Top 20 Sustainable Travel Tips To Be An Eco Traveller

If you're looking for an adventure that's both exhilarating and eco-friendly, Sabah and Sarawak are the perfect destination for you. With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, these two regions offer a unique travel experience that will leave you in awe.

However, it's important to explore Sabah and Sarawak responsibly to minimize your impact on the environment and support sustainable tourism practices. As part of the growing eco-travel revolution, you can do your part to help preserve Sabah and Sarawak's natural resources for generations to come. In this blog, we've compiled 20 tips for eco-friendly and responsible travel. Follow these tips to ensure that your trip is not only unforgettable but also environmentally sustainable.

Travel light: Reducing the weight of your luggage helps minimize the carbon footprint of air travel. Heavy planes require more fuel, which means more CO2 emissions.
Walk as much as possible: Walking around Sabah lets you explore hidden nooks and crannies that you might miss if you were driving. Plus, it's good exercise!
Eco-friendly accommodations: Consider staying in eco-friendly hotels and resorts such as Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Sukau Rainforest Lodge, Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa, Gayana Marine Resort, and Bunga Raya Island Resort. These accommodations prioritize sustainability and help reduce environmental impact.
Participate in local homestays: Staying in local homestays such as Rungus Long House Stay not only saves money on accommodation but also allows you to experience Sabah's rich cultural heritage up close. It's a great way to support the local economy and interact with the community.
Choose eco-friendly souvenirs: Be conscious of what you buy and avoid purchasing souvenirs made from endangered species. Look for eco-friendly alternatives such as reusable bags, bamboo straws, and locally made handicrafts. For example, at Annah Rais Longhouse, you can explore the nearby village stalls to buy locally crafted rice wine, homemade peppercorns, and other traditional mementos that you can take back home as keepsakes.
Conserve resources in your hotel room: Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and soaping in the shower to conserve water. Unplug electrical devices and turn off lights and air conditioning when leaving your room.
Use air conditioning wisely: Enjoy the Sabahan breeze and use air conditioning sparingly. If you must use it, set the thermostat to 27-28 degrees Celsius and adjust the fan speed to the lowest setting.
Plan your travels: Try to minimize flying from one destination to another. Plan ahead and opt for public transportation or carpooling instead of renting a car or motorbike.
Use reef-safe sunscreens: When diving or snorkeling at the beautiful islands such as Mabul Island and Kapalai Island, it is advisable to opt for a sunscreen made from mineral sun-blockers instead of chemical ones, as the latter may contain oxybenzone and octinoxate that can damage coral reproduction and growth. In addition, wearing a rash vest to cover your arms and torso can also help reduce the amount of sunscreen needed.
Use eco-bags: Carry a fabric eco bag instead of using plastic bags when shopping. It's a small change that can have a big impact on reducing plastic waste.
Support the local economy: Buy food produce from local farmers and eat at local restaurants or kopitiams to support the local economy.
Use biodegradable toiletries: Consider using biodegradable toiletries such as Sabah Handmade Soap, which is available in many souvenir shops. These products are more sustainable and less harmful to the environment.
Recycle: Pack lightweight clothes that can be washed and dried quickly to reduce luggage weight. Wear a multipurpose sarong that can be used for everyday wear and is perfect for Sabah's climate. You may look for sarongs with attractive batik designs at the Gaya Street Sunday market.
Reduce meat consumption: Enjoy Sabah's fresh seafood and reduce meat consumption, which is more resource-intensive and contribute to a higher carbon footprint.
Leave no trace: Do not take personal souvenirs from the wild, and avoid disturbing wildlife and plants. Respect nature and leave only footprints behind.
Use a water container: Bring a water container that can be reused instead of using plastic water bottles. It's a sustainable option that reduces plastic waste.
Do not feed wild animals: Feeding animals and fish in the wild can disrupt their natural behavior and ecosystem.
Eat sensibly: Avoid wasting food by eating sensibly and only ordering what you can finish.
Use public transportation or carpool: Opt for public transportation or carpooling to minimize your carbon footprint and reduce traffic congestion.
Choose sustainable food options: Avoid consuming endangered species such as shark fins soup and choose sustainable food options that support the local economy and reduce environmental impact.

By following these 20 tips for eco-friendly and responsible travel in Sabah and Sarawak, you can make a positive impact on the environment and local communities. Not only will you have an unforgettable experience, but you'll also be contributing to the preservation of Sabah's natural resources for generations to come.

Remember that responsible tourism isn't just a trend, but a necessary approach to ensure the long-term sustainability of our planet. As travelers, we have the power to support eco-friendly initiatives and reduce our carbon footprint. Let's continue to explore and appreciate the beauty of Sabah and Sarawak while prioritizing environmental sustainability.

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