Graham Land
Graham Land grew up in the suburbs of Washington, DC, where he was part of the local hardcore punk scene, playing in several bands. In 2000 he relocated to Europe, earning an MA in History from Malmö University in Sweden. He has also lived in Japan, Ireland, Portugal and the UK. Graham writes on environment issues for Asian Correspondent and GreenFudge.
5 places to see endangered species in Asia
MAY 18th was Endangered Species Day. Did you miss it? So did I. In my defense, I was traveling all day and creating greenhouse gas emissions. For this I apologize to all the endangered species negatively impacted by climate change. Incidentally, a new study shows that by 2080 climate change could result in a steep…>
10 helpful tips for ethical eco-tourism in Asia
LET’S not treat Asia’s natural treasures as our own beer-soaked personal spring break playground. That would be unseemly and untoward. For those interested in ethical travel and responsible tourism, I encourage you to do research about general as well as place-specific practices that reduce your impact on local environments, societies and cultures. To begin, here…>
Hokkaido: Incredible nature in Japan’s far north
ABOUT a month ago I profiled Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost outpost with its beautiful beaches, tropical rainforests and fantastic diving locations. Though Japan’s southern outpost is home to what many consider to be the country’s last “unexplored” tracts, it has a northern counterpart in Hokkaido. In terms of cultural history, Hokkaido is distinct from the rest…>
5 great places to see whale sharks in Asia
The whale shark is the largest fish in the world and can surpass 12 meters (40 feet) in length. These graceful and gentle giants are filter feeders and pose no danger to humans. Slow and docile, divers are often tempted to touch whale sharks, though scientists and conservationists discourage this practice. Their behavior, size and…>
Palau: Underwater wonderland
THE Republic of Palau (population circa 21,000) is a small western Pacific nation and part of the Micronesian island group. The founding member of the Micronesia Challenge, in which several nations in the region agreed to cooperate on marine and land conservation efforts, Palau has led the way in ethical tourism, greening their economy and…>
Kashmir embraces eco-tourism
KASHMIR – the word is known the world-over due to the luxurious “Cashmere” wool obtained from a specialized breed of goats and even to some extent because of a song by Led Zeppelin. That’s my earliest memory of it, anyway. But amongst those more in the know, this Himalayan, “Alpine” region of South Asia is…>
Okinawa: Japan’s natural treasure
OKINAWA archipelago consists of both inhabited and uninhabited islands – 49 and 111, respectively. A major Japanese tourist destination, Okinawa is home to splendid nature and a distinct culture. It is also the birthplace of karate. The narrow rope of islands that is Okinawa ranges from a subtropical climate on most of the islands to…>
Eco-Goa: More than just beach parties
A GOOD 20 or so years ago I used to hear about Goa as a destination for hippies and drugged up European ravers. They’d dance to “Goa trance” music, take ecstasy and have the kind of party vacation that sounded more Ibiza than India and equally unappealing. The party crowd is still there, but less…>
Is ethical dolphin tourism possible?
MARINE mammal parks are not nice for the orcas, dolphins and other intelligent cetaceans that are forced to live there and entertain throngs of well-meaning yet unwitting spectators. Just because a porpoise looks like it’s smiling and sounds like it’s laughing doesn’t mean it is. Orcas and dolphins like to swim up to 100 miles…>
Heavenly Himalayas: On top of the world
WHILE climbing Mt. Everest might not be on the top of every eco-tourist’s bucket list, perhaps a visit to the Himalayas should be. This spectacular mountain range offers incredible opportunities for cultural tourism, voluntourism and especially trekking. Last August I wrote an article about travel in Bhutan, briefly covering the country’s strict policies on tourism.…>
Eco-tourism hotspot: Palawan, Philippines
GOVERNMENT agencies in the Philippines are teaming up with NGOs to promote natural treasures in an effort to develop eco-tourism in the Southeast Asian country. Eco-tourism in the Philippines is a significant growth market. According to former tourism secretary and current President of the International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST) Mina Gabor, in 2012 22%…>
Eco-destination: Cambodia
THOUGH the Kingdom of Cambodia’s history is rife with war, poverty and hardship, the country’s record on nature conservation and biodiversity is pretty good. Cambodia was the first Asian nation to join the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (ICUN), “the world’s oldest and largest global environmental organization”, though it is not…>
5 great caving spots in Asia
IF, like me, your main exposure to caving began with watching the horror film “The Descent”, you may not be keen to strap on a head lamp and poke around underground for a few hours. After all, who knows what creepy crawlies you might find? If you are a natural explorer and enjoy a bit…>
Beyond the beach: Sustainable tourism alternatives in Phuket
