4 days/3 nights with Hiliya Resort

About the Trip

Experience a Hiliya Resort Home Stay in Wayanad District of Kerala, popularly known in the tourism industry as “Gods Own Country.” You’ll stay in a 75 year old Kerala bungalow and tree house, situated along a river and surrounded by an organic farm with spices, fruit trees, and livestock. The friendly staff provides a homey atmosphere and traditional meals, while guides provide site seeing and wildlife and bird viewing in the nearby forest.

Includes: accommodations, breakfasts

Starting bid: $100

About the Organization

Whatever is the nature of your trip, be it study or research, relaxation or just sight-seeing, we at the Hiliya Resort are able to provide you an enjoyable stay in nature’s own garden and a Kerala life style. From here you can proceed to any part of this state and experience the varied culture of a vibrant community, and then return at your leisure to rest and relax and to start all over again. Take your pick. We at Hiliya Resort are waiting.

Learn more about Hiliya Resort.

7 nights / 6 days with CGH

About the Trip

Experience hotels whose vision of travel and leisure has a history of five decades; over the years the different properties that make up the group have helped the traveler knowingly or unknowingly invent their rhythms with indigenous nature, culture and history. This 7 night trip includes stays at Spice Village, Coconut Lagoon, Marari Beach, and the Brunton Boat Yard.

Includes: all meals, transfers to and from the airport, naturalist service for boat cruise, and Bullock cart discoveries.

Awards:

• Second in International Hotels and Restaurant Association (IH&RA) award for 2005 in the category ‘chain of hotels’ for engaging the guests in environmental actions.

About the Organization

The resort was laid out in 1991 and is spread out over an area of 16 acres in the heart of the Kumily village. This landscape which has a collection of more than 230 species of tress and shrubs and the ground cover of turf grass. This floristic richness has created a world of wilderness and silence, at the heart of a busy tourism destination.

The attempt at spice village is to capture the ethos of the destination. The cardamom hills, as the region is known are the land of spice gardens and the indigenous peoples of the hills; the mannans have a unique way of construction of their cottages. Thus conceptually spice village was a ‘tribal enclave set in a spice garden’. Facilities at the resort are designed to this tune. It followed therefore that the resort area will have the representative spices from the region and the cottages were thatched from elephant grass, which truly distinguishes the resort.

The in house naturalists invite the guests for a property walk – ‘The Pepper Vines’, which gives a good opportunity to learn about the different species of indigenous trees, plants, birds and their importance in local habitat and the various conservation efforts taken up in the property.

For the control of insect pests like fruit flies we are using lemon grass oil and for mosquitoes we are using fumes of black dammar. In addition to this the induced mosquito breeding control system gives effective way of regulating the population of mosquitoes.

The solid waste generated is recycled using Vermicomposting and the finished produce is used as manure in the property garden and in vegetable farming inside the property. The waste water is recycled in the property using Rotating Biological Contactors technology (RBC) and the recycled water is used in the garden.

Learn more about CGH

2 days/ 1 night with John Gray Sea Kayak

About the Trip

Join world renowned John “Caveman” Gray’s SeaCanoe for this fabulous trip in Phuket, Thailand. This new nighttime sea kayaking adventure explores the coastal lime caves and amplifies the serenity of early years by avoiding the daytime crowds. The trip combines kayaking, nature viewing, cultural experiences, and great local cuisine (but no farmed shrimp). John Gray’s SeaCanoe welcomes general adventurers seeking intimate marine experiences with silent sea kayaks.

Includes: transfer from Phuket hotel or airport, meals, guides, all equipment, national park entry fee.

Starting bid: $100

About the Organization

John Gray, known as Ling Yai (Big Monkey) to his friends - takes pride on being the Original kayak explorer and operator in each of his sites. (”If we are there, we are the first.”) The Big Monkey was doing OK before he formed his own company. (Caveman still owns the SeaCanoe trademark.) Gray’s economic demonstration project was a classic Ecotourism business model, and his local enfranchisement concept and stunning trips led to a string of six major Ecotourism Awards from 1995-99. “All I do is paddle into crazy places. If it’s interesting, I show it to my friends.”

