Sustainable Travel Family Trip- Langkawi Island, Malaysia

Sustainable tourism encompasses the entirety of the tourism experience, including considerations for economic, social, and environmental issues, alongside efforts to enhance tourists' experiences and meet the needs of host communities. It should prioritize environmental protection, social equity, cultural diversity, and the development of a vibrant economy that provides jobs and prosperity for all.

As a working mom with 3 young children, I've begun incorporating sustainable tourism practices into our family trips since a year ago. During our recent visit to Langkawi Island for a short 3D2N stay, we aimed to do something unique and to travel sustainably to the best of our abilities. While we acknowledge that we still have a long way to go to achieve 100% sustainability travel, we are proud of the significant milestones we achieved on this trip.

Accommodation:

We chose to stay at Tanjung Rhu Village Villa & Cottage, which perfectly aligned with our sustainable travel goals. Here are some features of the cottage:

The cottage is situated in Tanjung Rhu Village (a Malay Kampung), an area known for its tropical surroundings where geckos, bugs, and insects are common. The lush greenery and simple lifestyle of the area, along with its unique concepts, were thoroughly enjoyed by our family. Pets such as cats roamed freely in the vicinity, adding to the charm of our stay. The open swimming pool (18ft) shared with five other units provided a refreshing activity for the kids during hot afternoons. The owners offered us fresh harvest coconut drinks for free during our swim at the pool. Their warm hospitality made us feel at home.

The cottage was within a 3-minute walk to Tanjung Rhu Beach, and we stayed in the "Bintang" cottage, which featured a triple bunk bed unit for four people on the ground floor. The open living space on the second floor provided two hammocks, allowing us to relax amidst natural sounds like goose calls and bird chirps. My city kids were excited to encounter geese, hornbills, and monkeys in our neighborhood during our stay.

The Airbnb provided a water purifier and dispenser at the common area for us to refill our water bottles before going out and after we came back. The pantry also provided glass bottles for our convenience to refill large jugs of cold or hot water, totally NO single-use plastic water bottles during our 3D2N stay here. I believe this has already made a significant positive impact on the environment. Additionally, the cottage had an in-house café that served complimentary local breakfast – nasi lemak with chicken rendang.

We also brought our own reusable laundry bag to avoid using single-use plastic laundry bags, another positive action for the environment.

Energy savings & conversation:

• The cottage's electricity switch was linked to the house key, automatically cutting off electricity when we left the house and locked it.
• This energy-saving feature, coupled with trees planted around the cottage that allowed us to use natural sunlight for drying clothes, further contributed to our sustainable stay.
• Additionally, all of us shared the same bedroom with a sliding door to conserve energy from the air conditioner.

I am delighted to see my kids able to connect what they've learned about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) during their Global Perspective subject in school with what they can see and experience in this village cottage. One noteworthy comment from my children was their realization and appreciation of the cottage's design, which aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by maintaining living spaces for animals and supporting the livelihoods of village residents.

Experience on Mangrove Kayak at Kilim Geoforest Park

A typical itinerary includes a 4-hour tour with a full interpretation of the mangroves, visiting the bat cave, eagle viewing area, floating fish farm, and iconic landmarks within the Geo Park. Our experienced tour guide, Farly, enriches the experience by providing quizzes and insights into unique stalagmite formations in caves.

The tour starts from the Bat Caves, where over 1000 bats are sleeping during our daytime visit. We were awe-inspired by the scene, and our tour guide Farly passionately explained and quizzed us about the dramatic limestone formations in the caves. The kids tried to answer with their limited science knowledge, making the learning process lively. In one such formation, the stalactites hanging from the ceiling and the stalagmites rising from the floor had joined to form a massive single column.

We then proceeded to the next agenda - mangrove kayaking. Mangrove kayaking offers the best way to explore the fauna and flora of our Kilim Geoforest Park. Starting from the floating fish farm, participants navigate through narrow passages only manageable by kayak.

During our kayaking adventure, we learned that the Sundarbans mangrove forest, located in Bangladesh and India, is the largest mangrove forest globally, covering approximately 10,000 square kilometers. Meanwhile, the Langkawi Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, including the Kilim River mangrove forest, spans approximately 100 square kilometers.

Navigating a kayak within a mangrove forest presents unique challenges due to dense vegetation, intricate root systems, and narrow waterways. However, the experience is incredibly rewarding and educational. Our first-time kayaking in such a beautiful mangrove forest left us feeling tired yet satisfied, and we were able to absorb a healthy dose of Vitamin D from the sun.

