Travel Smart

Tips to remember for your next vacation

Make tourism and conservation compatible - the money you spend on your trip helps determine the development and direction of tourism. Use your money to support reputable, conservation-minded tour operators and suppliers.

View and photograph wildlife from a distance and remember that in the optimal wildlife viewing experience, the animal never knew you were there. Suppress the natural temptation to move too close and respect signs of distress such as alarm calls, distraction displays, laid-back ears, and raised hair.
Respect the environment, stay on trails during hikes, do not remove plants or feed animals, and never litter. At the sea do not take any corals, shells, dried fish, starfish, sea-fans and other marine souvenirs - removal can seriously disrupt ecosystems. Navigation in reef water needs special care - do not anchor on reefs which can be easily damaged. Avoid stepping on corals or touching them while snorkelling.
Conserve water - take showers rather than baths, and use a refillable water container, sterilising water when necessary, rather than buying bottled water.
Limit energy use, including your use of air conditioning and hot water. Turn off all lights and taps when you leave hotel rooms.
Minimise your use of personal care products and detergents to wash linen, and reuse your hotel towels and bed-linen. Dispose of sanitary waste properly. Don't flush cotton buds, condoms, tampons and plastics down the toilet - or you might just find them on the beach next time you visit.
Reduce the impact of your recreational activities by avoiding sports which have a significant harmful impact on the environment or choose more progressive establishments (e.g. golf courses which recycle water).
Recycle newspapers, magazines and your beverage containers, and reduce the number of bags, napkins and disposable cups you use when you eat fast food.
Choose lodgings that have effective waste treatment systems, that recycle, that are energy efficient, and, where possible, that use environmentally friendly energy sources such as solar energy.
Respect rules and regulations, pay attention to signals and behave responsibly (e.g. do not light fires where it is forbidden).

Places To Visit

28 Dec 2006
A Secret Garden
Deep in the heart of Universiti Malaya lies Rimba Ilmu, a tranquil botanic garden in the heart of the city. First established as a research centre for the campus, the garden has blossomed into a haven for 1,200 different plant species. » Read more

28 Dec 2006
A City Oasis
Amid the hustle and bustle of Kota Kinabalu city lies a quiet place that soothes the nerves and provides respite from city stress. And it lies just two short kilometers away. » Read more

28 Dec 2006
The Pearl of Perlis
Caves, trails and a myriad of wildlife await the visitor at the Perlis State Park (PSP). This gem of the north that borders Thailand is a 5,075 ha conservation area made up of the Wang Mu Forest Reserve and Mata Ayer Forest Reserve. » Read more

28 Dec 2006
Bukit Gasing:A Unique Urban Greenbelt
If you haven’t already, it’s time to discover Bukit Gasing in your very own backyard. This quaint green lung in the middle of the urban jungle has been a welcoming reprieve for many Klang Valley folks. » Read more