Almost immediately after “Caveman” started “Natural History by Sea Kayak” in Hawai’i (1983), the World began to notice the effort. Gray teamed with Gary Sprinkle and Mike May to produce “Moloka’i’s Forgotten Frontier”, and won a 1985 EMMY award. The honors continue right up to the National Geographic Adventure Magazine giving SeaCanoe Vietnam a “World Top 25 Adventures” listing.

Now you can truly put yourself into your own “Natural History by Sea Kayak” documentary in Thailand, Vietnam, Fiji, Philippines and Hawai’i. The combination of experienced guides, new equipment and creative freedom takes you to new levels for even a “Ling Yai”.

Learn more about John Gray Sea Kayak.

“Private tour of Japan” with Courant Marin, The Chiiori Project, and a Homestay on Awaji

Immerse yourself in Japan’s traditions and beauty on this unique private tour contributed by the Courant Marin Tour Company and the Chiiori Project. This 8-day package includes a weekend-long homestay on Awaji Island, a 3-night stay at a traditional Japanese-style inn plus kayaking, cycling, and trekking in Hiwasa, Tokushima, and a 2-night stay at Chiiori (‘House of Flute’), the 300- year-old Japanese minka farmhouse featured in Alex Kerr’s book, Lost Japan.

Blackout dates: subject to availability

Includes: Meals, local ground transportation, guided tours and activities.
Starting bid: $500

Courant-Marin

You can take either a catamaran jet boat or a highway bus from Kansai International Airport (Osaka) to Awaji Island. On your arrival to Awaji, you will be greeted by the Hori family (your homestay host). The weekend-long (2 nights 3 days) Awaji homestay will allow you to learn about and experience first-hand the life of a local family. Surrounded by the Seto Inland Sea, Awaji is part of the area called “the land of fair weather,” and is renowned for its scenic beauty and delicious seafood. Some of the popular tourist attractions include: hot springs, flower parks, and the Awaji Puppet Theater, a traditional puppet show designated as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Japan.

After the homestay, you will leave Awaji for Hiwasa, Tokushima (transfers provided), where you will participate in activities such as kayaking along the shores of Hiwasa, hiking, trekking and biking in the mountains. During your stay in Hiwasa, you will stay at a traditional Japanese-style inn (3 nights 4 days). (Please note that the bathrooms in the Inn only have Japanese-style toilets which may require special tricks to use them.)

The Hiwasa tour is followed by a 2-night stay at Chiiori, which is located in the Iya Valley, Tokushima.

Learn more about Courant-Marin

About Awaji & Tokushima

Surrounded by the Seto Inland Sea, Awaji is part of the area called “the land of fair weather,” and is renowned for its scenic beauty and delicious seafood. Awaji has been given another name, “Miketsu-kuni,” which indicates that the island is full of delicious food. In the old times, Awaji was the chief supplier of the food served at the Imperial Court of Japan. Some of Awaji’s most popular tourist attractions include: hot springs, flower parks, and the Izanagi Shrine, the oldest Shinto Shrine in Japan. Tokushima is home to the famous Awa Odori folk dance, cultural festivals in summer and autumn, and traditional arts and crafts. The town of Hiwasa is located in the Kaifu district in the Southeast of Tokushima Prefecture. Iya Valley, the Chiiori Project’s home, is in the western Tokushima.

Two nights for a private party at the Chiiori

Spend two relaxing nights at Chiiori, the 300-year-old Japanese minka farmhouse featured in Alex Kerr’s book, Lost Japan. During your time here, the house will be closed to all other guests. Join us in meals around the indoor irori hearth and in walks with our dog around the surrounding hamlet of Tsurui. You are invited to experience life in the mountains of Iya Valley as you like it — farm with us, go for a walk, or simply do nothing.

About the Organization

The Chiiori Project is working toward solutions to the problems surrounding depopulation in rural Japan. Project staff work alongside community members to develop economically sustainable means to preserve and revive traditional lifestyles vital to Japan’s living heritage.

