A journey by means of Southeast Asia takes you thru a kaleidoscope of cultures, landscapes and traditions that mix seamlessly. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene seashores of Bali, this nook of the world provides a wealth of experiences. From historical temples, vibrant markets and plush landscapes to limitless white seashores! On this article, we dive into the guts of those fascinating nations and introduce you to 3 cities that epitomize the range of Southeast Asia.
#1 Denpasar | Indonesia / Bali
The tropical island of Bali is among the most stunning locations in Indonesia! Right here you’ll discover palm-fringed seashores, rice terraces and engaging cultural websites.
Denpasar is the capital of Bali and has a inhabitants of over 800,000. The town thrives on a mixture of commerce, tradition and tourism. You’ll discover bustling markets, fashionable buying malls and conventional handicraft markets. The colourful streets supply each fashionable facilities and the normal Balinese lifestyle.
Sights in Denpasar:
- Puputan Sq.: A spot for locals and guests to linger. Right here you’ll be able to “individuals watch” and benefit from the hustle and bustle of the town.
- Bajra Sandhi Monument: A formidable monument that honors the historical past of the Balinese individuals.
- Temple Purat Rambut Siwi Kaler: A phenomenal temple whose appeal lies within the proximity to the ocean.
- Jagatnatha-Temple: Largest Hindu temple within the coronary heart of the capital
- Turtle Conservation and Training Centre: Devoted to turtle conservation since 2006.
Eco-Resort Puri Dajuma Cottages & Spa
Roughly 2.5 hours from Denpasar, Puri Dajuma Cottages & Spa is situated within the west of the island. It’s the right place when you’re searching for peace and leisure after the hustle and bustle of the massive metropolis. The cottages, suites and villas are constructed from native supplies within the Balinese model, and the resort is situated proper on a dream seashore. The resort additionally provides each day yoga periods, Balinese massages, and cooking lessons.
How sustainable is Bali?
Lots has occurred on the island by way of environmental consciousness. In 2017, for instance, two schoolgirls (!) managed to push by means of a authorized ban on plastic baggage, which not solely went into impact, however was additionally prolonged to different single-use plastics corresponding to straws, and so forth. There’s a nationwide park, and by March 2023, motels and eating places within the native affiliation have dedicated to utilizing solely sustainably produced palm oil. These are usually not big leaps, however they’re steps in the precise route nonetheless, and as we all the time say, child steps are nonetheless steps in the precise route.
If you wish to be taught extra about Bali, we suggest our weblog article: Bali: Threatened beauty and culture – how to travel the island responsibly
#2 Phnom Penh – Cambodia
Cambodia is a rustic with a wealthy historical past, fascinating tradition and breathtaking surroundings. Right here, too, you’ll discover majestic temples, together with the world-famous Angkor Wat, which isn’t solely an architectural masterpiece, but additionally a religious journey by means of the centuries.
The perfect phrase to explain the cities of the Indochinese Peninsula is “vibrant”. Maybe probably the most well-known metropolis is the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh. The town has a inhabitants of over 2 million and stretches alongside the Mekong River. Right here you’ll discover a mixture of fashionable progress and the nation’s cultural historical past. The skyline is punctuated by magnificent temples, together with the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda.
Sights in Phnom Penh
- Royal Palace: The principle vacationer points of interest are the throne room – the place Cambodian kings are topped – and a number of the surrounding buildings.
- Silver Pagoda (Wat Preah Keo): The Silver Pagoda, often known as the Temple of Emerald Buddha, homes statues of Buddha fabricated from valuable metals, crystals and gems and is situated on the southern fringe of the Royal Palace.
- Wat Phnom: That is probably the most well-known temple within the metropolis of Phnom Penh and its namesake. It’s situated on a 27-meter-high man-made hill.
- Waterfront promenade: Right here, residents (and vacationers) stroll previous eating places, bars and parks.
- Nationwide museum: In case you are visiting the temples of Cambodia, remember to go to the museum, the place you’ll discover the associated artifacts.
- Central market: It’s situated within the middle of the town and is designed within the Artwork Deco model.
- Mekong wetlands: You possibly can participate in Hen watching excursions right here. For instance, you’ll be able to see the Cambodian Tailor Hen (a red-headed songbird) or the attractive Bronze-crowned Emerald Sparrow (Asian Inexperienced Bee Eater).
