Top 5 Ecotourism Destinations in Asia

Top 5 Ecotourism Destinations in Asia
Best spots to combine responsible travelling with adventure

While world travel has become a regular part of life, many are forgoing the usual urban hotels and are turning to ecotourism, indulging in the promise of Asia’s natural beauty while supporting and sustaining local communities. Although once reserved for those looking to rough their way through the region, ecotourism is now a thriving industry catering to everyone from backpackers to luxury-minded jetsetter.

With so many options popping up, we sift through the riffraff to find the top five ecotourism destinations in Asia.


1. Sariska Tiger Reserve - Rajasthan, India

Once a royal hunting ground, the Sariska Tiger Reserve was declared a wildlife reserve in 1955 in an effort to protect the Bengal tigers, as well as other animals indigenous to the area including jungle cats, golden jackals, four-horned antelope and the Great Indian Horned owl.

Located in the Alwar district of the state of Rajasthan, the Sariska Tiger Reserve is a great getaway for any nature lover, but it thankfully doesn’t require an adventurer’s endurance of the elements. Experience the reserve, but stay at the grand heritage hotel, Sariska Palace, located within the park - no tent necessary.

What you can do: Although you could explore the local villages, farms and the countryside around the palace, by car, it’s far more interesting when done from on top of a camel during a camel safari. Another option (non-camel related) is visiting the nearby temple town and old ruins and enjoying the local healing sulphur springs.


2. Taman Negara - Malaysia

Encompassing three states -- Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu, is Taman Negara, one of the world's oldest tropical rainforest. The national park within the forest has also developed into one of Malaysia's most famous ecotourism destination, with Gunung Tahan as the highest point for mountain climbers.

Taman Negara is home to several kinds of rare mammals including the Malayan Tiger, Sumatran Rhinoceros and Malayan Peacock-Pheasant.

What you can do: Challenge yourself by trying the park's canopy walk that's 45 metres off the ground and 510 metres long, making it the longest canopy walk in the world. There's also white-water rafting, night jungle safaris and walks for any kind of adventurer.


3. Mekong Discovery Trail - Cambodia

One the world's longest rivers, the Mekong River winds its way through mountains of Laos to the heartlands in Thailand and Cambodia, creating an ecosystem that’s only rivalled by that of the Amazon. Dozens of community-based ecotourism programmes cover differ parts of the river, each allowing people to get a rare glimpse into traditional local life.

What you can do: Take on the challenge of the Mekong Discovery Trail, where you can explore some of Cambodia's least-travelled areas by bike, boat or even on foot. On this trip you’ll travel through wetlands and mountain trails, as well as see a seventh century temple and get a rare glimpse of the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins.


4. Whale Shark Ecotourism Programme - Donsol, Philippines

Donsol, a small town in Sorsogon, Philippines, is home to a large number of nature-focused attractions, including being the "Whale Shark Capital of the World." Whale sharks can be seen there between November and June, with presence peaking between February and May.

Far from exploiting its natural advantage, Donsol has turned to ecotourism to protect its whale shark population while at the same time support the local community. The incentives by the government and NGOs to promote ecotourism in the area have created a protected home for the shark while also benefitting the local fishing economy.

What you can do: Scuba diving is a popular in Donsol. San Miguel Island and Manta Bowl are two of the most popular spots to see manta rays and, of course, whale sharks.


5. Satwa Elephant Eco Lodge -- Indonesia

Satwa Elephant Eco Lodge is located within Way Kambas National Park, Lampung province of Sumatra, Indonesia. The national park covers an extensive 130,000 hectares of land and is the home to several endangered species, such as the Sumatran tigers and rhinoceros and a significant population of Sumatran elephants.

Set within an extensive walled garden full of tropical fruit trees are four cottages that are fully equipped with basic amenities that are powered by renewable solar energy.

What you can do: Famous for its elephant sanctuary, guests can go on elephant safaris within the national park. Other activities include bird watching, tours of local attraction and village visits. Part of all activity fees go towards sustaining the national park.



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