FORMERLY a center for tin mining, the island of Phuket is now famous for diving, beaches, resorts and partying. Phuket is also a major producer of rubber, helping to make Thailand the largest rubber-producing nation. Whereas the mining boom brought European interest and mass Chinese immigration to the island (ethnic Chinese Thais make up perhaps…>
The Coral Triangle: An underwater Amazon
YOU know how it is: you’ve been everywhere. You’ve hacked your way through dense rainforest, climbed cloudy peaks, combed beaches and traversed sun-baked deserts. You’ve even slept on a slab of ice in a freezing Arctic hotel. Now why would you want to do that? Boredom. But wait, over 70% of the Earth is covered…>
Meghalaya, India: Paradise above the clouds
VISITING somewhere with the monickers “the wettest place on Earth” and “the Scotland of the East” may not be on top of most people’s list when deciding on an exotic adventure holiday. But the state of Meghalaya in northeastern India offers rare charms and a notable lack of foreign tourists. Starting to sound better already?…>
Asian eco-tourism news and blues
THE ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) held its annual tourism conference in Laos earlier this month, with one of the focuses being the development of eco-tourism in the region. The conference held its closing ceremony on Thursday the 24th, with a ceremonial “handing over of the flag” to next year’s hosts, Malaysia. Laos itself is one…>
Vietnam: Red River cultural and eco-tourism
FOR Vietnam’s tourism industry, 2013 is to be the year of the Red River Civilization, with the country’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism focusing on developing the potential of this unique region of northern Vietnam. The Red River, or Song Hong in Vietnamese, enters Vietnam from southwest China, where it is known as the…>
Will 2013 be the year of eco-tourism in Asia?
IN the past I’ve used considerable column space hammering out just exactly what eco-tourism is and what it isn’t. Perhaps this could be reduced to the old good vs. evil argument, but that’s another can of worms that doesn’t need opening in this piece. Suffice to say, that if tourism has an ecological or human…>
2 Pacific island nations make Ethical Traveler’s top 10 list
THE organization Ethical Traveler has come out with its annual “World’s Best Ethical Destinations” top 10 list. Though there are no destinations in Asia proper (or Central or South Asia for that matter), two countries in the Pacific have made it into the list: the small island nations of Palau and Samoa. Palau (population around…>
Amid rapid industrialization, China banks on eco-tourism
WHEN reading about China’s economy, politics, environment, etc., one word that often springs to mind is “audacious”. The sheer scale, speed and boldness which characterize so many things in the PRC simply do not exist in any other country. Industrialization, development, urbanization, economic liberalization – and of course the pollution that goes along with all…>
Eco-destination: Nepal
FANCY taking a bit of a nature holiday in the birthplace of the Buddha and the home of the tallest mountain in the world? I’m not suggesting you go and live in a monastery for month or climb Mount Everest, but a bit of eco-tourism in this ancient country, which has only recently gotten rid…>
Eco-tourism in India – more than a trip to the forest
ECO-TOURISM means spending time in nature, but all holidays involving the natural world are not eco-friendly or sustainable. Simply labelling a visit wildlife park, a trek through the jungle or camping on the beach as “eco-tourism” does not make it so. Simply put, if tourism is causing more harm than good to the natural environment,…>
Community tourism in Southeast Asia
There’s something undeniably “real” about experiencing an authentic traditional culture first-hand. Museums, books, film and television documentaries, the pages of National Geographic… these are all useful, enjoyable and comfortable ways to learn about the practices and lifestyles of the peoples of the world. But actually being there, seeing a village with your own eyes, hearing…>
Just who are Asia’s ecotourists?
These statistics may be a bit old, but according to the United Nations World Travel Organization, ecotourism made up 7% of the international tourism market in 2007. All signs pointed towards major growth and we have seen that, in tourism in general and in so-called sustainable or responsible tourism. However, just what defines ecotourism and…>
Nature by night: Dark sky tourism in Asia
THE recent spate of eclipses, meteor showers and super moons has stoked the fires of new developments in night time activities. Forget bars, nightclubs and movie theaters – get out, look up explore the darkness! You may have never heard of dark sky tourism. You are not alone, neither had I until recently. But you’ve…>
Tourism and townsfolk – the trouble with Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay in Vietnam’s Quang Ninh province is not a shining example of eco-tourism, community based tourism or sustainable development, despite it being an extremely popular nature holiday destination. Ha Long Bay’s thousands of stunning limestone karsts, impressive biodiversity and prehistoric human history have ensured its status with UNESCO…>
Destination Sri Lanka – A post-war eco-paradise?
