Home to the oldest rainforest in the world, Borneo enjoys a level of biodiversity seen in no other place on the planet. The unique habitats and sheer stretch of lowland forest, though severely impacted by deforestation during the past 50 years, create individual and isolated homes for species not seen anywhere else on the planet. Around 100 species found on the island are endemic to Borneo, including proboscis monkeys, Bornean orangutans, and Borneo pygmy elephants.
conservation
Conservation of local habitats and wildlife is one of the key tenets of our sustainable travel pledge at ETG. We believe that tourism, done the right way, can actively promote conservation in our destinations. In areas such as Borneo, where huge areas of ancient rainforest are under threat, responsible travel schemes are one of the few means of protecting the land. Wildlife rehabilitation centres which protect rare and endangered species are largely funded by tourism and, when travelling with an expert guide, you can encounter these creatures ethically and safely.
But how do we know which conservation schemes really fulfil all their promises? How do you see through ‘green-washing’ and have a holiday that genuinely makes a difference?
Working with a reputable tour operator is one way, of course, as we fully vet our partners before promoting their services. This blog, too, will delve into many of the issues surrounding conservation in Asia and how to make sure your trip has a positive impact. You can take a look at our sustainable travel page for more information or get in touch with a member of our team.
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Read about our chat with Amit Sankhala on protecting India’s tigers. Amit is a fountain of knowledge and passion on wildlife conservation.
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As Asian travel experts, it goes without saying that we at Experience Travel Group love elephants. Majestic, intelligent and playful, these gentle giants inspire awe and wonder in people of all ages and from all walks of life. And yet still, all too often, they are taken advantage of for the sake of tourists.
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As one of the most threatened species on the planet, it’s exciting news that tiger numbers are on the rise in South India. Significant gains have been made in the…
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Travel expert Sara recently went on her own personal holiday to Sri Lanka with 12 members of her family. As an avid wildlife enthusiast, her father suggested an early morning whale watching experience. He made the arrangements himself during our holiday but the experience was less than dreamy. Here Sara reports back on how NOT to do whale watching.
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Nestled in the dense forests of Ulu Muda forest, The Earth Lodge is one of the most unique and remote lodges in all of Southeast Asia. It provides an adventure guests will likely remember for the rest of their lives. Here, co-founder of Experience Travel Group, Tom, reviews his Earth Lodge experience.
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Teardrop hotels feature some of our most popular boutique properties in Sri Lanka, including the stunning boutique heritage villa the Wallawwa. We’re incredibly excited about the recently opened Fort Bazaar, lovingly restored by the group. Here, we invited Henry (Managing Director) to talk a little bit about his interested in Sri Lanka and the process behind restoring this heritage property. Over to Henry:
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ETG stopped selling Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage years ago after our own findings from company investigations and supporting reports from animal welfare experts at NGOs such as the Born Free Foundation. Here we hope to empower you in making an informed decision about visiting the ‘orphanage.’
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One of our travel specialists, Lauren, recently tried out our new whale watching experience off the coast of Mirissa, Sri Lanka. Spotting them from a new smaller, faster speed boat – it made for an unforgettable memory.
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Latest Travel News and Views from AsiaSustainable TravelThailand
Asian Oasis Announce: No More Elephant Riding on their Tours
by Sam ClarkOur close partners in Thailand, Asian Oasis have announced today that they will no longer include elephant riding in any of their programmes. As regular readers of our blog and…
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Along Sri Lanka’s south coast, one is likely to come across various small holdings advertising turtle hatcheries, and some may even get the chance to visit the beaches of Rekawa…
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Latest Travel News and Views from AsiaSri LankaSustainable Travel
Camping Safari’s in Yala National Park – The Politics
by Sam ClarkTravel news from Sri Lanka has been dominated in recent weeks by the news of a ‘Presidential Directive’, banning overnight camping in Yala and other national parks in Sri Lanka.…
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Latest Travel News and Views from AsiaSri Lanka
Yala fights back against dangerous driving
by Guest PostAfter recent wildlife casualties due to reckless driving of some safari vehicles in Yala, the Sri Lankan Government is taking steps to combat this issue – very welcome news to…
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The rise of whale watching in Sri Lanka has become a fantastic feature of holidays in Sri Lanka in recent times. Sri Lanka has emerged as one of the world’s best destinations for whale watching. We include trips in most of our holidays.
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Latest Travel News and Views from AsiaSri Lanka
Sri Lankan Wild Elephant Population Larger Than Expected
A recent survey of Sri Lanka’s wild elephant population has revealed some welcome news concerning growth in numbers. Contrary to what many had expected, it is now thought that the…
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Thailand has announced plans to temporarily close dozens of dive and marine park sites on the Andaman coast in a bid to halt coral bleaching. The seas around the Andaman…
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Listening to the Today Programme on the BBC this morning I heard an interesting snippet on Sri Lanka – namely that the Horton Plains Slender Loris, presumed extinct, has been…
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We are delighted to welcome back Sidantha Kumara, one of our specialist nature & adventure guides, as our guest blogger. Here he shares his passionate views on the ethics of…
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This week we are delighted to have Sidantha Kumara as our guest blogger. Sid is one of our finest guides – a fantastic guy who has taught us so much…
Guest PostsSri LankaSustainable Travel
An Insight on Gal Oya National Park in Sri Lanka
by Guest Post
Founder of Gal Oya Lodge, Sangjay, shares his tips for travelling like an ‘insider’ in Gal Oya National Park – home to herds of elephants, crocodiles and various bird life. From joining local naturalists on wildlife research missions, to walking with Vedha chiefs through ancient forests, to enjoying boat safaris spotting elephants – he details how to make the best of your visit.
Sustainable TravelThailand
How Holidaymakers Can Help Save Lorises From Extinction
by Guest Post & Amelia Curran
With the start of Slow Loris Outreach Week (SLOW), it’s fitting we turn our attention to one of the most cute and intriguing animals on Earth.
Sad news from Vietnam, where the WWF and other wildlife and conservation organisations have announced that they believe the last remaining Vietnamese Rhino has been poached. The Javan Rhino had…
Latest Travel News and Views from AsiaSri LankaSustainable Travel
Dilemmas in the development of tourism in Sri Lanka
We reproduce here a letter which was published in the Sunday Times (Sri Lanka) concerning some of the challenges the government and tourism industry faces as it evolves in the…