Among our activities, we are working to:

• restore structures of cultural value,
• create economic opportunities for traditional practices,
• organize cultural exchange events, and
• hold civic forums to discuss community problems.

The Chiiori Project also works to protect the natural environment, ensuring a place for future generations to live and work.

Learn more about The Chiiori Project

Donated by Jungle Lodges and Resorts

About the Trip

Enjoy a “Wild Karnataka” tour in south India with Jungle Lodges and Resorts, the Karnataka government’s elite ecotourism organization. You’ll spend 2 nights at Kabini River Lodge, a top rated wildlife resort, 2 nights at the Bheemeshwari Fishing & Nature Camp, and 2 nights at a wilderness camp. During your stay you’ll enjoy wildlife viewing, jeep safaris, boat rides, nature trails, fishing, all accompanied by a guide, naturalist or instructor. You’ll visit the famed Nagarahole National Park, tour the popular Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, and spend time in the B.R.T. Wildlife Sanctuary.

Duration: 7 days / 6 nights

Includes: accommodations, meals, park entrance fees, guides and transport in park

Awards: 1999 Best Eco Tourism Company in India

Certification: ISO 9001 & 14000 (in process)

Starting bid: $250

About the Organization

JungleLodges and Resorts (JLR) is a responsible wildlife & eco tourism company with a strong commitment to use tourism as a genuine tool for conserving the environment & wildlife. JLR also strives hard to educate its guests by letting them experience wildlife and fragile habitats firsthand. All of JLR’s resorts and camps are located in some of Karnataka’s ecologically sensitive yet amazing natural destinations. A unit of Government of Karnataka’s Tourism Department, JLR is currently managed by the State Forest Department officials.

With our properties being located in wilderness/rural areas we strongly believe that the local community is a large stake holder in the project. 95% of our staff at our properties are from the local community and are trained on the job. Other than creating jobs for the locals, we support a tribal school, offer mid-day meals to students and sustain the staff salaries. We regularly offer scholarships for deserving local students for further studies. We also maintain a local hospital. We work with local NGOs to give villagers alternate sources of fuel and wean them away from their dependency on the forest/firewood. We also give the villagers milk cows so they can make a livelihood from them. We believe in using local produce at our properties- all vegetable, fruits and milk are bought locally.

Green Practices

Our properties have very low room inventory (11-30 accommodations on double occumpancy) to reduce the environmental pressure on the fragile wilderness habitat. All our accommodations are made of local eco-friendly materials and blend with the surrounding wilderness. We do not have televisions in any of our properties. We do not use air conditioners in most of our accommodations. We use eco-friendly solutions for cleaning our accommodations and common areas. Our purchase policy minimizes the buying of plastic products. We have soak pits for sewage management.

Recent Awards

Best Eco Tourism Company in India, 1999

Learn more about Jungle Lodges and Resorts

12 days/11 nights with The Boat Landing Guest House, Green Discovery, and Mango Bay.

About the Trip

Begin and end your Laos holiday The Boat Landing Guest House, the premier ecolodge in northwestern Laos. Visit Nam Ha Protected Area, the Namtha River, and Lao ethnic villages for rafting, trekking, and biking trips. Trek with the Khmu villagers to their forest camp tucked in the Protected Area and allow the sounds of the jungle to lull you to sleep. Return for a stay at the Boat Landing and then move to the Mango Bay Guesthouse in Vietnam for 5 nights. Enjoy a peaceful, tranquil stay, with a secluded private beach. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, fishing, tropical breezes, and watch the best sunset in Vietnam.

Includes: lodging, guides, all meals, transfers to and from the Phu Quoc airport in Laos; accommodation and some meals provided at Mago Bay in Vietnam.

Awards: Boat Landing: 2005 Responsible Travel Award for best hotel

Certification: Boat Landing: Benchmarked under the Green Globe certification program
Starting bid: $125
About the The Boat Landing Guest House

The Boat Landing Guest House is Luang Namtha’s first ecotourism lodge. We first opened in December, 1999. The Boat Landing Guest House aspires to make tourism a positive experience for everyone. We believe that both the tourist and the local Lao people should benefit from tourism. We believe in small-scale, low-impact tourism. We want our visitors to come away with a greater appreciation of Luang Namtha’s culture and natural resources and we hope the locals will gain a greater understanding of the outside world in addition to economic benefit from tourism.

