For every Eco Deal booked, a dollar is donated by Agoda to the World Wide Fund for Nature
Launching Eco Deals 2024, the company’s flagship USD 1 million partnership with World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), digital travel firm Agoda has created a list of some of Asia’s most popular nature destinations based on searches conducted on the digital travel platform in January 2024.
Enric Casals
According to a press statement by Agoda, since its launch on March 3, World Wildlife Day, anyone travelling to Southeast Asia can book Eco Deals on Agoda. For every Eco Deal booked, a dollar is donated by Agoda to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) conservation projects aimed at protecting wildlife and conserving critical habitats in Southeast Asia. In addition, travellers can benefit from a discount of up to 15 pc.
“I am incredibly proud and excited that with this third edition of Eco Deals, Agoda pledges to donate up to USD 1 million to WWF’s diverse conservation projects across Southeast Asia. The Eco Deals programme helps travellers ‘give back’ to protect for future generations some of the wonders that the world has to offer,” says Enric Casals, Vice President Southeast Asia, Agoda.
Agoda says these are some of the top nature destinations across the Asia Pacific to reconnect with nature through ancient forests, deep valleys and serene lakes.
Lombok, Indonesia
Standing at 3,726 metres, Mount Rinjani is shaped by volcanic rocks
Mount Rinjani-Lombok UNESCO Global Geopark in Indonesia features diverse landscapes, including savannahs and tropical forests shaped by volcanic rocks. Standing at 3,726 metres, Mount Rinjani offers a breathtaking view from the summit. Segara Anak Lake, within Rinjani’s caldera, provides tranquil beauty, attracting Hindu pilgrims for rituals. Visitors can also explore Rinjani-Lombok for adventure, wonder and unforgettable memories.
Hakone, Japan
Hakone is surrounded by popular attractions like Lake Aishi, Hakone Shrine, among many others
Hakone, a premier Japanese tourist destination, offers breathtaking scenery and a deep-rooted history. Surrounded by mountains, this place is famous for its seasonal beauty, hot springs and cultural attractions like Lake Ashi and the Hakone Shrine. Easy accessibility to Mount Fuji, diverse dining options, and unique souvenirs further add to its charm, attracting visitors from around the globe.
Miri, Malaysia
Mir has the world’s largest cave
Miri serves as the gate to the UNESCO-listed Gunung Mulu National Park, home to rainforests, rich wildlife, and vast caves including the Sarawak Chamber, the world’s largest cave chamber by area. Here, visitors can explore karst formations, trek Mount Api for spectacular pinnacle vistas, and marvel at bat exoduses in Deer Cave, all through adventurous trails and boat tours.
Siquijor Island, Philippines
Visitors are known to have spotted over 100 butterfly species during hikes
Siquijor, known as the ‘Mystical Island of Central Visayas’, charms visitors with captivating mountain vistas and waterfalls. Mount Bandilaan, the island’s highest peak, showcases indigenous flora and over 100 butterfly species during hikes. The enchanting Cambugahay Falls, nestled in a lush rainforest, is said to have restorative powers, providing a serene escape from urban life.
Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Adventurous visitors can enjoy the exhilarating Byeongbangchi Skywalk in South Korea
Jeongseon County in Gangwon Province, known for its serene mountain scenery, is an escape into nature. It features seasonal outdoor activities, including winter hikes on Hambaeksan to autumn exploration of Gariwangsan. Adventurous visitors can enjoy the exhilarating Byeongbangchi Skywalk, providing panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys and recreational pursuits like rafting.
Hualien, Taiwan
Hualien is home to diverse viewpoints, waterfalls, and mountain temples
Hualien, on Taiwan’s east coast, offers stunning landscapes, cultural richness, and outdoor adventures. Taroko National Park, a key landmark, is home to dramatic marble cliffs, lush forests, and crystal-clear rivers, with hiking trails leading to breathtaking viewpoints, waterfalls, and mountain temples. Home to diverse wildlife, the park provides an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Khao Yai, Thailand
With sprawling rainforests, Khao Yai is ideal for activities like hiking, safaris and stargazing
Khao Yai, which literally translates to ‘big mountain’ in Thai, is a peaceful nature retreat near Bangkok that features the nation’s first UNESCO-recognised national park. With sprawling rainforests, famous waterfalls like Haew Narok and Haew Suwat and diverse wildlife including wild elephants and even the Asian black bear, it is ideal for activities like hiking, safaris and stargazing, offering visitors an intimate encounter with Asia’s wilderness.
Dalat, Vietnam
Dalat an unforgettable retreat for nature enthusiasts
Nestled a short flight from bustling Ho Chi Minh City, Dalat offers a nature lover’s paradise with cool weather, pine forests and waterfalls. It is ideal for hiking, lake activities like canyoning, and enjoying local gardens. The surroundings offer enchanting scenery, making Dalat an unforgettable retreat for nature enthusiasts from around the globe.
