Malaysia tours, rainforests and beaches

Planet

Belum-Temengor Rainforest is still relatively off the main tourist track in Peninsula Malaysia. It is over 130 million years old and covers a massive 3,000 square kilometres that spills over into southern Thailand. The rainforest provides habitat to a vast number of species, many of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Belum Rainforest is divided into two main sections. The northern Royal Belum is more densely forested and home too many of the larger mammals such as elephants, but to enter the area you need to apply for a permit. Most of the touring is done by boat and on foot in Lower Belum with experienced guides that lead a number of nature and educational activities.

The resort was designed to have minimum impact on the local environment, was built around many of the existing trees and uses locally sourced materials, therefore reducing transport costs and carbon footprint.

People

Both the Majestic Malacca and the Tanjong Jara are part of the YTL hotel group. YTL is committed to developing sustainable practices at all of its hotels. Using the tagline ‘Make a good future happen’ the hotel group aims to achieve sustainability in the marketplace, environment and with its people and the surrounding communities. YTL has also won a number of awards recognising its large number of initiatives, which are helping to communicate sustainable tourism practices to the local communities around them.

The Tanjong Jara runs a whole host of excellent activities and excursions, and work very closely with the local communities, ensuring that the customs and culture of the area thrive. We recommend the cooking class with Chef Ann and the guided bicycle tour of the local area. The resort also sources its fresh food from the local markets, the menu changes daily depending on what is purchased from the market that morning.

The Belum Rainforest Resort runs a toy exchange initiative for the nearby Orang Asli villages.

Blue Mansion in Penang has been faithfully restored to its former glory. It has a responsible attitude towards the environment and has limited facilities as a result. You are encouraged to sample the fabulous local food at nearby restaurants as the hotel is only equipped to provide guests with breakfast.