Planning a nature-themed trip to Malaysia or Singapore, and wondering how you can be an ecotourist? 

Ecotourism is the future of travel, reshaping how we explore the world. As we become more environmentally aware, we will begin to seek out travel experiences that are meaningful and sustainable. 

If you already love visiting nature attractions during your travels, this is a great starting point! However, it’s essential to distinguish between simply visiting nature spots and practising true ecotourism. 

While it is enriching for us to have an appreciation for nature, ecotourism goes beyond this—it involves being mindful of our environmental impact, supporting local communities, and contributing to conservation efforts. By travelling responsibly and adopting sustainable practices, we become guardians of our planet, preserving its natural beauty and cultural heritage for future generations. 

Below, we’ll show you the best ways to holiday as an ecotourist in Malaysia and Singapore, so that you too can contribute to this meaningful cause!

While in Kuala Lumpur, be sure to visit the sacred Batu Caves for a journey into the heart of Hindu spirituality. The Batu Caves is a complex of limestone caves and cave temples, nestled on a hillside just outside Kuala Lumpur. 

By stepping into these caves, you can experience Malaysia's rich cultural heritage while upholding green travel principles. For example, you can show respect for the site's sacredness by adhering to dress codes. When taking photographs, do always seek permission, and avoid using flash inside the cave temples. You should also dispose of your waste properly, and refrain from feeding monkeys and other wildlife in the area. 

Get directions to Batu Caves (28-minute drive from PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur)

Want an eco-friendly way to sightsee in Kuala Lumpur? Cycling is a fantastic option. While it’s said to have a minimal carbon footprint, it is still far lower than what cars produce. For an authentic local experience, you can book a cycling tour with Mike Bike, which offers day tours, night tours, as well as food tours. 

Book a KL cycling tour

Planning a day trip from Kuala Lumpur? Sekinchan, a coastal town in Selangor, Malaysia, is a popular choice. A typical Sekinchan excursion includes visits to the Sky Mirror and the Sekinchan paddy fields. 

The Sky Mirror is located at the town’s Sasaran Beach, where low-tide waters serve as a giant mirror—it’s a captivating optical illusion, and the perfect setting for photos. 

After a fun photoshoot, you can tuck into a fresh seafood lunch before heading to Sekinchan’s picturesque rice fields. Do note that the best time to visit the rice fields is during the planting and harvesting seasons, which are from March to April and August to September. During the planting season, the fields are awash in a vibrant green hue as the young rice plants begin to grow. In contrast, when the mature rice is ready for harvest, the fields transform into a stunning golden carpet. Both seasons offer a breathtaking display of colours, making Sekinchan a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

Book Sky Mirror & Sekinchan Paddy Field Day Tour

The Singapore Botanic Gardens attracts many tourists, who head there for the vibrant flora, as well as the fact that the garden is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Also within the city centre is Gardens by the Bay, which draws visitors with its iconic Supertrees and futuristic Cloud Forest and Flower Dome conservatories—this is the best place to see Singapore's creative approach to sustainable architecture.

Prefer hidden-gem attractions? The Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve beckons with its scenic mangroves, giving a glimpse into the city's thriving biodiversity. Additionally, the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, one of Singapore's oldest rainforest reserves, invites you to hike through lush greenery and encounter interesting wildlife such as the Malayan colugo.

Singapore's compact size and well-planned urban infrastructure make it an ideal city for exploring on foot. With its pedestrian-friendly streets and ample sidewalks, walking is not only safe but also a delightful way to discover the city's hidden treasures. Strolling through Singapore's neighbourhoods allows you to take in the diverse culture, local cuisine, and unique architecture, all while minimising your environmental impact. 

If you would like the company of a passionate and knowledgeable guide, consider boutique services such as Jane’s Singapore Tours and Tribe Tours. To book a tour that supports some of Singapore’s marginalised communities, look up Citizen Adventures.

Book a walking tour with Jane’s Singapore Tours

Book a walking tour with Tribe Tours

Book a walking tour with Citizen Adventures

Increasingly, eco warriors have set up shop in Singapore, with the goal of empowering everyone to move towards a waste-free lifestyle. One such store is The Fashion Pulpit, which encourages the practice of fashion swapping instead of buying new. You can also shop at eco-lifestyle stores such as The Social Space and The Green Collective SG, to bring home package-free products and sustainable souvenirs.