Any assistance that we provide is done as a service to the local and traveling communities. We feel that if others benefit from our services then we benefit as well. We have no monopoly and feel that there is enough room for everyone.

For more information, visit The Boat Landing Guest House

About Green Discovery

Founded in 2000, Green Discovery Laos has pioneered adventure and eco-tourism in Laos by offering tours in new, previously unexplored areas of the country. Since then, we have expanded by establishing sales offices throughout Laos and expanding our trekking and kayaking tours to include rafting, climbing, canyoning and caving. In 2005, we began offering guests cycling and caravan tours.

For more information, visit Green Discovery

About the Mango Bay Resort

Nestled in Phu Quoc Island, at the south of Vietnam, Mango Bay is a low density resort, driven by a passion for the environment, intelligent use of materials, and strong support for island culture.

Green practices include forest preservation & tree planting, employment of locals in the resort, developing ecotourism & preservation initiatives for Phu Quoc island, and use of local materials in construction (first earth rammed huts in Vietnam, leaf thatched roofs, solar powered hot water, etc.)

Learn more about Mango Bay

7 days/6 nights with Borneo Ecotours. Airfare from Newark to Kota Kinabalu provided by Malaysia Airlines

About the Trip

Travel with Borneo Eco Tours, an award winning ecotourism company, to see Orangutan, other rare primates, and the beauty of Malaysia.  Enjoy lodging at the 5 star Pan Pacific Sutera Hotel overlooking the South China Sea while you check out Kota Kinabalu.   You’ll journey to Manukan Island for a day in the sun and explore the jungle trails on your own.  Or snorkel in the crystal clear water among coral reefs and beautiful fish. Then transfer by airplane to Sandakan and trek through the rainforest on wooden plank walks to view orangutan.  Afterwards you’ll journey by riverboat to the Sukau Rainforest Lodge.   Wake up to the calls of gibbons and hornbills, and enjoy a host of activities, ranging from river cruises, guided nature walks, to cave explorations and wildlife viewing.  International airfare is also included in this package.

Includes: 6 nights lodging, International flights from Newark to Kota Kinabalu, activities, & most meals

Awards:

• Green Globe Achievement Award 2003
• Conde Nast Traveler Ecotourism Awards 1999
• IH&RA Environmental Award 1999, 1998
• Travelers Breakthrough Eco Awards 1999 Best Tour Operator

Starting bid: $950
About the Organization

Borneo Eco Tours is a world famous ecotourism company that has won numerous awards for its outstanding contribution to ecotourism. By providing this 8 day tour of Borneo, we hope to showcase the wonderful beauty of Malaysia to you, while also showing our continued support for the great work that The International Ecotourism Society does. This tour includes several nights stay at the renowned Sukau Rainforest Lodge which is celebrating its 10th Birthday this year. We hope that you, the winner of this prize have a tremendous time here in Sabah. Borneo Ecotours is a three time winner of the Green Globe Achievement Award.

Green Practices

Click here for a full list of green practices.

For more information, visit Borneo Ecotours

11 days/10 nights with Ranweli Holiday Village and Nature Odyssey

About the Trip

Relax in the tranquil ocean-front bungalows at Sri Lanka’s best known ecolodge, Ranweli Holiday Village. Enjoy bird watching, boat trips, nature tours, and a cycle/habitat tour, as well as great local cuisine. Then travel to Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle where you’ll stay 2 nights at The Lodge Habarana and visit World Heritage Sites. Tour Anaivilundawa, a man made wetland constructed in the 12th century. It’s a Ramsar site, rich in biodiversity and birdlife. Also see Yapahuwa, an archaeological site; Dambulla, a cave temple; and the Srgiriya- Rock Citadel.