Bringing kids on family trips to experience mangrove forest kayaking offers numerous benefits, aligning with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• Goal 14: Life Below Water: Kids learn about the crucial role of mangrove ecosystems in supporting marine biodiversity and shoreline protection.
• Goal 15: Life on Land: They become advocates for terrestrial ecosystem conservation, understanding the importance of protecting mangrove forests from threats such as deforestation and pollution.
• Goal 4: Quality Education: Experiential learning enhances understanding of environmental issues and ecosystems, fostering environmental literacy and stewardship.

• Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: Mangrove kayaking tours support local economies through tourism, creating employment opportunities for guides, boat operators, and other tourism-related businesses. This contributes to economic growth and provides sustainable income sources for families in coastal communities. Our tour guide, Farly, who has raised five children, is an example of this. One of his children, who recently finished their Secondary (SPM) exam, now serves as a swim guide. It's common for there to be both a tour guide and a kayaking expert on group kayaks in challenging mangrove forest environments. Additionally, our tour included lunch prepared by the family of the tour guide.

The tour guide is responsible for providing information about the area, its history, ecology, and any relevant safety guidelines. They may also share interesting facts about the wildlife, plants, and cultural significance of the location. Additionally, the tour guide ensures that participants follow the designated route and stay together as a group.

The kayak guide, or swim guide, is specifically trained in kayaking techniques and water safety. They lead the group of kayakers, providing instructions on how to paddle effectively, navigate obstacles, and handle the kayak in different conditions. The kayak guide also ensures the safety of participants, keeping an eye out for any hazards and offering assistance if needed, such as helping kayakers who may be struggling or providing support in case of an emergency.

The guide helps ensure the safety of everyone involved, especially in environments where conditions may be challenging or unpredictable.

• Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: Promoting responsible tourism practices encourages waste reduction and supports local communities. During mangrove kayaking tours, we learn about the importance of responsible tourism practices. Participants understand the need to minimize waste, conserve natural resources, and support local communities. By adopting principles of responsible tourism, such as reducing plastic usage and supporting local businesses, I believe Langkawi Mangrove Kayak tour operators can improve by offering reusable water bottles instead of single-use plastic bottles. This would significantly contribute to reducing waste and unnecessary waste management in the forest. Additionally, our local government could consider implementing a ban on single-use plastics on the island, or at least for mangrove tours, similar to the effective measures in place in Halong Bay, Vietnam.
• Goal 13: Climate Action: Climate change is a prominent topic in current school curricula, aiming to equip our future generations with the concepts, skills, and responsibilities necessary to combat climate change. Kids learn about the vital role of mangroves in climate change mitigation and adaptation during kayaking tours. They understand how mangrove forests help sequester carbon dioxide and provide resilience against extreme weather events, contributing to climate change awareness and action.
• Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals: Mangrove kayaking tours involve partnerships between tour operators, communities, and organizations, facilitating knowledge sharing and resource mobilization for conservation and sustainable development.

This is our first experience kayaking in such a beautiful mangrove forest. We had previously joined an eco-tourism mangrove boat tour in Sepatang Taiping two years ago, where we gained some basic knowledge about the importance of mangroves. However, exploring the mangrove forest up close with our paddles for over two hours was tiring yet incredibly satisfying.

?Sustainable Tourism in Malaysia

Sustainable tourism seeks to balance the interests of tourists, host communities, and the environment to ensure that tourism activities are conducted in a way that is ethical, equitable, and environmentally sustainable, both now and in the future.

We are proud that on September 25, 2015, at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Malaysia joined 192 other heads of state and government in adopting the "2030 Agenda" for sustainable development. It is a global commitment to more sustainable, resilient and inclusive development with 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 targets. The Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint for a better and more sustainable future for all, including Malaysia and our tourism sector.

Over millions of years, Malaysia's rainforests have produced an enormous variety of flora and fauna and are home to countless unique species of mammals and birds. Scientists estimate that our rainforests are home to about 20% of the world's animal species. This makes Malaysia recognized as one of the world's biodiversity hotspots and listed by "Conservation International" as one of 17 countries considered "mega diverse".

Malaysia offers countless nature reserves and national parks nationwide where visitors can enjoy Malaysia's pristine natural wonders. With this impressive offering, Malaysia was and is ready to welcome a new generation of sustainable travelers!

The Importance of Responsible Travel:

Traveling responsibly means being mindful of our impact on the environment, respecting local cultures and communities, and supporting businesses that prioritize sustainability. As travelers, we have the power to protect natural resources, reduce waste, preserve cultural heritage, and foster economic growth in destinations around the world.

