Facing increasing pressure from mass tourism in lots of popular destinations in Southeast Asia, several islands have taken a unique approach. Instead of universally allowing motor vehicles, some areas have chosen to limit and even ban cars and motorcycles to guard the environment, increase visitor comfort, and maintain the sustainability of local ecosystems.
These policies provide a unique travel experience. Free from engine noise, traffic congestion and air pollution, activities on these islands are mainly done on foot, by bike or by boat.
1. Koh Phayam, Thailand
Koh Phayam is a small island within the Andaman Sea, roughly 40 minutes by speedboat from Ranong Province in Thailand. Covering an area of roughly 35 square kilometers, the island is home to fewer than 600 everlasting residents and stays relatively distant from mass tourism.
There aren’t any large highways, cars or luxury high-rise hotels on Koh Phayam. The transport infrastructure consists only of narrow concrete paths utilized by bicycles, small scooters and pedestrians. This condition has earned the island a status as a “vehicle-free paradise.”
The island’s commitment to environmental protection can also be reflected within the management of its accommodation facilities. Many lodgings use solar energy, collect rainwater and grow their very own vegetables for cooking. Development on the island can also be strictly controlled to stop projects that would harm the coastal ecosystem.
Read also: Escape to Koh Phayam, Thailand’s hidden paradise where “Old Thailand” lives.
2. Gili Trawangan, Indonesia
Gili Trawangan is the most important of the three Gili Islands situated off the northwestern coast of Lombok. The island is often known as a marine tourism destination with white sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters and wealthy coral reefs.
There aren’t any cars or motorcycles on the island. The major technique of transport are bicycles and cidomo, small horse-drawn carts. This policy creates a quieter atmosphere without engine noise and air pollution.
Bicycles are the fundamental technique of transport for each tourists and residents. By bike, visitors can circle the island, taking in views of the ocean, rows of coconut trees and tropical cafes along the coast.
3. Phi Phi Islands, Thailand
The Phi Phi Islands are an archipelago situated off the coast of Krabi in southern Thailand. Of the six islands within the group, Koh Phi Phi Don is the major inhabited island and essentially the most visited by tourists.
The islands are widely known for his or her impressive limestone cliffs rising above the ocean, combined with sandy beaches and tropical forests. The remaining five islands haven’t any everlasting inhabitants.
There aren’t any cars or motorcycles on Koh Phi Phi Don. Getting across the island is principally done on foot or using traditional longtail boats. With no vehicle traffic, the atmosphere on the island is more relaxed and away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The Phi Phi Islands are frequently reached by ferry from Krabi or Phuket, which runs throughout the day. Upon arrival, visitors immediately experience the island’s motor vehicle-free environment.
4. Perhentian Islands, Malaysia
The Perhentian Islands consist of two major islands, Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil, situated throughout the Redang National Marine Park. Compared to Langkawi, the world receives fewer tourists and has relatively minimal development.
There aren’t any motor vehicles on these islands and there continues to be a natural atmosphere. Their major attractions are white sandy beaches, exceptionally clear sea water and comparatively calm surroundings.
The Perhentian Islands are also often known as a preferred diving destination. There are over 20 dive sites with water visibility of roughly 60-70 feet. Divers often encounter blacktip reef sharks, spotted rays, bamboo sharks and moray eels, and sometimes even whale sharks. Diving costs on this area are also relatively reasonably priced, averaging around $20 per dive.
The historic city of Hoi An uses its relatively small size to tightly regulate traffic. There are zones closed to pedestrian traffic within the Old Town area at certain times, i.e. from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
These vehicle restrictions aim to guard historic buildings from vibrations brought on by traffic, while also reducing pollution within the heritage area. During these hours, each tourists and residents travel mainly on foot or by bike.
Hoi An has also began promoting eco-friendly transportation using electric motorcycles. The city authorities restrict access to taxis and buses on several streets of the Old Quarter, while electric public transport operates on six electric bus routes connecting tourist areas with other transport hubs.