FROM ancient cities to colonial towns to world-class surf spots, Sri Lanka is emerging as a choice destination for nature and culture oriented travellers in search of something a bit different. The pre-internet backpacker’s bible the Lonely Planet was indispensable before you could just “google” something and find out all you need to know. Nowadays,…>
Eco-destination: Mongolia – follow in the footsteps of nomads
IF you want to experience raw, open landscapes, vast stretches of land and big blue sky in one of the most untouched environments left on planet Earth, you might want to give Mongolia a try. If you’re looking to escape crowds, look no further. Not only does Mongolia have the lowest population density of any independent…>
Set a course for adventure: Sailing in Thailand
This month Forbes magazine listed its top 7 trips for adventure travelers. I don’t know if playing golf in Scotland or doing yoga on a Mexican beach counts as “adventure travel” (in fact both sound pretty much the opposite to me) but kayaking in Hawaii and hiking the Inca trail no doubt qualify. Only one…>
Eco-tourism to the rescue?
A couple of weeks ago I posted about ethical dilemmas concerning so-called nature tourism or eco-tourism. Since eco-tourism is a trendy “buzz word” for many holidaymakers, what might be marketed as ecological, environmentally friendly, sustainable, ethical, etc., can sometimes be anything but. Yet it’s not just greenwashing destructive tourism development and labelling it “eco,” there is also…>
Destination: Tasmania – Oz’s “Island of Inspiration”
With the recent heart-stopping news of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef having lost half of its coral in less than 30 years, Down Under’s eco-tourism industry needs something to cheer it up. Enter Tasmania. The island state of Tasmania is being named Australia’s 15th National Landscape in an effort to boost nature and eco-tourism. Tasmania joins…>
Philippines: 1,000-year-old village unearthed
History has been revealed at the site of a future eco-tourism park in Quezon province, Philippines. Those interested in mixing up a bit of nature-oriented travel with a trip back in time may want to pencil in a visit to Mount Kamhantik for some time in the not-too-distant future. What is thought to be an…>
Southeast Asian eco-tourism: Ethical or not?
SOMETIMES environmentally minded or “ethical” tourists, as they are sometimes known, have to ask themselves difficult questions. Questions that ordinary sun-seekers aren’t aware of, or perhaps even bothered about. For example, just labelling something as “green” doesn’t mean it is. So just how ethical is eco-tourism in Asia? Vietnam Case in point: the development of…>
Round-up: Asian eco-travel news
WHAT’S buzzing in the world of eco-tourism lately? Well, I’m glad you asked… Australia Early last month I mentioned that the 20th Global Eco Asian-Pacific Tourism Conference is set to be held in Cairns, Far North Queensland, Australia in mid-October. Representatives from all over Asia will attend the conference, run by Ecotourism Australia, an organization…>
See Japan’s monkeys – but don’t feed them
Everyone has seen pictures and videos of Japan’s “snow monkeys” taking a bath in an onsen (natural hot spring), looking very wise and content as they relax in the steaming waters. The spa-going snow monkeys of Nagano prefecture are in fact the same species of Japanese macaque that live throughout the country. Intelligent and resourceful,…>
Where to see wild orangutans in Malaysia
By Graham Land Malaysia, along with Indonesia, is the only place in the world where one can witness orangutans in the wild. These solitary but social simians are the only great apes which are unique to Asia. Orangutans mostly feed on fruit, but also eat leaves, shoots and other vegetation and the occasional insect, egg…>
Kuala Lumpur’s hidden colonial gems
By Graham Land Though by no means an ancient city by old world standards, the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur has a fascinating history combining Malay, Islamic, Chinese and colonial British influences (among others). The birth of Malaysia in 1963 saw an end to the Federation of Malaya and of British colonial rule, which began…>
Five Malaysian eco-breaks
By Graham Land Sustainable travel, including responsible nature holidays and what has become known as eco-tourism, is on the rise in Malaysia – and with good reason. Though Malaysia has highly developed urban regions, it is also home to a rich ecology and diverse geography. For the nature-interested traveller, this Southeast Asian nation comprises mountains…>
Ethical travel destination: Malaysia
By Graham Land Multi-ethnic, rich in culture and biodiversity, Malaysia is both a place you want to visit and don’t want to spoil by being an “ugly tourist”. By “spoil” I mean contribute to overdevelopment, thereby watering down the traditional culture or even destroying the nature that brought you here in the first place. “Ugly”…>