The Power of Family Education:

Mothers and children play a crucial role in shaping the future of tourism. Children are new generation of traveler who seeking for sustainable. By educating our families about the principles of sustainable tourism from a young age, we instill values of environmental stewardship, cultural appreciation, and social responsibility. Family trips become opportunities for learning and growth, where children can develop a deep-seated respect for the places they visit and the people they encounter.

Tips for Sustainable Family Travel:

1. For Families with Young Children:

• Choose eco-friendly accommodations that prioritize energy efficiency, waste reduction, and local sourcing.
• Opt for nature-based activities like hiking, wildlife watching, and beach clean-ups to foster a connection to the environment.
• Bring along own water bottle for water refilling.
• Teach children about the importance of conserving resources, reducing waste, and respecting wildlife through interactive experiences and storytelling.

2. For Families with Teenagers:

• Involve teenagers in trip planning and decision-making to empower them as responsible travelers.
• Encourage cultural immersion through volunteering opportunities, homestays, and authentic local experiences.
• Discuss global issues such as climate change, poverty, and inequality, and explore how tourism can be a force for positive change.

3. For Families with Elderly Members:

• Choose destinations and activities that are accessible and inclusive for elderly family members.
• Prioritize slow travel and sustainable transportation options such as trains, buses, or walking tours.
• Encourage intergenerational learning and exchange of perspectives to enrich the travel experience for everyone.

The Role of Mothers, Children, and Fathers:

Mothers often serve as the primary caregivers and educators within families, playing a central role in instilling values and shaping behaviors. By leading by example and involving children in decision-making processes and financial planning and management for family trip, mothers can empower the next generation of responsible travelers. Children, in turn, bring enthusiasm, curiosity, financial literacy and fresh perspectives to family travel experiences, inspiring adults to see the world through new eyes.

Fathers also play a vital role in supporting sustainable tourism initiatives within their families. By actively participating in trip budget planning, promoting responsible behaviors, and modeling respect for the environment and local communities, fathers contribute to creating meaningful and memorable travel experiences for their loved ones.

As families, we have the power to make a positive impact on the world through our travel choices. By embracing the principles of responsible tourism and empowering mothers and children as agents of change, we can create a more sustainable future for generations to come. Let's embark on this journey together, one family trip at a time.

?The Integral Role of Responsible Tourism Ecosystem in Sustainable Travel: Addressing the Role of Finance, Tour Operators, and Local Governments

Responsible tourism stands as a beacon for sustainable travel, emphasizing the harmonious coexistence of tourists, host communities, and the environment. Yet, achieving this delicate balance requires the concerted efforts of various stakeholders within the tourism ecosystem. In this article, we delve into the indispensable roles played by finance, tour operators (including hotels, transportation, and tour guides), and local governments in nurturing responsible tourism practices and fostering sustainable travel experiences.

a)??? Financial Institution: Integrate Sustainable Finance in Tourism Finance

At the heart of sustainable tourism lies the availability of adequate financial resources to support responsible initiatives. Investment in sustainable tourism projects is crucial for the preservation of natural and cultural heritage, community empowerment, and environmental conservation. However, access to finance remains a significant challenge for many tourism projects, hindering their ability to implement sustainable practices. Therefore, it is imperative for financial institutions to recognize the importance of responsible tourism and provide accessible financing options at reasonable rates. Additionally, governments and international organizations can play a pivotal role in incentivizing sustainable tourism investments through policies and financial support mechanisms.

• Integrating sustainable finance into tourism finance are closely linked to the principles of Sustainable Finance. Sustainable Finance, also known as green finance or ethical finance, aims to integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria into financial decision-making processes to promote sustainable development.

Here's how these strategies by the Bank can align with Sustainable Finance principles:

1.??? Developing Green Financial Products: This strategy aligns with the principle of offering financial products that support environmental sustainability and social responsibility, which are key tenets of Sustainable Finance.

2.??? Implementing Environmental and Social Risk Assessments: Conducting environmental and social risk assessments is a fundamental aspect of Sustainable Finance, as it ensures that investments are made in projects that adhere to ESG criteria and minimize negative impacts on the environment and communities.

3.??? Encouraging Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaboration among stakeholders is essential in Sustainable Finance to ensure that investments are aligned with sustainability goals and address the needs of all parties involved, including local communities and environmental conservation organizations.

