In celebration of the 44th annual World Tourism Day, the 27th of September 2024, we would like to highlight the incredible sustainable tourism experiences that have been developed and supported by Wildlife Alliance. Read on to hear about our ethical wildlife donor tours and how you can help support the communities in the Cardamom Rainforest area by visiting the community-based ecotourism (CBET) villages.
Chi Phat Community-Based Ecotourism Village
In 2007, the Wildlife Alliance started a project to provide alternative livelihoods to the people of Chi Phat Village in Koh Kong. Many of the villagers were reliant on logging and poaching from the Cardamom rainforest in order to support themselves and their families. Nowadays, Chi Phat village is a model for successful community-based eco-tourism, providing the perfect setting for local and international tourists to make lasting memories and feel connected to Cambodia.
Adventurous travelers can trek or mountain bike to explore the village or the deep forest. Early starters can bird-watch from a traditional rowing boat on the misty river. Search for wildlife signs at dawn, noon, and dusk at seasonal waterholes. Halloween fans can venture into bat caves and ancient burial sites. Or patrol with our forest rangers, going far off the beaten track as only our most intrepid trekkers do.
More relaxed travelers can stay close to the village, swimming at waterfalls, fishing for lobsters at night, and learning to cook traditional Khmer food. And for all to enjoy, make a life-long souvenir gift of your visit by planting a tree at the Million Tree Nursery.
Villagers also operate homestays, guest houses, motorbike taxi services, and restaurants, giving visitors further insight into rural life in Cambodia. CBET Committee members are elected to lead the management of the project and provided ongoing training as they perform bookings, arrange itineraries, do accounting, and oversee community ranger patrols.
This year the project was awarded the “Certificate of Recognition” from the National Committee for Management and Development of Community-Based Tourism and Ecotourism from the Ministry of Tourism. This is an amazing achievement and fantastic recognition for all of the hard work by the people living in Chi Phat Village and the Wildlife Alliance Community Development Team.
[Chi Phat Facebook Page] [Chi Phat webpage] [Chi Phat TripAdvisor]
Steung Areng Community-Based Ecotourism Village
After the successful establishment of the Chi Phat CBET and a growing tourism market in Cambodia, in 2016 it was time to bring the tourism opportunities to another community called Steung Areng.
Guests to Steung Areng can enjoy a full range of activities to make the most of the Cardamom Mountains’ spectacular wilderness. Steung Areng’s knowledgeable staff and guides can lead walking treks, as well as mountain biking and motorcycle tours, ranging from a few hours to multiple days.
Swimming at watering holes, tours of culturally significant sites, and bird watching are just a taste of some of the spectacular activities included on the treks.
Steung Areng covers a large area that includes 4 Visitor Centers for tourists: 1 main center and 3 sub-centers. Community restaurants, located in each of the visitor centers, are run by 34 workers from the local villages. Ingredients for meals are locally-sourced and freshly prepared using traditional cooking techniques. Steung Areng’s homestays offer visitors the opportunity to connect with local people by giving you a unique insight into the daily lives of the villages. At just $6 a night for one room, homestays include solar panels that supply electricity, filters to provide fresh drinking water, mosquito nets, and towels.
An experience fit for the adventurer and one that guests are sure to remember, the beauty of the Cardamoms can be experienced at the Steung Areng CBET.
Wildlife Release Station
The Wildlife Release Station in Koh Kong, is a remarkable sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating animals affected by the illegal wildlife trade. Nestled in the heart of the Cardamom Mountains, this station plays a crucial role in preserving Cambodia’s rich biodiversity. Visitors to the station have the unique opportunity to witness firsthand the dedication and efforts of the staff in caring for rescued animals. From sun bears and gibbons to pangolins and birds, a diverse range of species find refuge here. The station also serves as a release site, allowing rehabilitated animals to return to their natural habitat. While the primary focus is on wildlife conservation, the station also offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in nature. Guests can participate in activities such as hiking, swimming in natural pools, and setting up camera traps to monitor wildlife. It’s a truly rewarding experience to contribute to the conservation efforts while enjoying the beauty of the Cambodian rainforest.
Youtuber JJ Emerson featured our Wildlife Release Station in one of his recent videos and has portrayed the site perfectly!
Behind the Scenes at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre
Established by the Cambodian Government’s Forestry Administration back in 1995, the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center (PTWRC) is a unique facility providing refuge to more than 1,300 animals that have been rescued from the illegal wildlife trade.
The behind the scenes tour takes guests on an unforgettable journey to explore the incredible wildlife of Cambodia and the threats they are under. Highlights include feeding two friendly female elephants and watching the keepers use our positive reinforcement training method to change the prosthetic foot of our youngest elephant, Chhouk, who lost his foot to a snare, entry into the tiger den for safe but up-close viewing (all through protective barriers), and creating interactive toys for a troupe of energetic baby monkeys! As many other incredible animals as possible are featured in between to ensure that everyone sees their favorite. Throughout the day, the guides’ extensive knowledge of the animals’ stories and behaviors will also be at the guests’ mercy for any questions you wish to ask. It is a full-day, all-inclusive day trip from Phnom Penh.
This tour has been a crucial fundraiser for the care of the rescued animals at PTWRC for 11 years now, is one of the top things to do in Phnom Penh, and has been awarded TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Award for a third consecutive year!
