5 of Asia’s best eco experiences

A guide to eco-friendly Asia.

By Ben Groundwater
Published: Wednesday, February 5, 2020

So you want to travel, but you also want to look after the planet. Here's how you can minimise your impact, but still see the world.

There are plenty of experiences and accommodation providers that do good for the world, allowing travellers to indulge in what they love while leaving minimum impact.

Some of the world’s best eco experiences can be found in Asia. Throughout Vietnam, North India and Indonesia, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy yourself while treading as lightly as possible.

Gayana Marine Resort, Borneo

Striking a balance between ecology and luxury, Borneo’s Gayana Marine Resort offers 45 plush, overwater villas. Spend your days in a tropical paradise, surrounded by lapping ocean, dense jungle and enchanting mangrove forest. What sets Gayana apart is its dedication to sustainability. The onsite Marine Ecology Research Centre – the only of its kind in the world, located on an island resort – focusses on the regeneration of coral reefs and endangered giant clams.

 

A green sea turtle in Borneo. Image: iStock
A green sea turtle off the coast of Borneo. Image: iStock

West Bali National Park, Indonesia

Most Australians are familiar with Bali’s tourist-soaked South – places like Kuta, Seminyak and Canggu. But to escape the crowds, spread your money wider and lessen your impact, we recommend you head west. The stunning West Bali National Park is filled with untouched jungle – a treat for all who make the effort to visit. Make sure to bring your binoculars, as the area is great for bird watching.

Deer in West Bali National Park. Image: iStock
Deer in West Bali National Park. Image: iStock

Topas Ecolodge, Vietnam

Nestled high in Hoang Lien National Park, perched on a mountain range north of Hanoi, Topas is one of the world’s leading eco-lodges, and the perfect place to stay if you’re environmentally conscious. The hotel employs locals, buys its produce and materials from local communities, supports hill-tribe villages and limits resources used throughout the property.

Topas EcoLodge. Image: Getty
Trails around Topas Ecolodge. Image: Getty

Ranthambore National Park, North India

Get up-close (but not too close) to the world’s most majestic predators at Ranthambore National Park – arguably the best place in India to see tigers in their natural habitat. The park is spread over 392 km2  with the Indian government allotting a significant section as a tiger sanctuary back in 1973. Today, Ranthambore contains 10 safari zones with guided tours operated by the Rajasthan Forest Department running regularly. More than 60 tigers currently live in the park alongside leopards, hyenas, sloth bears, wild boar and desert cats.

Ranthambore National Park. Image: iStock
Ranthambore National Park. Image: iStock

Nikoi Island, Indonesia

Being eco-friendly doesn’t mean you have to give up on luxury. Nikoi is a private island just 8km off the coast of Bintan, where responsible tourism practices are as important as keeping guests comfortable (though the hotel manages to do both, extremely well). Nikoi was built by locals with local materials; there’s no plastic on the island, all toiletries are biodegradable, recycled water is used for gardening and projects are in place to protect the island’s reef.

Admiring the open ocean from Nikoi Island. Image: Getty
Admiring the open ocean from Nikoi Island. Image: Getty

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