Includes: lodging, meals, transfers, tours, ground transport, guides

Awards:

• 2004 Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Sri Lanka Award for Sustainability Reporting for Integration of Business within the environment.
• 2004- 1st annual ECOCLUB Ecolodge Award
• 2003 Tourism for Tomorrow Award
• 2003 Best Eco Friendly Hotel- Virgin Holidays Gold Award
• 2002- WTO Top 55 Good Practices in Ecotourism around the World

Starting bid: $600

About the Ranweli Holiday Village

All the rooms and kitchen in Ranweli Holiday Village use solar energy for heating water for showers and washing. Energy saving devices are installed in the rooms (CFL bulbs and room key activated power switches). Guests are requested to participate in energy saving methods (reduction of water consumption, energy consumption, linen and towel washing). Purchasing policy of Ranweli is to minimize the purchase of goods in plastic and other synthetic containers, food waste is sorted and given to a local piggery on a daily basis. Hand crafted recycled paper is used for company correspondence and guest use.

Green Practices

1. Interaction with the villagers in the surrounding areas of RHV from the construction phase transformed hostility to a symbiotic relationship by developing the facility in harmony with the village. Use of primary building material, bricks, tiles, etc skilled and semi-skilled labor from the village, stimulated economic activity in the village further strengthening the relationship.
2. In July 2004, RHV received a 500 Euro grant from Ecoclub, to create and organic vegetable plot and greenhouse in a nearby school. It is hoped that this experience can lead the community to initiate home gardens to acheive self-sufficiency in organic vegetables, as well as raising environmental awareness in the students, parents, and the community, it is planned to expand the project to home gardens.
3. Youth from the village are employed at various levels. They are given job training due to the lack of opportunity to obtain training due to socio-economic reasons. Over 43% of the permenant and contracted employees are from the village and 40 more derive indirect employment from RHV.

Recent Awards

Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Sri Lanka Award for Sustainability Reporting 2004 for Integration of Business within the environment. Included in “USA Today” article “10 great places to tread lightly on Earth.” Winners of the 1st annual ECOCLUB Ecolodge Award-2004. British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow Awards 2003 chosen as a Highly Commended Project in the Environmental Experience category from 75 entries from 38 countries. Virgin Holidays Gold Award for excellence 2003 best Eco-Friendly Hotel, World Tourism Organization has recognized Ranweli Holiday Village as one of the top 55 “Good Practices” Enterprises in Ecotourism around the world-2002. “Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 1999″ - Provincial Gold Award of the North Western Province and Silver Award at the National Level for introducing a sustainable nature tourism (Ecotourism) product to Sri Lanka. “Sri Lanka Green Award 1998″ of the Sri Lanka Environmental Journalists Forum (SLEJF) in recognition of outstanding practical achievments in the protection and improvment of the environment during 1998.

Learn more about Ranweli Holiday Village

About Nature Odyssey

Nature Odyssey was created to focus totally on developing, designing and operating Nature and Adventure travel. Staffed by a small, closely knit team of dedicated enthusiasts who actively participate in the programmes they offer, the company has developed an exiting array of Eco-friendly, nature and adventure programmes which include jungle and mountain trekking, cycling, wildlife and bird watching, camping, angling, diving, snorkeling, water skiing, white water rafting and many other unique, specialised programmes.

Learn more about Nature Odyssey.

5 days / 4 nights with Wild World India

About The Trip

Corbett Tiger Reserve is India’s oldest and perhaps finest park. It boasts of a high tiger density and is also hosts the northern most population of the Asian elephant. Guests will enjoy 2 nights in Vanghat River Lodge, and then move to stay 2 nights inside the Tiger Reserve at either Dhikala Complex or the Forest Guest Houses. You will track tigers on the back of an elephant and enjoy the splendor of biodiversity through bird watching while in the reserve.  Anglers will have an opportunity to meet the revered fresh water game fish, the Golden Mahseer.

Includes: accommodations, meals, airport transport, guides and activities.

Starting bid: $375

About The Organization

Vanghat River Lodge employs only locals from the villages in the immediate vicinity. We assist the Forest Department in anti-poaching activities, controlling forest fires and work towards the conservation of the endangered and endemic fish - Golden Mahseer.

