WITH climate change becoming one of the main concerns of today, many holidaymakers are exploring different ways to limit their impact on the environment and an option they are considering is Airbnb.
A study by Cleantech Group found that Airbnb homes consume less energy than traditional accommodation per guest night by 63 per cent, and produce lower greenhouse gas emissions by 61 per cent.
There is also a reduction of up to 39 per cent in water use per guest night; that’s 3,000 Olympic-sized pools!
“Airbnb is a trusted platform for people to discover unique accommodation and experience. By helping people share their homes, Airbnb is encouraging the efficient use of existing resources and sustainability awareness of both hosts and guests,” said Robin Kwok, Airbnb country manager for Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
“Airbnb provides a more environmentally sustainable way of travelling.”
Founded in 2008, Airbnb celebrated International Earth Day with a handpicked list of the greenest homes across Southeast Asia, and these include some very unique houses in Malaysia:
1. Stunning All-Bamboo House by River - Bali, Indonesia
This eco-villa with its stunning architecture is made entirely from bamboo, including its luxurious floors, walls, stairs and roof with an innovative structure of bamboo shingles.
Set in the sacred Ayung river valley, it is surrounded by tranquil nature and is located in the unique Green Village, including an organic farm and a school with a curriculum focused on sustainable living, and where they grow their own food and generate most of their own power. There are workshops teaching guests how to construct buildings from bamboo and using coconuts for food, shelter and even soap!
2. Malay farmers’ hut - Langkawi, Malaysia
Located in a scenic working village and surrounded by untouched nature, paddy fields and the Geopark — a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation Heritage Site — this is a rustic rural retreat. This beautiful hut is a fully restored 100-year-old traditional farmers’ dwelling with modern luxuries, and offers views of the Mat Cincang mountain and encounters with water buffaloes, open country and coastal birds, and the elusive nocturnal Colugo or Flying Lemur.
3. Eco Beach House - West Bali, Indonesia
This beautifully-handcrafted tree house, in a remote village in Bali, is made from recycled boat wood, bamboo, local limestone and local sustainably-harvested timbers. Nestled up in the trees, it has a big veranda and is surrounded by an organic garden.
4. Nature House - Bangkok, Thailand
A little piece of oasis in bustling Bangkok, this cosy little cottage is in a quiet village just outside of the city centre. With a garden balcony, and surrounded by birdsong and trees, you’ll forget you are in one of the biggest cities in Asia.
5. Clean and Green - Penang, Malaysia
Stay close to the famous Georgetown, Penang, but escape to a tranquil, stylish paradise. Relax in a peaceful apartment after a day walking around the alleyways of Georgetown, and relax with garden balconies and a sea view — what more could you ask for!