4.??? Promoting Transparency and Disclosure: Transparency and disclosure of environmental and social performance metrics are core principles of Sustainable Finance, as they enable investors and consumers to make informed decisions and hold financial institutions accountable for their sustainability commitments.

Eg. Some examples of environmental and social performance metrics that Bank can use to assess the tour operators'/ projects performance:

• Carbon Footprint: Measure the amount of greenhouse gas emissions (e.g., CO2, methane) produced directly and indirectly by the tour operator's activities. This metric helps assess the tour operators' or projects' contribution to climate change and its efforts to mitigate emissions.
• Renewable Energy Investment: Disclose the percentage of investments allocated to renewable energy projects, such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal energy. This metric indicates the tour operators'/projects' commitment to promoting clean energy transition and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
• Water Usage and Conservation: Report on the tour operators'/projects' water consumption, including water withdrawals and usage in operations and investments. Additionally, disclose initiatives aimed at reducing water consumption, improving water efficiency, and supporting water conservation efforts in communities.
• Biodiversity Impact: Assess the tour operators'/projects' impact on biodiversity. This metric evaluates the tour operators'/projects' efforts to protect and conserve biodiversity, minimize habitat destruction, and support biodiversity-friendly projects.
• Social Inclusion and Diversity: Measure the tour operators'/projects' efforts to promote social inclusion, diversity, and equality within its workforce, supply chain, and community engagements. This metric includes indicators such as gender diversity, minority representation, and initiatives to support marginalized groups.
• Community Engagement and Development: Evaluate the tour operators' engagement with local communities and stakeholders, including philanthropic initiatives, community investments, and support for sustainable development projects. This metric assesses the tour operators' contribution to social development, poverty alleviation, and community resilience.
• Ethical Supply Chain Practices: Assess the tour operators' supply chain practices, including sourcing policies, labor standards, and human rights considerations. This metric evaluates their efforts to ensure ethical and responsible sourcing of goods and services, promote fair labor practices, and prevent human rights abuses.
• Environmental Risk Management: Tour operators'/projects' to disclose their approach to identifying, assessing, and managing environmental risks associated with its investments and lending activities. This metric includes measures to address climate-related risks, natural resource depletion, pollution, and environmental degradation.

By disclosing these environmental and social performance metrics of their financing activities (Scope 3 Financed Emission) and its own operations sustainable performance, financial institutions can enhance transparency, build trust with stakeholders, and demonstrate their commitment to sustainable finance principles. These metrics enable investors and consumers to evaluate the Bank's sustainability performance and make informed decisions that align with their values and sustainability objectives.

5.??? Providing Capacity Building and Technical Assistance: Capacity building and technical assistance are key components of Sustainable Finance, as they help enhance the ability of businesses and organizations to implement sustainable practices and access finance for green projects.

6.??? Incentivizing Sustainable Practices: Offering incentives for sustainable practices is a common strategy in Sustainable Finance to encourage businesses to adopt environmentally friendly initiatives and invest in sustainable solutions. (Eg.Sustainable Link Loan)

7.??? Engaging Investors and Consumers: Engaging investors and consumers in sustainable finance initiatives is essential for driving demand for green investments and promoting awareness of the importance of sustainability in financial decision-making.

Overall, integrating sustainable finance principles into tourism finance aligns with the broader objectives of Sustainable Finance to promote economic growth, social equity, and environmental stewardship.

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b)??? Tour Operators:

Tour operators serve as the linchpin of the responsible tourism ecosystem, influencing the entire travel experience from accommodation to transportation and guided tours.

i) Hotels, as primary accommodation providers, play a crucial role in implementing sustainable practices such as energy conservation, waste management, and community engagement.

o?? Financial Statement:

Every business has an expense called ‘energy’. For some, the amount is only a few % of the total operating expense, but for many businesses – particularly in the tourism sector - it is a major item that heavily influences ‘bottom line’ profits. Yet, many businesses do not understand the way they use – and often pay for – energy, which is often inefficient and results in both waste and unnecessary expense. Governments, business and individuals are responding through a wide range of actions, beginning with energy efficiency and continuing through investments in renewable energy. In this response, many tourism businesses are discovering that it is possible to reduce their energy expenses, increase profit and meet increasing customer expectations of environmental responsibility.

Example Efforts by Hotel Operators/ Accommodation Sustainability of Nippon Hotel Co.? SDGs Initiatives? Environmental Activities Initiatives ( jre-hotels.jp )

• to reduce energy consumption by switching to LEDs, converting equipment to inverters, and using BEMS to improve operations.
• to save water by using recycled water, water-saving faucets, and water-saving showerheads.
• to reduce waste by enabling the methanation recycling of kitchen waste, and to reduce one-way plastics by using biomass products.

