and experience the local wisdom and the uniqueness of the building structures and the way of life of the locals.
One of the most serious ecotourism destinations in Indonesia is the Komodo National Park,a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a sanctuary for the endangered Komodo Dragon.The park also offers marine tourism to explore the underwater reefs and wildlife.
Singapore
Sustainable tourism has become a bigger concept in Singapore after the government has realised to address travelers needs and reconsider their carbon impact.
Singapore is a tiny low-lying island city spread over 734 square kilometres and is uniquely vulnerable to the effects of climate change and alternative energy due to lack of natural energy resources.
The Singapore Green Plan launched in 2021 has today made Singapore one of the greenest cities in the world and is well on the way to providing every household with a park at ten minutes walking distance by 2030.
Singapore has galvanized sustainable tourism hardware and introduced a first of its kind HyperDrive,an electric go-kart circuit which immerses riders in a virtual eco-friendly fun time for speedsters.
Another area where sustainability has been integrated is in the Hotels,by launching a road map in line with the Singapore Green Plan to set clear targets for hotels to adopt sustainability.
Photo by Pukpik on Unsplash
