We all love travelling, yes, but is there a way to do it in an eco-friendly manner? While it can be difficult to get around the carbon emissions emitted during flights or on long drives, there’s something that can be done when it comes to choosing where you stay. While Airbnbs and staying with friends are some obvious ways to reduce your travel footprint, sometimes the point of taking a vacation is to steep ourselves in a little luxury. And that means, booking ourselves in at a hotel.

Hotels can be notorious energy-draining entities – from relentless consumption of electricity to producing waste. However, there are a few hotels in Malaysia that aren’t just doing the work to reduce their footprint but are actually pioneering a way forward for completely carbon-neutral and sustainable holidays. 

Ahead, we list down some of the sustainable and eco-conscious hotels in Malaysia that we’ve got bookmarked for our next vacation.

Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur

This five-star hotel located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur is committed to sustainable change, including eliminating all single-use plastics, implementing sustainable packaging for mini bar goods as well as minimising food waste. Additionally, they’re also putting greater emphasis on locally sourced seafood. Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur

Address: Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur

Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur

A year after it opened, the luxury hotel’s locally-inspired bar concept, Bar Trigona, won a prestigious sustainability award. The bar sources ingredients directly from local farmers and uses every part of the ingredient – from shells and husks. As of today, the hotel is continuing to become even more sustainable through implementing energy-saving features in every room alongside a unique effort that allows guests to ‘adopt’ a local beehive. Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Address: 145, Jln Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa

Titled ‘Best Sustainable Hotel in Malaysia’ at the International Hotel Awards a few years ago, this secluded beachfront resort has implemented various sustainable practices to provide a truly eco-friendly stay. Until today, their efforts include using biodegradable, starch-based toiletries in all its guest rooms as well as having eco-friendly fixtures like replacing the need for fuel-powered boilers with heat pumps. There are also regular beach clean-up sessions for both staff and guests to participate in and turtle conservation activities at the resort’s Turtle Eco Centre. Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa

Address: Jalan Batu Ferringhi, Kampung Tanjung Huma, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang

The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat

This luxurious natural hot springs wellness retreat has recently been awarded the International Sustainability Awards for this year’s ‘Implementation of Zero Waste and Net Zero Approaches’. The retreat showcases its devotion to the environment through utilising organic, chemical-free skincare products, implementing strict policies against single-use plastics and advanced water and energy conservation technologies. Guests are also invited to participate in sustainable farming experiences and harvesting their own produce for meals during their stay. The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat 

Address: 1, Persiaran Lagoon, Sunway 3, 31150 Ipoh, Perak

KLoé Hotel

Unlike any other boutique hotels in Malaysia, KLoé Hotel does things differently when it comes to being eco-conscious. The materials that were used in building the hotel were to improve indoor air quality. Natural materials like wood, metal, and stone are also used instead of polymer. In addition, the hotel sources many of its furniture (and even dishes) from local artisans which actually reduces carbon footprint. KLoé Hotel

Address: 227, Jln Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Alila Bangsar

Alila Bangsar has multiple initiatives when it comes to sustainability. The hotel eschews plastic wherever possible, opting instead for refillable glass bottles and shower dispensers. They also cut down on the use of paper by enabling guests to check in using iPads and order room service via a television console. In addition, rainwater from the roof is harvested to water its plants. Alila Bangsar

Address: 58, Jalan Ang Seng, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

Element Kuala Lumpur

Nestled within downtown Kuala Lumpur, Element Kuala Lumpur is the tallest eco-conscious building in the city. With a Green Building Index certification, the hotel’s environmental efforts include harvesting rainwater and using energy-efficient lighting as well as an indoor air-quality monitor. There’s also a ‘Bikes-to-Borrow’ programme to encourage eco-friendly sightseeing. Element Kuala Lumpur

Address: IB Tower, 8, Lrg Binjai, Menara Ilham, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur

Featured image: Alila Bangsar