Eco-tourism in Southeast Asia & Beyond

Firstly, in this blog we are not covering our home country of Cambodia because the last blog was all about eco-tourism in the Kingdom. But we did forget to mention that Cambodia has introduced an app for your phone that is inextricably for tourists. It is used for making digital payments easier by using the Bakong digital currency. We are still learning about how this works ourselves, but you can read about it here and here.

Secondly, we have also included China, Hong Kong and Taiwan (or Chinese Taipei as named in the Olympics) in our list of exciting luxury eco-adventures. We at Mother Earth Island have based our reach for our clients based on a roughly 2000 km radius – air courier costs too much if we go any further – that’s why Japan (4,300 km and South Korea 3,500 km) are not included. Even though their food is a super deluxe amazing variety of nom noms.  And they both have and continue to be top donor countries for Cambodia. When delivery services become less expensive and more practical, we will include them too because of our strong bond.

But as of this month, we are happy and lucky to include the diverse and kind people of China into our fold. We are also non-political and are not going to touch any controversy with a 10-foot pole. Again, we are in the business of increasing the notoriety of high-quality Cambodian products to the ASEAN market and our closest Asian sister destinations!

Therefore, let’s get the show on the road (another English idiom) and introduce you to our regional outdoor luxury destinations! Firstly, the concept of outdoor experiences and luxury combined is a recent invention. This was seen as an oxymoron, because going outdoors has attachments of ruggedness and not for the faint of heart. As we extolled in previous blogs, our recommendation is to acquire a sense of an accomplishment through exploring nature’s bounty through getting dirty. Yet, there is a large market for this new class of traveller who has money to spend and wants a top-quality trip while being emersed outdoors. Who are we to critique how others interpolate their interconnection with the outdoors? It is your different value systems that make our cultural milieu unique. Besides, the list of luxury places all looks like an amazing experience!

Before we get started, you may recognize that these blogs often include many English idioms and other uncommon words, that are more for academia. Sorry. Writing must flow They may be lost in translation. What this demonstrates is that the writer is a native English speaker, or well versed in English pop culture. If you are learning English as a second language, and doing the TOEFL or IELTS exams, if you include a few idioms in your conversational test, you will get more points because you will have shown a deeper understanding of the vocabulary!

Now where were we. Oh yes,

1. Thailand: Elephant Hills Luxury Camp

• Adventure: Elephant Hills offers a luxury glamping experience combined with sustainable elephant interactions, jungle trekking, and canoeing in the stunning Khao Sok National Park.
• Luxury: Stay in luxury safari-style tents with modern amenities, offering a balance between adventure and comfort.

2. Vietnam: Amanoi

• Adventure: Located in Núi Chúa National Park, Amanoi offers guided hikes through lush landscapes, sea kayaking, and snorkeling in Vinh Hy Bay.
• Luxury: Experience sophisticated villas with panoramic views, private pools, and top-tier wellness facilities.

3. Laos: The Nam Et-Phou Louey Night Safari

• Adventure: A night safari in the Nam Et-Phou Louey National Protected Area offers an opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural habitat, including endangered species.
• Luxury: While accommodations in the area are eco-friendly and basic, they offer intimate and personalized service, blending adventure with eco-luxury.

4. Malaysia: Borneo Rainforest Lodge

• Adventure: Located in the Danum Valley Conservation Area, this lodge offers canopy walks, wildlife safaris to spot orangutans, and river excursions in one of the oldest rainforests on Earth.
• Luxury: The lodge offers luxurious chalets with private decks, gourmet meals, and breathtaking views of the rainforest.

5. Indonesia: Nihiwatu Resort, Sumba Island

• Adventure: Known for its pristine beaches and world-class surfing, Nihiwatu offers horseback riding, hiking to hidden waterfalls, and surfing the legendary Occy’s Left wave.
• Luxury: Stay in opulent beachfront villas with private pools, and enjoy personalized butler service in this eco-conscious luxury resort.

6. Myanmar: Wa Ale Island Resort

• Adventure: Located in the Myeik Archipelago, Wa Ale offers kayaking through mangroves, scuba diving, and jungle trekking on this remote island.
• Luxury: Experience beachfront villas with stunning ocean views, private dining, and a focus on sustainable luxury.

7. The Philippines: Amanpulo

• Adventure: Set on the private island of Pamalican, Amanpulo offers snorkeling, diving in vibrant coral reefs, and island-hopping adventures.
• Luxury: Stay in luxurious casitas with direct beach access, and enjoy Aman’s renowned service and world-class dining.

8. Singapore: Southern Islands Yacht Experience

• Adventure: Explore Singapore’s Southern Islands by private yacht, with options for snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, and sunset cruises.
• Luxury: Enjoy a luxurious yacht with personalized service, gourmet meals, and exclusive access to private islands.

Each of these luxury outdoor adventures offers a combination of thrilling experiences and high-end amenities.

9. Brunei: Ulu Temburong National Park – The Rainforest Lodge

• Adventure: Explore Brunei’s pristine rainforest in Ulu Temburong National Park. Go on canopy walks, river cruises, and guided jungle treks to discover diverse wildlife and waterfalls deep in the rainforest.
• Luxury: Stay at The Rainforest Lodge, which offers upscale eco-friendly accommodations. Enjoy private guided tours, gourmet meals, and the tranquility of this remote and untouched natural paradise.

10. 10. China: Songtsam Lodge, Yunnan

• Adventure: Explore the stunning landscapes of the Tibetan Plateau with guided hikes through Shangri-La, visits to sacred monasteries, and immersive cultural experiences with local Tibetan communities.
• Luxury: Songtsam Lodge offers elegant boutique accommodations with breathtaking mountain views, gourmet Tibetan cuisine, and personalized services.

11. Hong Kong: Sai Kung Luxury Yacht Excursion

• Adventure: Discover the natural beauty of Hong Kong’s Sai Kung Peninsula by chartering a luxury yacht. Enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, and exploring hidden beaches and sea caves in the pristine coastal area.
• Luxury: Spend the day aboard a private luxury yacht, complete with personalized crew service, gourmet dining, and panoramic views of the Hong Kong coastline.

12. Taiwan: Silks Place Taroko

• Adventure: Located in the stunning Taroko Gorge, Silks Place offers a base for hiking through dramatic marble canyons, biking trails, and river tracing in one of Taiwan’s most famous national parks.
• Luxury: After a day of adventure, relax in elegant rooms with mountain views, enjoy fine dining, and unwind in the rooftop heated pool overlooking the gorge.

Lastly, did you know that current discussions in the scientific world of health and well-being have suggested that travelling to a new place can increase your lifespan? This has something to do with the age-old issue of ‘getting more comfortable as we age’ and doing less different things and becoming more sedentary – which is unhealthy. Our bodies and minds create new synaptic pathways when we are exposed to different environments, just like if you took a course at university in the evening or took up a new hobby or play your favourite game or sport. So, please travel to feel fresh and for pleasure and for learning and we will keep growing!  A healthy mind is a healthy body, and a healthy body is a healthy mind.