Sustainable Tourism & Ecotourism Is on the Rise in Malaysia. Image credit: Pexels
1. Sustainable Travel & Ecotourism in Malaysia
With the launch of Visit Malaysia 2026, Malaysia – famous for its diverse ecosystems and rich cultural heritage – is set to embrace sustainability in its tourism industry.
What is Ecotourism?
Ecotourism is defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves that environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education” – TIES, 2015
Malaysia is committed to rainforest and marine conservation, uplifting the local community through local hires and vendors, and collaborating with local education and research institutions on eco-preservation projects.
What is Sustainable Travel?
Sustainable travel means being conscious of the impact of tourism on the environment while embracing eco-friendly practices and positively contributing to the environment and local communities. This can be done by staying at sustainable accommodations, reducing waste, and supporting local communities.
2. 5 Sustainable Hotels and Resorts in Malaysia
The RuMa – Kuala Lumpur
The RuMa – Kebayaku Sculpture at the Grand Staircase
Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle, The RuMa is a modern, luxurious hotel that blends sustainability with preserving Malaysian culture and ancient Malay craftsmanship.
Sustainability Efforts
- Integrating sustainability in the hotel’s culture – Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) training during orientations, on-the-job sessions, and town halls
- Guest participation – Initiatives through touchpoints such as in-room green programs, marketing channels, and hotel website
- Diligent procurement – Collaborating with vendors that are aligned with ethical purchasing policies and Fair Trade practices
Supporting the Local Economy
- The RuMa contributes to local infrastructure and community development through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives like conserving natural resources, supporting underprivileged communities, Indigenous groups and wildlife conservation
- They also provide local employment opportunities and uplift small businesses by purchasing from local entrepreneurs
Preserving Culture and Heritage
The RuMa – Kelarai Weave in UR SPA
The RuMa showcases Malaysian history by integrating traditional design elements and culture throughout its space.
- Kampung house pillars that are a nod to authentic Malaysian hospitality
- The Kebayaku sculpture situated in the centre of the grand staircase pays homage to one of the nation’s iconic attire
- Kelarai weave patterns feature in hallways reflect traditional Malay craftsmanship
- Antique balusters in the elevator lobby reminiscent of classic Malay village homes
- A culture of “Hostmanship” ensures a personalised guest experience that is uniquely Malaysian
- Guest can immerse themselves in local arts and crafts experiences upon request
Conserving the Environment
Designed with eco-consciousness in mind, The RuMa minimises its negative impacts through various initiatives:
- EV charging stations available in the parking lot
- Single-use plastics are eliminated – Glass water bottles in guest rooms and meeting rooms, and Tetra Pak water in the gym and limousines
- Large format refillable pump containers as bath amenities
- 95% LED lighting with automated dimming optimises energy efficiency
- Motion sensors in guest rooms regulate air conditioning, lighting, the TV, and more
- The hotel uses a cold water-cooling system to distribute cool air indoors
- Its cooling tower is maintained without harmful chemicals
- Rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation
- The swimming pool is treated with salt instead of chlorine
- Eco-friendly wooden key cards replace traditional plastic key cards
- Usage of a Winnow machine to monitor and measure food waste to minimise food wastage
Awards:
- First hotel in Peninsular Malaysia to receive a Global Sustainable Tourism Council certification
- Gold Certification from the Green Building Index (GBI)
Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur – Kuala Lumpur
Four Seasons KL (far right) – Located next to KLCC and the Maxis Tower
Located in the urban hub of Kuala Lumpur, the Four Seasons Kuala Lumpur offers delectable cuisines, luxury accommodations, world-class service, and stunning views of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers.