Vanghat River Lodge shares 5% of it’s annual turnover with the development fund, 2% of which goes to the Corbett Tiger Reserve and the remaining goes directly to the Eco Development Committees of Chimpani and Baluli villages. An additional 20% of the rod fee goes directly to the above mentioned villages.

Vanghat River Lodge is part of the Community based tourism initiative as part of the Public Private Partnership scheme promoted by the State Govt. of Uttaranchal.

For more information, visit Wild World India

4 days/3 nights with Responsible Ecological Social Tours Project (REST)

About the Auction

Travel with REST, Thailand’ acclaimed community-based ecotourism organization from Phuket to Koh Yao Noi Island. Stay with a Thai family in a fishing village, enjoy delicious and healthy local cuisine, experience the richness of local culture, and watch fishermen cast their nets into the Andaman Sea. You are invited to join an eye opening, soul enriching, thought provoking, and possibly life changing travel experience!

Includes: accommodations, meals, transfer from Phuket Airport, local transport, guided tours.

Awards: World Legacy Award for Destination Stewardship, National Geographic and Conservation International, 2002

Starting bid: $250

Imagine visiting a local fishing village, joining the fishers out at sea, and casting your net into the crystal blue seas of the Andaman… Imagine staying in a local home with a Thai family and sharing your cultures, lives and laughter…

In Koh Yao Noi Island, Phang Nga province, 85% of the locals are seafarers, relying upon fishing to sustain themselves and their families. Their colorful boats have become symbols of Southern Thailand, and their close relationship with the ocean is legendary. Koh Yao Noi community are also famous throughout the world for their active commitment to coastal conservation. 11 years ago, REST Project Thailand teamed up with the Community based Ecotourism club of Koh Yao Noi to develop a unique small-scale tourism program. This experience won the hearts of travelers searching for an authentic cross-cultural experience, the attention of the world media for the community’s outstanding conservation work, and in 2002, the World Legacy Award for Destination Stewardship, presented to Koh Yao Noi and REST Project by National Geographic Traveler and Conservation International.

Please be aware that ‘Communuty based Tourism is a local experience. Our local hosts have 10 years of experience taking care of guests, and the food provided by REST’s local partners is delicious, healthy and authentic… Fresh Sea Food Guaranteed. Tea, Coffee and biscuits in the morning are also available. However, western food is not available as an alternative for lunch and dinner. Please note that Koh Yao Noi is a Muslim island and the villagers kindly request visitors not to consume alcohol - we promise that you will still have a great time and won’t miss it.

About the Organization

REST is a Thai NGO with over 11 years of hands-on experience assisting local Thai communities to develop and promote their own Community Based Tourism (CBT) programs. CBT programs are developed to support needs-based community development objectives. REST have extensive experience providing training and support at every stage of CBT development. At community level, our expertise includes feasibility studies; needs assessment; group building; the planning and development of CBT services; and M & E. At national and international levels, we assist partner communities to market their products. In addition, REST deliver professional Training for Trainers programs and consultancy services to local communities, government offices and NGO’s. We also work together closely with partners in the tourism industry, academics and media.

For over a decade, REST have pioneered Community based Tourism (CBT) in Thailand. The CBT participatory development process is designed to empower local communities and contribute towards holistic community development and improved quality of life: socio-cultural, economic, and environmental. Participating in CBT has delivered many benefits to local Thai communities and the environment. These benefits include: additional income from tourism activities; equitable income distribution (through CBT management, revolving funds and rotation); a funding source for local community and environmental projects; improved natural resource management and increased environmental awareness and commitment among local hosts and CBT guests; ongoing community skills development (e.g.: planning, reaching consensus, communication, management, accounting and ‘green product’ production); and an enjoyable social activity. CBT is also a vibrant forum for cultural expression, and cultural exchange has boosted the self-confidence of local people.

Recent Awards

• The World Legacy Award, 2002, presented by National Geographic Traveler and Conservation International.
• Our local community partners in Koh Yao Noi received the National Kinare Thailand Tourism Award in 2001 and 2003.

For more information visit the REST website.