Borneo and Bali holiday
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
An unavoidable consequence of travel is the emission of carbon dioxide into the high atmosphere and while Steppes Discovery takes measures to reduce the carbon footprint of its holidays, regrettably it is not yet possible to make them carbon neutral. In order to offset these emissions we give £10 per client to Rainforest Concern. Rainforests have a central role to play in the slowing of climate change and yet we are removing forests from the planet at a faster rate than they can grow back. Rainforest Concern supports projects that look to preserve the forests that we have rather than replanting new ones, working to safeguard biodiversity and local communities and in so doing mitigate climate change.
The lodges we use is constructed of local materials with all staff being employed from the surrounding region where employment opportunities are limited. The lodge uses home cooked food, also sourced locally wherever possible. For every one of our group departures we provide clients with an in depth information pack on how to travel responsibly offering advice on travelling in country. This ranges from cultural sensitivities, to environmental awareness with an emphasis on showing respect to your hosts ensuring that each traveller sets a precedent and adheres to a strict code of conduct.
For every one of our group departures we provide clients with an in depth information pack on how to travel responsibly offering advice on travelling in country. This ranges from cultural sensitivities, to environmental awareness with an emphasis on showing respect to your hosts ensuring that each traveller sets a precedent and adheres to a strict code of conduct.
When spending time with wildlife, please keep your voices low. You will then also be able to observe the great bird life and other wildlife in the forest. Keep a safe distance from wildlife. Your guide will be on hand to advise – listen to your guides advice at all times. Do not eat or drink whilst you are near wildlife. Eating or drinking inevitably will increase the risk of food/drink morsels/droplets falling, which could increase the risk of transmission of diseases.
Please remember that although much of the wildlife is semi-habituated, they are still wild animals. You should always strictly adhere to the guidelines explained to you by the ranger before you embark on the trek. Providing you do so, you will be minimising any potential threats. It goes without saying, but DO NOT touch any wildlife of any sort. The guides and rangers will give you a full briefing on the rules of conduct before you embark on the trek and it’s very important you adhere to them. It is us who are being given a privileged insight into the natural world and we should treat all wildlife with respect!
Community
The aim of the Orangutan Foundation (UK) is to support conservation work in Indonesia and Malaysia and to raise funds and awareness in the UK and overseas. In Indonesia, the Foundation actively protects Tanjung Puting National Park whilst also caring for and repatriating ex-captive orangutans back into the wild. This tour includes a donation per person to the Orangutan Foundation of £35.00
The guides we use on this tour are from the surrounding region and money raised from this tour helps support the training and education of the guides themselves. By visiting the parks themselves, you will also be paying the park entry fees, which go directly to the upkeep of the park itself, but also the training and education of the guides with whom we work closely along with support for the wildlife researchers and the vital work they are undertaking.
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