Eliminating Single-Use Plastics
- Recycling programs implemented
- Elimination of single-use plastic food and beverage containers and bathroom amenities
Reducing Food Wastes
- Lumitics technology to track, measure, control, and reduce food waste
Repurposing Used Cooking Oil
- Used cooking oil sent for biomass fuel production and repurposed into new goods
Sourcing Responsibly
- Sustainably sourced local and seasonal menu items from various states of Malaysia
- Ingredients grown at Trigona Farms used in cocktails in Bar Trigona
- Vegan and vegetarian options available in in-house restaurants
Energy & Water Conservation
- Energy-saving measures implemented in guest rooms and building systems
- Smart irrigation controls for landscaping
- Linens and towels replaced every third day unless requested
Supporting Local Communities
- The Spa features products from local artisans
- Local artists, artisans and musicians featured throughout the hotel
- Employees undergo annual Human Trafficking Awareness training
- Portions of the sales from the annual Pink October Afternoon Tea are donated to the Breast Cancer Welfare Association Malaysia (BCWA)
- Guests can participate in educational tours to learn about the local community
Conservation Efforts 
Four Seasons KL – Bar Trigona
- A portion of proceeds from select cocktails at Bar Trigona go towards Tree-Volution reforestation initiatives
- Guest can head to Bar Trigona to adopt a hive of Kelulut honeybees
Awards:
- The Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award for its in-house bar, Bar Trigona
Rawa Island Resort – Johor
Rawa Island Resort – Aerial View
Rawa Island Resort, nestled within the Sultan Iskandar Marine Park archipelago, blends sustainability with crystal-clear waters, powdery white sand, lush nature and an exclusive feel for the everyday man.
Eco-Conscious Construction
Chalets and rooms are constructed using natural and recycled materials
Responsible Waste Management
The resort ensures proper disposal and recycling of waste through strict waste collection and recycling policies
Laundry Practices
All laundry is transported to the mainland for washing to reduce detergent use on the island
Rainwater Harvesting
Collected rainwater is utilised for watering the landscaping
Biological Pest Control
Collaborating with the School of Biological Sciences, University Sains Malaysia, the resort introduced barn owls to naturally control the rat population
Collaborative Ecological Conservation Efforts
Rawa Island Resort -The Boardwalk
School of Biological Sciences, University Sains Malaysia: Study and publication of flora and fauna found on the island
Orca Scuba and Department of Geography, University Malaya: Coral nursery, Seagrass project, Sea urchin survey
Awards: N/A
The Datai Langkawi – Kedah
The Datai Langkawi – Aerial View
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city to The Datai Langkawi, a 5-star resort nestled in a lush tropical rainforest. Rated as one of the top 10 beaches in the world by National Geographic, this serene retreat incorporated sustainability and conservation from its inception. The Datai Pledge of conserving nature’s beauty is built of four key pillars:
Pure for the Future
The Datai Langkawi is steadfast in making its business operations sustainable while restoring the environment and uplifting the community. In partnership with The Kansha Life, it fosters entrepreneurship, sustainability, and self-sufficiency. Recycling and upcycling initiatives are in place to achieve Zero Waste to Landfill goals, alongside efforts to reduce its carbon footprint by monitoring emissions and collaborating with organisations to optimize sustainability practices. The resort also supports local culture and heritage through traditional craft-making activities such as batik workshops and propolis soap making. Through partnerships with The Kansha Life, Geng Bersih Kampung, and the Eco-Schools programme, the resort nurtures micro-businesses, children, and marginalized communities. Additionally, guest programs feature recycling and upcycling workshops, while staff programs encourage continuous innovation in sustainability and conservation efforts.