Sustainable Inexperienced PearlsⓇ lodging in Cambodia
Farmhouse Smiling Gecko is situated about 1.5 hours from the capital. Right here you’ll keep in luxuriously furnished stilt homes and there’s a pool and spa space. Farmhouse Smiling Gecko shouldn’t be solely a spot to remain, but additionally a local people challenge. As it’s possible you’ll know, Cambodia is among the poorest nations on the earth. The Smiling Gecko challenge contains coaching facilities for varied trades, intensive agriculture, a number of eating places and the Farmhouse Resort. About 40 workers have discovered (above common paid) everlasting employment right here.
One other of our companions is 4 Rivers Floating Lodge. Nonetheless, the floating villas are situated “in the course of nowhere” and are much less appropriate for a metropolis journey. Nonetheless, if you’re searching for a nature expertise and jungle journey in your journey to Cambodia, this is a superb and distinctive handle.
Sustainable journey in Cambodia
Resulting from poverty, you will note some issues in Cambodia that we contemplate much less sustainable – corresponding to plastic cups and litter within the countryside. Nonetheless, you ought to be conscious that, in line with IEA calculations, the per capita CO2 emissions of a Cambodian are far decrease than these of Individuals, Europeans or Japanese. Whereas that is no excuse for the waste downside, we as wealthy (and largely white) vacationers from Europe mustn’t look down on it. So as a substitute of pointing your finger, be as sustainable as doable and politely refuse single-use plastics.
By the best way, Phnom Penh has adopted a sustainable city growth plan that addresses a variety of points corresponding to power, transportation, buildings, public area, waste administration and sanitation. Single-use packaging is banned within the capital since 2020.
#3 Phuket City in Thailand
Phuket City, on the island of Phuket in Thailand, has a inhabitants of simply over 100,000 and is greatest recognized for its stunning outdated city. Additionally it is residence to a big inventive and various scene, together with graffiti, road artwork, markets and cafés.
Sights in Phuket City
- Nice Phuket Buddha: The 45 meter excessive marble statue is a placing eye-catcher. Accomplished in 2008, the statue continues to be comparatively new.
- Chaithararam Temple (Wat Chalong): The most important of Phuket’s 29 Buddhist temples. There’s a 60-meter-high stupa on the temple grounds, stated to include a bone fragment of Buddha. The partitions and ceilings are embellished with work depicting scenes from Buddha’s life.
- Discover Phuket Previous City: Not like its neighbors, Thailand was not a colonial state, however the homes within the outdated city had been constructed within the Portuguese colonial model. However with Chinese language components. That is known as the “Sino-Portuguese model”. A few of these historic buildings at the moment are cafés, galleries, or boutiques.
- Night time markets: Procuring at evening? Properly, it’s doable in Phuket City! There are a number of night markets that supply every thing from road meals to classic to jewellery, or simply benefit from the environment.
Sustainable Inexperienced PearlsⓇ Resort Keemala in Phuket
Simply 20 kilometers from Phuket City, Keemalas “Villa Wonderland” is constructed proper into the treetops. Every “nest” has its personal pool and views from the jungle to the ocean. The eco-resort provides yoga retreats and cooking lessons. Some substances for the delicacies develop proper on the property. Keemala is a part of the zero-waste motion.
Sustainable journey in Thailand
Sustainable journey is gaining momentum in Thailand, with many initiatives selling environmentally pleasant practices. On the island of Phuket, for instance, waste discount and coral reef restoration packages are in place to make sure that the fantastic thing about Thailand is preserved for future generations.
Since home flights in Thailand are low cost, it’s tempting to fly from Bangkok to Phuket. A extra environmentally pleasant choice is by practice – and it’s additionally an actual journey, as we describe within the following article:
Adventurous slow travel: Through Thailand by train
We’ve got additionally lined this matter within the following article:
Green Initiatives and Hotel Projects in Thailand
How sustainable is a visit to Southeast Asia?
Lastly, long-distance journey shouldn’t be thought-about sustainable due to air journey. If you wish to be taught extra concerning the emissions’ downside, together with figures, information and details about air journey, we suggest our article: Are we still allowed to fly?
Nonetheless, tourism is a crucial financial think about Southeast Asia, and as a vacationer, you might have many alternatives to assist native communities. As well as, you’ll be able to change into lively in conservation.
If all rich individuals (and as a reader of this weblog, statistically talking, you’re most likely one in all them) solely trip in their very own backyards, wealth is disadvantaged of one in all its technique of distribution.
We hope that we’ve got given you some perception into Southeast Asian cities. In fact, there are numerous extra fascinating nations and cities in Southeast Asia – which of them would you suggest? We sit up for listening to your feedback.
Save this submit as inspiration on your subsequent journey.
