Responsible tourism in Malaysia

Malaysia’s protected habitats, such as the ancient rainforests of Taman Negara on the mainland and the untouched beaches of Bako NP, on Borneo, are testament to the nation’s relationship with the natural world with more than half the country classed as richly biodiverse primary forest. Sepilok orangutan centre and sun bear sanctuary present a couple more examples of how Malaysia stands out as a Southeast Asian environmental success story with a long history of conserving the country’s plentiful coral reefs further source for regional pride. A multi-cultural population has also turned Malaysia into a fascinating blend of temples, mosques and street food markets with the capital, KL, shimmering in the sunshine to tempt travellers inside air conditioned malls and young Malaysians away from rural areas in search of work. Ethnic tensions exist as do a huge disparity in wages but as a responsible traveller you can help by using local guides and going on organised tours, away from tourist traps, to increase understanding as you face up to the tourism issues facing modern Malaysia.

For more info on responsible tourism issues in Malaysia, read on and check out the links below or alternatively get in touch to find out what you can do to help and travel right in Malaysia.

Income disparity

From the prosperity oozing out of the Petronas twin towers to the designer boutiques and international food outlets to be found within any one of KL’s air-conditioned shopping malls, it’s pretty hard to believe that poverty still exists in the ex-pat haunts of Malaysia. Although the Malaysian government may insist that they’re bang on track to reach the Millennium Development Goals set out at the UN summit in 2000, the truth is a little harder to stomach. Families living in rural areas, especially, receive far less income than their urban counterparts with the younger generation drawn from a life of agriculture into the obvious wealth exuding from Malaysia’s towns and cities. Even when young Malaysians do find work in the city, wages pale into insignificance when placed alongside English-speaking ex-pats who continually keep costs for housing, shopping, entertainment and mid-range dining at a western-priced premium. Although poverty in Malaysia is considerably lower when compared to other Southeast Asian countries, it still exists, and the disparity between those living on the breadline and those spending mega-bucks in designer boutiques and 5-star hotels is not levelling out, no matter what the government might insist to the contrary.

Source: UNDP in Malaysia

What you can do
Spending your hard earned holiday funds in street food markets instead of international food and coffee chains is one way to help alleviate the gap between those who have and those who have not. Getting out of KL allows you to explore in rural areas where village communities have started to benefit from tourism and in so doing encouraging offspring to stay local. Stay on an Iban longhouse in Sarawak or in homestay or small guesthouse accommodation in the Kota Bharu region as this will also help stem the tide of young people leaving rural areas in search of work. Volunteer to assist English teachers or work on community projects on one of the more remote islands; whatever you do, don’t forget that as a Westerner your money can go much further than you might at first think.

Malaysia's zoos

In spite of Malaysia’s superb national parks, coral reefs and the globally renowned animal sanctuaries to be found on Sabah and Sarawak, there are still a number of zoos and aquariums to be found across the country. They exist for the entertainment of visitors – not for the conservation, rescue or rehabilitation of any of their resident wildlife. The continued existence of these facilities here, such as the one that used to feature a chain-smoking orangutan, is indicative of human entertainment being placed above animal welfare; if you’re looking for things to do in Malaysia we implore you not to visit a zoo or aquarium.

What you can do
Take yourself away from the cages and concrete pits and head out to Belum National Forest or Taman Negara National Park where you’ll find wildlife flourishing in natural, protected environments. Places like Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and neighbouring conservation centre for sun bears are genuine sanctuaries for rescued animals, who are able to live in virtually wild conditions in extensive reserves as opposed to existing in prison-like conditions purely for the benefit of the public. Please visit our animal welfare issues in tourism page to read more about our stance on captive animals.

When visiting a temple or mosque it’s always best to dress conservatively and ask your guide about etiquette before stepping foot inside a place of worship or observing a religious event or ceremony. When taking photographs always ask permission first, and respect notices asking you not to photograph in temples, museums or art galleries. Also, never use flash photography on wildlife. If you’re approached to have your photo taken then smile and go with the flow or politely decline the invitation. A polite, yet firm, Tidak, terima kasih (No thank you) will usually do the job. Never take anything from the beach, including shells and coral, and don’t leave your rubbish behind. Only go diving or on boat tours with reputable companies who abide by international regulations concerning marine conservation and safety measures. Don’t feed the monkeys around Batu Caves or at any beach as they can get aggressive and really don’t need any encouragement when it comes to going through unguarded food bags. Opt for street food stalls and night markets for an authentic taste of Malaysia’s multicultural delights. Don’t eat shark fin soup or bird nest soup. The former involves catching sharks – including some endangered species – slicing the cartilaginous fins off while the creature is still alive, then tossing it back into the water to drown. Bird nest soup is made using the nests of swiftlets found in caves, including those at Gomantong in Sabah. The highly valuable nests are gathered by poorly paid workers climbing up to 20 metres up rickety bamboo ladders; the risk of injury or death is high. Homosexuality is illegal in Malaysia so same sex couples are begrudgingly advised to avoid open displays of affection in public places, including holding hands, hugging and kissing.