Eco Rustic | Rimba Orang Utan Eco Lodge, Sekonyer River, Kumai, Central Borneo

By Dian Hasan | July 21, 2010

The “Klotok” traditional wooden boat that meanders through the calm river with nothing but the lush rainforest jungle accompanied by the soundtrack of nature.

Arguably, Indonesia’s tourism industry might not be as well developed as some of her Southeast Asian neighbors, and that is of course not due to a lack of attractions. After all, Indonesia is home to Bali, her crown jewel tourism magnet. Indonesia’s entire modern tourism industry seemingly is centered on Bali, leaving other areas relatively undeveloped.

In the past, such condition may have been considered to be behind the times, but in the advent of raised awareness regarding sustainability and eco-consciousness, this is Indonesia’s blessing. For this vast archipelago, with the world’s second richest rainforest biodiversity after the Amazon, is most probably the world’s last eden! An endangered eden that is fast disappearing. And it’s up to us all to strive for a sustainable development that champions economic progress without compromising natural resources for future generations.

It is outside Bali, in the unexplored corners of Sumatra, Borneo and Eastern Indonesia, where Indonesia’s greatest gift to mankind is being conserved – her fauna and flora. The Komodo “dragon” monitor lizard, Orangutan, Java Rhino, Sumatran Elephant, Rhino and Tiger are just some of the more famous residents – whose habitat can only be found in Indonesia. The fate and survival of these endangered species depend on the global community coming together with the right initiatives.

Rimba Lodge’s main bungalow where Julia Roberts stayed while filming the 1993 PBS Documentary: “In the Wild: Orangutans with Julia Roberts”

Rimba Lodge, the perfect gathering place, where man and primate interact.

Ecotourism is one way, in which these efforts are executed, raising awareness of the animals’ plight, and helping generate much-needed revenue to help with conservation efforts, while practicing responsible tourism.

Eco Lodges Indonesia (ELI) is a pioneering, ecotourism provider operating in an emerging economy, with a focus on biodiversity conservation and enhancement of local community livelihoods. Eco Lodges Indonesia runs four ecolodges in Indonesia’s major National Parks, and partakes in the protection of these endangered animals. The other objective is to improve the livelihoods of local communities where the properties are located.

Eco Lodges Indonesia is one of the first to pursue international sustainable tourism certification in Indonesia, and is committed to achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals through their ecotourism investments and operations.

Rimba Orang Utan Eco Lodge, Tanjung Puting National Park, Central Kalimantan

Rimba Orangutan Eco Lodge is located adjacent to Tanjung Puting National Park and on the edge of the Sekonyer river in Kalimantan (Borneo).

The Lodge is only accessible by boat from the port of Kumai. Arriving at the Lodge jetty in the middle of the forest is an unforgettable experience, likened to expeditions deep in Africa or Brazilian Amazon. The jetty connects to all rooms, the reception area, office and restaurant by a series of covered boardwalks.

The Lodge provides a base from which you can explore the surrounding rainforest and Tanjung Puting National Park. Take a walk from your room along the bird walk, hear the plaintive cry of Gibbons, early birdsong and the resident Macaque monkey troop from your comfortable room, set right on the edge of the gently flowing Sekonyer river.

From the Lodge you travel by klotok (wooden boats)  upstream, surrounded by rainforest, to a number of feeding stations in the Tanjung Puting National Park, the most famous of which is Camp Leakey, established in 1971 by Dr. Biruté Mary Galdikas (founder of Orangutan Foundation International), a student of Professor Louis Leakey, together with Jane Goodall and Diane Fossey. Dr Gladikas is considered as the world’s leading authority on the study of Orangutans.

As you walk through the rainforest you often see orangutans and at Camp Leakey you sometimes see gibbons as well as many butterflies and birds. At the feeding stations you’ll be able to see these amazing primates up close. There are also opportunities to take a night safari to see tarsiers, glowing mushrooms, fireflies and perhaps owls. Other wildlife to be seen in the area are 9 other primate species, crocodiles, butterflies and rare birds such as Storms stork.

The lodge has 35 rooms: 15 Emerald, 6 Sapphire and 14 Ruby. All rooms have mosquito drapes and repellent, fans, double or twin beds, western shower and toilets. Emerald rooms have air conditioning and hot water.

