Karen Edwards | 06 April 2023
Travel Green List: 4 of Asia's top sustainable destinations
These countries, islands and regions in Asia are well-worth visiting if you're after an eco-friendly escape...
These countries, islands and regions in Asia are well-worth visiting if you're after an eco-friendly escape...
The Gangteng Monastery in the Phobjikha Valley of central Bhutan is one of many Buddhist sites that can be visited on the Trans-Bhutan Trail, which is a wonderfully low-impact way to explore the country (Alamy)
With its forest-covered land absorbing more carbon dioxide than Bhutan’s 800,000-strong population produces, this country has become the world’s first carbon-negative nation, and it wants to stay that way. A ‘high value, low volume’ tourism strategy sees visitors charged a nightly fee of US$250, with profits divided between education, infrastructure and health sectors. In return, travellers are treated to an intimate, culturally enriching experience, especially when hiking or cycling the Trans-Bhutan Trail. The country’s 403km pilgrim trail stretches from Haa in the west to Trashigang in the east, and once served as the only means of connection between communities. Its recent restoration means travellers and locals can now follow in the footsteps of history, traversing ancient gewogs (villages) and virgin forests en route.
Singapore’s Green Plan 2030 is seeing a movement to grow this island nation sustainably, and it is something that visitors can see for themselves in the reserves, trails and nature-focused buildings cropping up in the urban centre and beyond (Marklin)
Singapore was recently certified as a sustainable destination on a country- wide level by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, and its hotels and reserves are leading its ethical push. For example, the luxurious Marina Bay Sands has committed to reducing food waste by partnering with The Food Bank Singapore and Food from the Heart to donate unserved meals to those in need. Additionally, hotels and apartments across the city are integrating foliage into their designs.
In late 2019, Mandai Wildlife Reserve built a bridge across a busy highway to create a safe passage for wildlife; since then, more than 70 species have been seen using or approaching the crossing. The reserve has also recorded an 80% reduction in single-use plastics, with the aim of reaching 100% by 2025.
Small businesses with an eye on limiting waste and sourcing local produce are making the Vietnamese area of Quang Nam a sustainable gem (Alamy)
By putting local businesses at the heart of tourism, the region of Quang Nam is proving sustainability starts at home. Hoi An Kayak Tours takes visitors on a paddle through the Nipa mangroves, navigating fishing boats and stilt villages. In town, Refillables sells eco-friendly travel necessities, from shampoo to toothbrushes, while nearby zero-waste restaurant The Field uses wild and organic local produce to create rustic dishes, such as its aubergine and tofu broth. Finish by spending the night among the blossom trees at An Villa, which provides filtered drinking water to guests, reducing the need for plastic use.
Ataúro Island's waters are home to myriad marine life (Shutterstock)
Located within the western Pacific’s Coral Triangle – one of the world’s most biodiverse reef networks – Ataúro Island is home to hundreds of marine species, ranging from turtles and dugongs to reef sharks. Even the world’s largest mammal, the blue whale, can be sighted here. And thanks to the efforts of Ataúro’s tourism authority, ATKOMA, locals have developed key sustainability practices – including fishing, hunting and harvesting within 13 managed areas – to allow the waters to replenish. Visitors, meanwhile, are asked to pay $2 (£1.65) to swim, snorkel or dive, which is a small but meaningful fee that goes towards the community maintenance fund.
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