TWELVE eco-friendly Airbnb Stays that have demonstrated an inspiring passion and dedication towards sustainable travel have been the winners for the Green Stays Awards.
They range from a gorgeous Selangor retreat built out of reclaimed sand, to a cleverly converted bus-turned-mobile home and a lovingly-restored permaculture farmstay.
All winners were selected after being scored across a range of criteria, including the use of green products, waste management, energy conservation, water conservation and biodiversity conservation.
The Green Stays Awards was a collaboration between Airbnb and Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Centre (MGTC) and the Ecotourism and Conservation Society of Malaysia (Ecomy).
Here are the 12 Green Stays Awards winners that are pushing the boundaries of sustainable travel in Malaysia.
GOLD AWARD WINNERS
FAR FAR AWAY
Nestled deep in the lush wilderness of Hulu Langat, Selangor, Far Far Away is a sustainable retreat built out of reclaimed materials that recycles and composts its waste. The property also has a workshop on site where they build furniture and structures from recycled timbers.
PLATEAU FARM SUSTAINABLE TREEHOUSE CAMP
A unique off-grid, solar-powered treehouse, Plateau Farm Sustainable Treehouse Camp in Janda Baik, Pahang is built mainly out of recycled furnishings salvaged from office renovations, and houses a plant nursery cultivating rare and endangered species on site.
THE RESTHOUSE
Perched atop the scenic island of Pulau Perhentian in Terengganu, The Resthouse is a beautifully restored colonial-era house that runs entirely on solar power. Proceeds from The Resthouse help fund conservation and research work for wildlife non-profit Lang Tengah Turtle Watch.
TANAH LARWINA
Tanah Larwina is a resort that brings sustainable living to life and aims to help guests get acquainted with local flora and fauna. It comes fully equipped with energy-efficient lighting, electric vehicle chargers, compost bins and stormwater retention ponds.
DURIAN GUESTHOUSE
Escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and experience country living at Durian Guesthouse, a 7,000 square - in metric - foot permaculture farm that supplies fresh spices, fruit and vegetables and even handmade bath soaps for guests.
GREENHOUSE ECO LODGE
Situated on Mantanani Island, Sabah, GreenHouse Eco Lodge offers its own private beach and locally-cultivated produce from its own greenhouse. No single-use plasticsare allowed on property.
SILVER AWARD WINNERS
THE NATURE HOME
Tucked away in Gelugur, Penang, The Nature Home houses a flourishing fruit and vegetable garden and an exceptional waste management system on property. Fruit andvegetable peels are composted and mixed in with enzymes to create organic household cleaning products.
BREEZY STUDIO
Furnished with energy-saving appliances, LED light bulbs and eco-friendly cleaning products, Breezy Studio upcycles waste from its property to make plant pots, plant fertilizer and handmade soaps, and organizes soap-making and gardening classes for guests.
CONVERTED BUS
Fashioned from an old, unused university bus, this Converted Bus near University of Malaya is thoughtfully designed with energy-saving appliances and a rainwater collection and filtration system. Proceeds from the accommodation help fund efforts by the University's water conservation group Water Warriors.
BRONZE AWARDS WINNERS
NORTH BORNEO WOODEN HOUSE
Awarded the Bronze Award for Solid Waste Management, green guesthouse, North Borneo Wooden House is hosted by two local environmental champions with a passion for conducting waste management and composting workshops on the property. The duo also run various initiatives to support the conservation of Sungai Moyog in Sabah.
RUMAH TOK
Awarded the Bronze Award for Biodiversity Conservation, the humble, rustic guesthouse of Rumah Tok was born of the Ecoswed Initiative's desire to raise awareness about environmental sustainability through eco-tourism. The stay enables visitors to learn the Setiu way of life by experiencing local food and customs, and interacting with local villagers and biodiversity.
BIDARA BEACH HOMESTAY
Awarded the Bronze Award for Use of Green Products and Energy Conservation, Bidara Beach Homestay is built entirely out of locally-sourced repurposed wood beams and flooring, and runs on energy-efficient LED lighting.
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