Marine biologist Alvin Chelliah on how to be an eco-tourist

Travelling green isn't just being eco-friendly but rethinking about that dream holiday destination you've always wanted and making conscious choices

Assessing the environmental impact of your travel plans on top of planning the actual itinerary itself can be exhausting. From your mode of transportation to the energy efficiency of your accommodation to the amount of waste generated during your trip, travelling green can get pretty overwhelming if you're not sure where to start.

To be truly eco-friendly, travellers should focus on reducing their overall environmental footprint by making conscious choices. Choosing low-carbon modes of transportation, minimising waste, and supporting local and sustainable businesses are just the tip of the iceberg. Reef Check Malaysia's resident marine biologist and programme manager Alvin Chelliah lists the four ways to be a real eco-tourist.

1. Check if your hotel is eco-friendly

View this post on Instagram

Going on a nature trip does not automatically make it “green” or “eco- friendly”, so take care to look up on the places you’re staying and the activities around the area. Though we understand the need to go easy on the wallet, try not to cut corners at the expense of the place you’re visiting. One thing to take note of is whether they have the Asean Green Hotel Standard certification.

2. There's more to the islands you're visiting

The cable cars that overlook the entirety of Langkawi Island is one of its main attractions. (Image: Jesse Vermeulen/Unsplash)

The proboscis monkey is an endangered species native to the islands of Borneo. (Image: Colin + Meg/Unsplash)

You can find Rafflesia flowers in islands like Pulau Tioman and throughout Borneo. (Image: Colin + Meg/Unsplash)

Sunbears can be found in Sabah's Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. (Image: Dusan Veverkolog/Unsplash)

The view from the Dragon Horns, or, Pulau Tioman's twin peaks of Gunung Semukut (Image: courtesy of Tioman.org)

Photo 1 of 5 The cable cars in Langkawi Island (Image: Jesse Vermeulen/Unsplash)

Photo 2 of 5 The proboscis monkey is an endangered species native to the islands of Borneo. (Image: Colin + Meg/Unsplash)

Photo 3 of 5 You can find Rafflesia flowers on Pulau Tioman and throughout Borneo (Image: Colin + Meg/Unsplash)

Photo 4 of 5 Sunbears (Image: Dusan Veverkolog/Unsplash)

Photo 5 of 5 The view from the Dragon Horns in Pulau Tioman (Image: courtesy of Tioman.org)

And it's not the food. Although it's an important aspect in one’s holiday, search for the top five activities to do on an island and you’d be surprised at how much there is to explore and learn. Visit the villages and learn about the people. Additionally, some islands have hiking trails, unique flora and fauna, challenging bouldering sites and even climbing routes for adventurous rock climbers. Don't forget to check out the conservation programmes of the islands you're visiting.

3. Don't feed the fish, or any animal, in the wild

Don't feed the fish. (Image: Steve Dimatteo/Pexels)

Above Image: Steve Dimatteo/Pexels

Feeding the fish in the wild can disrupt the marine ecosystem and can even be fatal for the wildlife as human food contains additives and chemicals that are indigestible for the animals.

Additionally, it changes the animals' behaviour too. Losing caution against humans due to associating boats and crowds of people with food, the fish could hurt themselves approaching propellors. It may also risk more wildlife attacks.

4. Ensure that your diving shops are Green Fins-certified

View this post on Instagram

The diving shops that you choose matter. Are the guides licensed? Are they certified instructors? It’s one thing to know what you’re doing but another to know about the land and sea you’re about to traverse. A certified guide will know how to take care of their charge as well as the environment.

NOW READ

How Asia’s innovative builders are championing sustainable architecture

Earth Day 2023: Why this CEO spent 23 days in the Arctic Circle

How these environmental leaders are securing the integrity of water

Topics

Alvin Chelliah Tourism Holiday Sustainability Ocean Conservation Reefcheck Malaysia

Tatler Asia

4 ways to be an eco tourist, according to a marine biologist and professional diver

1. Check if your hotel is eco-friendly

2. There's more to the islands you're visiting

3. Don't feed the fish, or any animal, in the wild

4. Ensure that your diving shops are Green Fins-certified