Fish for the Future
Pillar No.2 is addressing issues in the marine ecosystem caused by unsustainable fishing practices. In partnership with MareCet, a non-profit NGO focused on marine mammal conservation, the resort works to protect vital habitats through conservation and awareness initiatives. Efforts also include transplanting coral frames and nubbins for reef regeneration and collaborating with Dorken Reef Resources to develop and deploy artificial reefs. Additionally, partnerships with the Department of Fisheries, the Fisheries Research Institute, and MetCare aim to secure protected area status for the surrounding waters
Wildlife for the Future
This pillar focuses on revitalising and conserving the island’s natural environment using mindful and responsible initiatives. The resort has partnered with Gaia, a Malaysian social enterprise dedicated to wildlife conservation. Other efforts include a tree nursery for reforestation, habitat restoration projects on hornbills, wildlife protection initiatives, and two adoption programs – ‘Adopt a Hornbill Nesting Box’ and ‘Adopt a Tree’
Youth for the Future
The Datai Langkawi – The youth of today is the future of tomorrow
The resort aims to instil a love for nature and raise sustainability awareness among youth through environmental education.They have partnered with the Green Growth Asia Foundation to provide educational programs that empower youth aged 10 to 24 with a platform to research environmental issues and advocate solutions through investigative reporting, photography, and video journalism. Additionally, leaders of The Datai Pledge and other personnel conduct webinars on sustainability, ecotourism, and conservation for schools in Malaysia and beyond
Awards:
- First organisation globally to receive the EarthCheck ECO Certification (Silver) – 2019, recertified in 2021 & 2023
- ASEAN Green Hotel Standard Certification 2020 – 2022 & 2022 – 2024
- Malaysia Green Hotel Certification 2019 – 2022 & 2023 – 2025 (Awarded by MOTAC)
- Sustainable Luxury Resort winner in the 2024 Luxury Travel Gold List Awards
Gaya Island Resort – Kota Kinabalu
Gaya Island Resort – Explore the Mangroves
Gaya Island Resort is set among protected mangroves, sheltered coral reefs, and the sandy coast of Malohom Bay. Located on an island in Tunku Abdul Marine Park, this beachfront resort offers an eco-luxury experience, featuring contemporary hillside villas that blend into the natural surroundings. Committed to ecologically sustainable practices, the resort strives to minimise its carbon footprint while giving guests a tranquil island escape.
Wildlife Conservation
- Nature Conservation Centre: The resort educates guests about ongoing conservation efforts and the island’s rich biodiversity
- Proboscis Monkey Preservation: Partnered with Sabah Parks and Sabah Wildlife Department to rescue, translocate and relocate displaced Proboscis Monkeys
- Nature and Wildlife Conservation: The wildlife centre showcases a wide variety of wildlife, fossils, specimens, current nature and wildlife preservation efforts and a biological station
- Nature Trails: Discover diverse flora and fauna found only on Gaya Island through two trails of varying difficulty levels
Marine Conservation Efforts
Gaya Island Resort – In-house Marine Centre
- Marine Centre: The resort’s Marine Centre focuses on rescuing endangered sea turtles, restoring coral reefs, and educating guests and staff about marine conservation
- Coral Reef Restoration: In collaboration with the non-profit organisation, Reef Check Malaysia, the resort operates a coral nursery to cultivate coral fragments, which are later transplanted to rejuvenate natural reefs
- Turtle Rescue: The marine centre rescues, rehabilitates and releases sea turtles received from the Sabah Wildlife Department and other agencies
- Conservation & Preservation Education: Gaya Island Resort emphasises choosing products that barely impact the environment while providing education for guests and staff to encourage an appreciation of conservation
Sustainable Practices
- Eco-Friendly Operations: Gaya Island Resort minimizes its carbon footprint by limiting the use of motorised vehicles, promoting a walking-friendly environment
Awards:
- Winner of Wild Asia’s Responsible Tourism Award in 2015 for Wildlife Conservation and/or Protection of Natural Areas
- Nominated in Travel + Leisure’s 2025 World’s Best Awards
3. Here’s to Greener Travel
These five eco-conscious hotels and resorts exemplify sustainability and ecotourism in Malaysia, demonstrating how luxury can coexist with environmental responsibility. From rainforest conservation and marine protection to supporting local communities and reducing carbon footprints, each destination plays a vital role in preserving Malaysia’s natural beauty. By choosing sustainable accommodations, travellers can minimise their impact while experiencing the country’s diverse ecosystems and rich heritage. For those looking to extend their eco-friendly journey, explore our ecotour packages that offer wonderful experiences in Malaysia’s lush landscapes.
