Discover how Sharon, a Certified Expert in Sustainable Finance and a mother of three, tackled the challenge of making travel more sustainable for her family during their three-day trip to Langkawi, Malaysia.
In theory, sustainable tourism should encompass every aspect of the tourism experience, integrating considerations for economic, social and environmental issues. Efforts should be directed towards enhancing tourists’ experiences while meeting the needs of host communities. Ideally, sustainable tourism prioritises environmental protection, social equity, cultural diversity and the development of a vibrant economy that benefits all stakeholders.
As a working mother with three young children, I embarked on the journey of incorporating sustainable tourism practices into our family trips about a year ago. During a recent short getaway to Langkawi, I challenged myself to explore unique and sustainable travel options to the best of our abilities. While we acknowledge that achieving 100% sustainable travel is a continuous journey, we take pride in the significant milestones we achieved on this trip.
Consider the following conscious decisions to make your travel more sustainable:
1. Choose sustainable accommodation:
Our decision to stay at Tanjung Rhu Village Villa & Cottages significantly contributed to the eco-consciousness of our Langkawi getaway. Nestled within Tanjung Rhu Village, renowned for its lush tropical surroundings, this accommodation perfectly aligned with our sustainable travel goals.
The villa and cottage that we stayed in provided comfort with low-impact to the environment. Photo by Sharon Liew.
We were delighted to discover several eco-friendly features that enhanced our experience. One notable highlight was the water purifier and dispenser in the common area, allowing us to refill our water bottles conveniently. Additionally, the pantry provided glass bottles for water refills, eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles throughout our stay.
Water dispenser that is available to all guests in the villa – reducing the amount of plastics used during our stay! Photo by Sharon Liew.
In addition to bringing our own reusable laundry bag to avoid using any single-use plastic laundry bags, we were struck by the conscious steps we indirectly took during our stay at the villa.
- The villa’s electricity switch is linked to the house key, which automatically cut off when we left the house.
- Trees were strategically planted around the villa, providing natural shade, which cooled the environment and reduced the need for the air conditioner.
To my surprise, I was delighted to see my children being able to connect what they had learned about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during their Global Perspective subject in school with what they saw and experienced in this village.
One noteworthy comment from my children was their realisation and appreciation of the cottage’s design which is aligned with the SDGs by maintaining living spaces for animals and supporting the livelihoods of village residents.
What an incredible sight! A hornbill on the road near our villa – the place is teaming with wildlife.
Photo by Sharon Liew.
2. Choosing the right kind of activities
Opting for a mangrove kayak adventure at Kilim Geoforest Park, our itinerary encompassed a comprehensive four-hour tour. The experience included a full interpretation of the mangroves, and visits to bat caves, an eagle viewing area, floating fish farms and iconic landmarks within the geopark.
Navigating through narrow passages posed unique challenges due to dense vegetation, intricate root systems and narrow waterways. It offered an unparalleled opportunity to explore the fauna and flora of the park.
The number of bats hanging on above us as we kayaked into the caves! Photo by Sharon Liew.
Despite the physical exertion, the experience proved rewarding and educational. Kayaking through the beautiful mangrove forests left us feeling tired but satisfied. Our tour guide played a crucial role, providing information about the area’s history, ecology and safety guidelines.
The guide also shared captivating facts about the wildlife, plants and cultural significance of the location while ensuring a great experience for all participants and maintaining group cohesion.
3. Harness the power of family education
The role of mothers and children in shaping the future of tourism cannot be overstated. As the new generation of travellers, young people are seeking sustainability in travel experiences. By imparting the principles of sustainable tourism to our families from a young age, we instil values of environmental stewardship, cultural appreciation and social responsibility.
Geared up and ready to discover the mangroves! Photo by Sharon Liew.
Travelling responsibly entails being mindful of our environmental impact, respecting local cultures and communities and supporting businesses that prioritise sustainability. As travellers, we hold the power to protect natural resources, reduce waste, preserve cultural heritage and to promote economic growth.
As families, we possess the ability to effect positive change through our travel choices. By embracing the principles of responsible tourism and empowering mothers and children as agents of change, we can pave the way for a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Writer: Liew Siu Wei, Sharon (Sustainable Finance & ESG Trainer)
Edited by: Rebecca Anne Chin (The Habitat Foundation)