Kuching’s colonial heritage
Kuching – Explore the narrow streets filled with Chinese shophouses, the Astana and Fort Margherita in Sarawak’s most beguiling city. The most populous city and capital of the Malaysian state of Sarawak on the island of Borneo, Kuching is a beautiful and clean city with an intriguing history and a captivating character. Known as “Cat…>
Kerala: India’s coastal rainforest state
THE state of Kerala, which stretches up the west coast of southern India, is a true pioneer of eco-tourism in South Asia. Its concept of eco tourist villages combines sustainability, cultural tourism, nature observation and adventure activities. The climate of Kerala is tropical and equatorial. It experiences rain for 7-8 months of the year and…>
Bhutan: A trekker’s paradise
BHUTAN – A Buddhist kingdom in the Himalayas, home to 700,000 people and a government which prefers to measure Gross National Happiness (GNH) instead of GDP. Bhutan has banned plastic bags, tobacco sales and smoking in public places. The internet and television were only legalized in 1999. Once largely closed to tourism, it is now…>
India: 5 ecotourism ideas
A VISIT to India is for many the trip of a lifetime. This incredible land is home to a dizzying amount of cultural and natural diversity – perhaps more than in any other country on Earth. Though most visitors arguably go to experience its ancient culture, legendary monuments and world-famous cuisine, India is an incredible…>
Antipodean eco-travel news
AUSTRALIA and New Zealand are upping their eco-travel games. A new way to experience the wonders of New Zealand’s magnificent virgin rainforest is from above. Adventurous visitors will now have the opportunity to zip-line through this amazing ecosystem. A zip-line, also known as a flying fox, is a cable and pulley system where the person/passenger…>
One great reason to visit Indonesia: Helping orangutans
SOME very smart simians live in Southeast Asia. I am of course referring to orangutans; our orange, hairy and wise cousins are the only great apes that live solely in Asia. They are native to Malaysia and Indonesia. In the wilds of Indonesian Borneo, these gentle “people of the forest” have even been observed using…>
Bali’s Bukit peninsula – 6 beaches and more
POPULAR with backpackers, surfers and those who enjoy eating, praying and loving, the Indonesian island of Bali has become an almost cliché tourist destination among some – mainly Australian – holiday makers. But Bali still has some rugged areas left for those who prefer places a bit more off the beaten path. Away from the…>
Asia’s disaster tourism: Fascinating, tasteless or stupid?
OVER the past couple of years I’ve blogged a bit about Chernobyl, site of the world’s worst nuclear power plant accident to date. The tragedy in the Ukraine resulted in 31 direct deaths and from 4,000 up to 1 million cancer deaths, depending on the estimation of the particular organization. In recent years, the desolate,…>
Eco-tourism in Taiwan: 5 things to do
TECHNICALLY in Southeast Asia, but more associated with East Asia; generally not recognised as a sovereign state by most other nations of the world; famous for fruit, electronics, bicycles and the second tallest building in the world, Taiwan is not the most recognised destination for eco-tourism. After all, there are 23 million people living on…>
Eco destination: Laos
TOTALLY landlocked and without the principal Southeast Asian holiday lure of white sand beach resorts, Laos is certainly a less-than-typical resort tourist destination. All the better for eco-conscious and nature oriented travelers, I say. Though not dwarfed by its neighbors in terms of physical size, all nations with which Laos shares its borders are far…>
Controversy brews over Australia’s marine park debate
THE world’s largest network of marine reserves is to be created in Australia, restricting gas and oil exploration as well as fishing. This means that the resulting total of marine reserves off the Australian coast will reach 60. The announcement has been met with mixed reactions from different interest groups. Environmentalists are disappointed that the move fails…>
5 unusual Asian eco-breaks
A GREEN respite around a highly developed city-state; a retro journey into 1960s nostalgia; exploring Central Asia’s best-kept secret; an eco-centered version of the classic Southeast Asian island holiday; and a budding adventure destination in the Middle East. These are just five of Asia’s more uncommon travel destinations for the environmentally minded or nature-interested holidaymaker.…>
5 more NZ eco-holiday activities