SDGs action can also be harnessed to promote heritage foods, which are traditional culinary delights that reflect the rich culture, history, and biodiversity of a region or community. This can be achieved through various initiatives, especially when enjoying a full-course Malaysian cuisine experience.

• Food Classes Conducted by Hotel/Local Chefs as Lecturers: Hotels and local chefs can organize food classes aimed at educating guests about traditional Malaysian cuisine. These classes serve not only to nurture the next generation of chefs but also to promote food education and contribute to society by preserving and celebrating Malaysian culinary heritage. By showcasing authentic cooking techniques, indigenous ingredients, and regional recipes, these classes help raise awareness about the importance of preserving culinary traditions and biodiversity.
• Measures against food loss, such as implementing efficient inventory management systems, reducing food waste through portion control, and donating excess food to local charities, align with SDG targets related to responsible consumption and production (SDG 12). By minimizing food waste and maximizing the utilization of ingredients, Hotel/Restaurrant contributes to global efforts to achieve food security (SDG2) and reduce environmental impact.
• Supporting Local Farmers and Producers: Another way to promote heritage foods is by sourcing ingredients directly from local farmers and producers. By supporting small-scale farmers and artisanal producers, hotels and restaurants not only contribute to the preservation of traditional agricultural practices but also help sustain local economies and empower rural communities. This aligns with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, as well as SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by ensuring access to nutritious and culturally significant foods for all.
• Culinary Heritage Events and Festivals: Hosting culinary heritage events and festivals provides opportunities to showcase traditional foods and culinary traditions to a wider audience. These events celebrate cultural diversity, promote cross-cultural exchange, and foster appreciation for indigenous cuisines. By highlighting the unique flavors and stories behind heritage foods, hotels and tourism operators contribute to cultural preservation and community development, aligning with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by promoting inclusive and culturally vibrant urban spaces.
• Collaboration with Local Communities and Indigenous Groups: Hotels and restaurants can collaborate with local communities and indigenous groups to co-create culinary experiences that celebrate traditional foodways and culinary knowledge. By involving community members in food preparation, storytelling, and cultural performances, hotels/restaurants can offer authentic and immersive dining experiences that honor and respect local traditions. This collaborative approach promotes social inclusion, cultural diversity, and intercultural dialogue, supporting SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) by fostering respectful and inclusive partnerships.
• Incorporating SDGs action into the promotion of heritage foods not only preserves cultural heritage but also contributes to sustainable development, social cohesion, and environmental conservation. By celebrating the diversity and richness of culinary traditions, hotels and tourism operators play a vital role in promoting heritage foods as a valuable asset for sustainable tourism development.
• Example: Sustainability Initiatives of Nippon Hotel Co.: Nippon Hotel Co. can integrate Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) initiatives into its culinary offerings to address food loss and promote sustainable food practices.

Sustainability of Nippon Hotel Co.? SDGs Initiatives? Measures against Food Loss ( jre-hotels.jp ) ?

ii) Transportation operators are tasked with reducing the environmental impact of travel by adopting fuel-efficient vehicles, promoting eco-friendly modes of transportation, and minimizing carbon emissions.

iii) Tour guides serve as ambassadors of responsible tourism, educating travelers about local cultures, environmental conservation, and ethical behavior. By embracing sustainable practices, tour operators can enhance the overall sustainability of tourism destinations and contribute to positive socio-economic outcomes for host communities.

iv) Local governments play a pivotal role in shaping the tourism landscape through policy formulation, planning, and regulation. By enacting laws and regulations that promote sustainable tourism practices, local governments can create an enabling environment for responsible tourism development. This may include zoning regulations to protect sensitive ecosystems, incentives for eco-friendly businesses, and measures to ensure the equitable distribution of tourism benefits among local communities. Moreover, local governments play a crucial role in infrastructure development, waste management, and the protection of natural and cultural heritage sites. Through effective governance and stakeholder collaboration, local governments can harness the potential of tourism as a driver of sustainable development while safeguarding the interests of both residents and visitors.

?In conclusion, by working collaboratively within the responsible tourism ecosystem, these stakeholders can contribute to the preservation of natural and cultural resources, the empowerment of local communities, and the promotion of sustainable travel experiences. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities of the tourism industry, let us recognize the collective responsibility we share in shaping a more sustainable and equitable future for Malaysia tourism.

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