Borneo, Australia, Panama, Guatemala, The Amazon, Australia; what do they all have in common? That’s right, they are all locations that are now household names thanks to the popular television show “Survivor.” But, they are also some of the top ecotourist hotspots in the world. And, in honor of Earth Day I am turning the spotlight on destinations that offer environmentally friendly tours, accommodations and more.
Our first stop: Borneo. While you may know it as the site of the first ever Survivor series, this Malaysian island recently made headlines after a mysterious never-before-seen catlike animal was discovered in late 2005. Borneo is also home to Mount Kinabalu (South East Asia’s tallest mountain) and dense forest trails that offer prime hiking terrain. If green is your color then you’ll want to stay at the eco-friendly Sukau Rainforest Lodge, a completely self-sufficient hotel subsisting on rainwater and solar energy; fishing platforms, bird- and wildlife-viewing decks, electric-motor boats, and a 1500-foot-long Hornbill Boardwalk – that affords stellar viewings of the resident elephants that routinely stroll around the back of the lodge.
Next stop: Botswana. A trip to Africa’s backcountry with its sprawling deserts and captivating display of wildlife is an eco-tourist’s dream. Botswana earns its reputation as the “jewel of Africa,” by offering safaris that provide unforgettable views of wildlife. Elephant herds, leopards, lions, zebras, hippos, white rhinos, and baboons are just some of the creatures you will encounter here. In addition, Savannah offers a number of environment-friendly resorts for the nature lover looking to sleep in the great outdoors.
Closer to home, Alaska, referred to as “The Great Land”, is a hot bed of eco-activity. Wildlife that is otherwise threatened or endangered in the continental United States; from humpback whales to sea otters, sea lions, and bald eagles, are protected here amid the snow-capped mountains and sprawling tundra. Alaska’s vast, pristine wilderness beckons naturalists who are often outnumbered by the caribou and moose who roam free through the Artic north.
The Himalayas comprise the highest mountains on earth and boast incredible snow-covered peaks. The Himalayan kingdom of Nepal, situated between India and China, offers some of the best access to these areas where landscapes vary from subtropical valleys to alpine forests (home to grazing yaks). If you are passionate about hiking the Himalayans offer one-of-a-kind trekking adventures. Hiking and camping tours (that last from 5-to-25 days) modeled after the first Nepalese mountaineering expeditions come with your own entourage of guides, cooks and porters.
For more information on these eco-friendly hotspots visit the International Ecotourism Society website: www.ecotourism.org. Happy Earth Day!