The Responsible Tourist and Traveller
Backpacking-Asia.com - Your travel source for South-East Asia
Cameron Highlands

Cameron Highlands is a highland region located about 20 km east of Ipoh and about 150 km north of Kuala Lumpur in Pahang, Malaysia. At 5,000 ft (1,500 m) above sea level it is the highest area on the mainland, and enjoys a cool climate, with temperatures no higher than 25C and rarely falling below 12C year round. The area is popular for it’s tea plantations and jungle walks.

Penang

Penang is the name of an island in the Straits of Malacca, and also of one of the states of Malaysia, located on the north-west coast of peninsular Malaysia. Penang is the second smallest state in Malaysia after Perlis, and the eighth most populous. A resident of Penang is colloquially known as a Penangite. The city Georgetown is the 2nd biggest city in Malaysia and traveller′s hub.

Boats on Langkawi

The Responsible Tourist and Traveller

This is practical 8-step guide based on the "Global Code of Ethics" for Tourism of the World Tourism Organization. It promotes traveling with an open mind and respect for people, culture, animals and environment.

Travel and tourism should be planned and practiced as a means of individual and collective fulfilment. When practiced with an open mind, it is an irreplaceable factor of self education, mutual tolerance and for learning about the legitimate differences between peoples and cultures and their diversity.

Everyone has a role to play creating responsible travel and tourism. Governments, business and communities must do all they can, but as a guest you can support this in many ways to make a difference:

1. Open your mind to other cultures and traditions - it will transform your experience, you will earn respect and be more readily welcomed by local people. Be tolerant and
respect diversity - observe social and cultural traditions and practices.

2. Respect human rights. Exploitation in any form conflicts with the fundamental aims of tourism. The sexual exploitation of children is a crime punishable in the destination or at the offender's home country.

3. Help preserve natural environments. Protect wildlife and habitats and do not purchase products made from endangered plants or animals.

4. Respect cultural resources. Activities should be conducted with respect for the artistic, archaeological and cultural heritage.

5. Your trip can contribute to economic and social development. Purchase local handicrafts and products to support the local economy using the principles of fair trade. Bargaining for goods should reflect an understanding of a fair wage.

6. Inform yourself about the destination's current health situation and access to emergency and consular services prior to departure and be assured that your health and personal security will not be compromised. Make sure that your specific requirements (diet, accessibility, medical care) can be fulfilled before you decide to travel this destination.

7. Learn as much as possible about your destination and take time to understand the customs, norms and traditions. Avoid behaviour that could offend the local population.

8. Familiarize yourself with the laws so that you do not commit any act considered criminal by the law of the country visited. Refrain from all trafficking in illicit drugs, arms,antiques, protected species and products or substances that are dangerous or prohibited by national regulations.


"The Responsible Tourist and Traveller" has been approved by the World Committee on Tourism Ethics in May 2005 and endorsed by UNWTO resolution A/RES/506(XVI) adopted at Dakar, Senegal, in December 2005, by which the General Assembly recommends the dissemination of this text to the travelling public worldwide.
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STORIES
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There are 13 different paths to discover the Highlands on your own. To fully experience the nature, culture and economy of the area it is recommended to join one of the various tours.
BOOK HOSTELS
RANDOM LINKS
Rapid KL
public transport operator in KL
malaysiamydestination.com
official portal of Tourism Malaysia
Borneo Fairyland
Sarawak Tour Provider
TheStar.com.my
biggest malaysian newspaper (english)
Utusan.com.my/
malay newspaper

see all links
RANDOM GALLERY PHOTO
Along the East Coast
road side stall
PRESS ARTICLES
Kuala Lumpur’s Eat Streets (Lonely Planet)

Feature Article on the Lonely Planet website about five KL must-eats to get you started: Roti in Brickfields, Noodles in Chow Kit, Malay food in Kampung Baru, Kuih (generic word for cakes and pastries) in Bangsar and Coffee at a Kopitiam (traditionally Chinese owned coffee shop) on Heritage Row

DID YOU KNOW?
Buses

It’s very convenient to take busses in Malaysia. The condition of roads and buses are very good. There several privat and a national bus line (Transnasional). Usual it’s no problem to get ticket on short notice unless there’s a major holiday like Hari Raya (end of Ramadan), Deepavali or Chinese New Year. A 2-hour ride from KL to Melaka costs around RM10 and a 5h ride to Penang around RM25.

Things to do & see
Tioman, Salang Beach

Salang is on the northernmost end of the island and is most frequented by backpackers and independent travellers looking for a spot of diving, plenty of nightlife and cheap accommodation. ... more
Tioman, ABC Beach (Kampung Air Batang)

popular backpacker's beach on a rather long stretch of beach ... more