Since New Zealand is literally chock-full of choices for a nature-centered vacation, I thought I’d add 5 more eco-holiday ideas to my previous list of 5. Please check out the earlier article if you’re into caving, hiking, whale watching, yoga, or interested in staying in an eco-lodge. Of course there is absolutely no reason to…>
5 eco-holiday activities in New Zealand
KNOWN as a country where you can ski down a mountain and then swim in the ocean in the same day, New Zealand is an obvious choice for an eco-holiday. But don’t let that put you off. Here are 5 diverse activities for nature lovers wishing to explore this Pacific island paradise. Whale watching 180km…>
5 unforgettable Malaysian eco-holidays
FANCY visiting a tropical rainforest reserve or scaling Southeast Asia’s tallest mountain peak, surrounded by diverse plant and animal life including orchids, exotic birds and mammals? How about witnessing orangutans in their natural habitat or helping out at sanctuaries for orphaned babies? Malaysia, one of Earth’s 17 megadiverse countries, may be Asia’s best-kept secret for…>
Eco-destination: South Korea
INDUSTRIALIZED and highly developed, South Korea is famous for being one of the Asian Tiger economies. Better known for Hyundai cars and Samsung electronics than a place to take a green holiday, this East Asian peninsula’s diverse geography and unique ecological characteristics offer a surprising range of options for the eco-conscious traveller. From the spectacular…>
5 great kitesurfing spots in Asia
KITESURFING, or kiteboarding, took off as a sport towards the end of the 1990s. Though considered an ‘extreme sport’ due to its speed and sheer thrill factor, kitesurfing has established itself throughout the globe, or at least where conditions are appropriate for being pulled through the water on a modified surfboard by a giant kite.…>
Eco destination: Japan
WHILE not exactly off the beaten path, Japan offers a variety of options for nature holidays and eco tourism. As a highly developed and densely populated nation, Japan may not spring to mind as a typical eco destination like New Zealand or Costa Rica. But Japan’s unique, varied biodiversity and beautiful natural terrain provide ample…>
The birth of India’s wine culture
WHEN one thinks of fine wines, what country springs to mind? Old established European wine producers like France, Italy and Portugal, perhaps? Or New World upstarts like California, Chile or Australia? What about India? Fancy a nice Indian Shiraz Chenin or Blanc? OK, maybe you’re more accustomed to drinking beer with your curry. India’s Sula…>
5 places to see endangered species in Asia
MAY 18th was Endangered Species Day. Did you miss it? So did I. In my defense, I was traveling all day and creating greenhouse gas emissions. For this I apologize to all the endangered species negatively impacted by climate change. Incidentally, a new study shows that by 2080 climate change could result in a steep…>
10 helpful tips for ethical eco-tourism in Asia
LET’S not treat Asia’s natural treasures as our own beer-soaked personal spring break playground. That would be unseemly and untoward. For those interested in ethical travel and responsible tourism, I encourage you to do research about general as well as place-specific practices that reduce your impact on local environments, societies and cultures. To begin, here…>
Hokkaido: Incredible nature in Japan’s far north
ABOUT a month ago I profiled Okinawa, Japan’s southernmost outpost with its beautiful beaches, tropical rainforests and fantastic diving locations. Though Japan’s southern outpost is home to what many consider to be the country’s last “unexplored” tracts, it has a northern counterpart in Hokkaido. In terms of cultural history, Hokkaido is distinct from the rest…>
Palau: Underwater wonderland
THE Republic of Palau (population circa 21,000) is a small western Pacific nation and part of the Micronesian island group. The founding member of the Micronesia Challenge, in which several nations in the region agreed to cooperate on marine and land conservation efforts, Palau has led the way in ethical tourism, greening their economy and…>
Kashmir embraces eco-tourism
KASHMIR – the word is known the world-over due to the luxurious “Cashmere” wool obtained from a specialized breed of goats and even to some extent because of a song by Led Zeppelin. That’s my earliest memory of it, anyway. But amongst those more in the know, this Himalayan, “Alpine” region of South Asia is…>
Okinawa: Japan’s natural treasure
OKINAWA archipelago consists of both inhabited and uninhabited islands – 49 and 111, respectively. A major Japanese tourist destination, Okinawa is home to splendid nature and a distinct culture. It is also the birthplace of karate. The narrow rope of islands that is Okinawa ranges from a subtropical climate on most of the islands to…>
