What is Ecotourism?
According to UN Tourism, ecotourism refers to:
- All nature-based forms of tourism in natural areas;
- Incorporates educational and nature interpretation features;
- Driven by services provided by small, locally owned businesses;
- Mainly focused on coexistence and minimising negative impacts on the natural and socio-cultural environment; and
- Supports the protection, maintenance and care of these natural areas and resources.
More than just travel, it’s about: protecting/care nature, supporting local livelihoods and building resilience within communities who depend on the environment.
GEC Ecotourism Initiatives
The Global Environment Centre (GEC) works closely with local communities, government agencies and funding partners to develop ecotourism initiatives rooted in environmental conservation and education, community empowerment and sustainable economic opportunities.
Through our community-based ecotourism approach, we aim to:
- Protect natural ecosystems through community-led stewardship.
- Generate income for local communities through sustainable nature-based activities.
- Promote environmental awareness and responsible tourism practices among visitors.
- Support, preserve and promote the cultural heritage as well as traditional knowledge of local communities.
During visits, GEC also conducts environmental educational programmes across all sites.
SELANGOR
Temuan Culture Information Centre (TCIC)
Location: Kampung Orang Asli Pulau Kempas
Operated by: Sahabat Gambut Asli Temuan (SGAT)
TCIC invites visitors to experience the indigenous culture, traditions and heritage of the Temuan community, through storytelling, artefacts and hands-on community-led activities.
Available activities:
- Traditional harvesting and cooking
- Sampling of traditional Temuan cuisine
- Creating Temuan traditional crafts by hand
- Demonstrations of traditional animal traps
- Birdwatching in the Kuala Langat Forest Reserve (KLFR)
- Mountain biking and jungle trekking in the KLFR
More info and contact details:
WEBPAGE
BOOKLET
Supported by GEC, Yayasan Hasanah, Ministry of Finance, JAKOA and SGAT.
GEC - Community Sustainable Peatland Centre (GEC-CoSPeC)
Location: Kampung Raja Musa, Kuala Selangor, Selangor.
Since its establishment in 2018, GEC-CoSPeC has served as a hub for learning, knowledge sharing and community action focused on the sustainable management of forest and wetland ecosystems.
Guided by the slogan “Think Global, Act Local”, the centre is showcases practical peatland protection efforts at the North Selangor Peat Swamp Forest (NSPSF). It welcomes schools, universities, NGOs, corporates or any groups that are passionate about the environment for educational visits.
It’s a one-stop centre for:
- Education
- Experiential Learning
- Training
- Research
More info and contact details:
HERE
Supported by GEC, HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad and Selangor State Forestry Department (SSFD).
PERAK
Kayuh D’Tonggang (KDT)
Location: Kampung Sungai Tonggang, Ulu Kinta
Operated by: Koperasi Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Tonggang Berhad (KKOASTB)
Kayuh D’Tonggang (KDT) offers an authentic, community-based edu-ecotourism experience, designed and led by the local Temiar Orang Asli community. The initiative integrates the community’s rich cultural heritage with a range of nature-based activities, providing visitors with immersive and meaningful experiences.
In addition to promoting sustainable tourism, KDT also actively supports river conservation efforts.
Available activities:
- Chalets and camping by the Seno’oi River
- River trail exploration
- Clear and safe water swimming spot along the Seno’oi River
- Environmental education programme
- Temiar’s traditional performances and local cuisines experiences
- Cultural demos and animal traps
- Birdwatching activity
- Local fish sanctuary
- ATV adventure
- Indigenous Community Gallery
Where to find them?
FACEBOOK
More info and contact details:
HERE
Supported by GEC, Yayasan Hasanah, Ministry of Finance, JAKOA, DID and Tourism Perak.
Jok Bepihoy Mabeg @ Kg Makmur
Location: Kampung Makmur, Ulu Kinta
Operated by: Koperasi Malim Gunung Perhutanan Orang Temiar Ulu Kinta Berhad (KMGPOTUKB)
Meaning “Journey with Nature” in Temiar language, Jok Bepihoy Mabeg invites visitors to explore forests, rivers and mountain routes while learning about local biodiversity and traditional ecological knowledge.
Through available guided packages, participants will gain insights into the Temiar community’s sustainable way of life through storytelling and interactive learning.
Available activities:
- Eco-adventure package (Half-day)
- River trail along Seno’oi and Telu Rivers
- Natural attractions: waterfall, bamboo trees, panaromic view of Mt Korbu peak
- Environmental education and biodiversity exploration
- Hiking expedition package (at least 3 days and 2 night)
- Hiking to Mt Korbu
- Hiking to Mt Korbu and Gayong (KorGa)
Where to find them?
FACEBOOK
More info:
HERE
Supported by GEC, Yayasan Hasanah, Ministry of Finance, Forestry Department, JAKOA, DID and Tourism Perak.
Jok Maduh D’Kenang
Location: Kampung Kenang, Sungai Siput
Operated by: Koperasi Orang Asli Kampung Kenang Baru Sg Siput (U) Perak Berhad (KOAKKB)
Jok Maduh D’Kenang (JMDK) offers an authentic, community-led edu-ecotourism experience, that combines the community’s rich cultural heritage with a variety of nature-based activities. It provides visitors with immersive, educational and meaningful experiences in safe and family-friendly environment.
Beyond promoting sustainable tourism, JMDK also actively supports river conservation initiatives.
Available facilities/activities:
- Riverfront chalets & huts
- Picnic & barbecue areas
- Entertainment (i.e. karaoke)
- Clear water swimming spot along the Korbu River
- Cultural & heritage demos: traditional cuisines, animal traps, foods and more
Where to find them?
FACEBOOK
TIKTOK
Supported by GEC, Yayasan Hasanah, Ministry of Finance and JAKOA.
JOHOR
Pulau Tanjung Surat
Location: Pulau Tanjung Surat, Kota Tinggi
Operated by: Pertubuhan Sahabat Hutan Bakau Pulau Tanjung Surat (PSHBPTS)
The mangrove forest of Pulau Tanjung Surat is one of the finest riverine mangrove ecosystem surrounded by Johor River and Belungkor River. Its mangrove forest is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Comprising local community members, PSHBPTS offers a range of ecotourism experiences that highlight the riverine mangrove ecosystem, cultural heritage and local livelihoods.
Available activities/services:
- Ecotourism packages (1-Day/ 2D1N/ 3D1N)
- Mangrove Tour – boat cruise through mangroves forests and restoration sites
- Village Tour – enjoy local cuisine and hands-on handicraft-making
- Recreational Fishing – in mangrove ecosystems
- Capacity-Building programmes – team-building, basic boot camps and retreats
- Education/Training – integrated indoor and outdoor learning experiences
- Local products and experiences
- Mangrove-based products and beverages
- Handicrafts – mostly made from seashells
- Delicacies prepared by the local community
- Cultural heritage experiences and community interactions
More info:
HERE
Supported by GEC, Aramco Malaysia, Johor State Forestry Department (JSFD), Kota Tinggi District Office, Pengerang Municipal Council and KEJORA.