Leeping Proboscis monkeys greet visitors enroute to Rimba Lodge. Locals call them “Monyet Belanda (Dutchman Monkey” for its long nose.

The world’s caught a cabin fever. Green cabin, that is!

An eco-cabin near Seattle, WA.

There’s a new trend emerging across the United States – eco cabins. Now, this isn’t what you’re thinking – some tent shack in the woods – it’s more of an experience that blends old with new, traditional styling with modern materials and design. Recently reported in the NY Times, these types of cabins are becoming more and more popular as people search for a retreat from their usual city routine. Author Michelle Kodis was quoted in the article saying:

Green Hotels of the Future | Hilton Bariloche, Argentina

Another fine example of exciting things to come in the area of eco-oriented hotels. The proposed eco-hotel Hilton Bariloche in Argentina. The marriage of architecture – green architecture, that is – and the environment it’s taking advantage of is what’s interesting to see. How the “Green Movement” is affecting hotels and how they in turn go about to accommodate the growing “Green Lifestyle” of travelers seeking and supporting hotels whose mission are no longer service and profit, but increasingly summed into the 3 main traits of: 1. Profit, 2. People, and 3. Planet. Creating profitable businesses that engage the communities around them and respect (for a lack of a better term) the natural environment they are bestowed of caring for. Hence a hotel animal of a very different kind – one with a agreen one!

Green Hotels of the Future | Monterey Bay Shores, California

By Dian Hasan | September 8, 2009

Amid the vibrant movement to “Go Green” and create a “Green Lifestyle” it’s interesting to ponder about the future and peek into what’s in store. Especially in the world of travel, the hospitality industry is clearly at the forefront, fueled by the desire to accommodate the new “Green Lifestyle”, and Branding themselves accordingly. Knowing full well that discerning travelers are a pesky bunch. Additionally, Tourism is recognized as among the world’s biggest industry, with potentially the broadest economic multiplier effect. Here’s one look at what’s in store in eco-progressive Northern California, as reported by Tree Hugger. Transforming an old mining site into a cool eco retreat. Monterey Bay Shores Eco-Development.

Green Hotels of the Future | Island Resort, East Kalimantan (Borneo)

By Dian Hasan | August 25, 2009

Bali has firmly placed itself not only as a formidable world class travel destination that garners accolades from respectable travel & lifestyle authorities each year, but also for its unique Bali Design has been adapted by the world of Architecture & Design for its truly distinctive style. Making its mark across fine hotels & resorts across the world, from Turks & Caicos in the Caribbean to South Beach Miami, Milan and The Maldives.

Green Hotels of the Future | Banyan Tree Corniche Bay, Mauritius

Banyan Tree Corniche Bay was designed by Foster and Partners in London. Located in the tropical island of Mauritius, This luxury resort promises to bring the islands the charm, sophistication and luxury befits such a breathtaking island, and enhance the architectural triumph. The Hotel and Spa is due for completion 2010.

Baobab & Wet Volcanoes make a unique Eco-Lodge couple ~ Chile

When Chilean architect Rodrigo Verdugo ventured into the design of two Eco Loges in Chile’s Huilo Huilo Private Natural Reserve, he was set to take his imagination to new heights. While La Montaña Mágica (The Magic Mountain) Hotel was inspired by an erupting volcano, with cascading water replacing the fire and amber, the idea for the second lodge, Baobab Hotel was probably drawn from a bee-hive, or a snail’s shell.

Green & Chic ~ La Lancha, Guatemala

By Dian Hasan | July 27, 2009

If there’s any similarity between Hollywood movie-making and hotel creation, it’s this: they take years to plan, scout and develop, and require so many logistical challenges along the way that simply to finish one, to say nothing of a whole trilogy, is possibly enough achievement for a lifetime. The trilogy here comes from Francis Ford Coppola whose movie-making accolades now include the new roles of vintner and hotelier. And a very specific hotelier at that, creating exquisite eco resorts. Coppola is now on his third and last of trilogy of eco resorts in Central America, with La Lancha, on Lake Peten Itzá, near Tikal, in Guatemala.