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488983
Wed, 04/18/2018 - 10:55
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Pahang An Ideal Ecotourism Destination

By Sarimah Othman KUALA LUMPUR, April 18 (Bernama) -- Ecotourism products are one of the main things that foreign tourists love about Malaysia, and Pahang’s Ministry of Tourism and Culture (MOTAC) knows this. Its director Idros Yahya is hoping to capitalise on the state’s ecotourism attractions in the bid to urn the state into a year-long tourism destination. “Ecotourism is especially appealing to foreign tourists who love tropical rainforests. The top destinations are Taman Negara, Tioman, Kuala Gandah, Merapoh, Cherating and Sungai Lembing,” he told Bernama in an interview recently. Local tourists also enjoyed ecotourism products, he said, with more seeking out activities along beaches, rivers, hills and mountains. REVISITING PAHANG It is therefore unsurprising that the state launched the Revisit Pahang 2018 campaign late last year as a follow-up to its Visit Pahang 2017 campaign. Visit Pahang 2017 recorded 14.8 million in tourist arrivals, close to its target of 15 million tourists. This is a marked increase compared with 12.8 million in 2016. “We are targeting 15.5 million in tourist arrivals as well as RM9 billion in returns. The income from the 2017 campaign was RM8 billion,” said Idros. He said that 75 percent were domestic tourists while the rest were foreign tourists, most of whom were from Singapore and China. Idros believed that tourist numbers were closely linked to the variety of events and activities organised throughout the 2017 campaign. Other factors include the new facilities and products developed by the federal and state governments. MOTAC had availed a number of amenities to facilitate ecotourism activities for the benefit of tourists. “Among them were building jetties for river activities, toilets, camping sites and rock climbing facilities, among others. He said the local community welcomed the upgrades and facilities as well as supported tourism activities in their area. “This is in line with the one of the items highlighted under the National EcoTourism Plan 2016-2025 and that is for the local community to become more actively involved in ecotourism products,” he explained. A HOST OF ACTIVITIES Visitors to Pahang can enjoy a host of ecotourism activities such as traversing down rivers, watching fireflies and wave surfing in Cherating, bird watching in Taman Negara and climbing Mount Tahan in Jerantut. Those who love diving and snorkelling can head over to Pulau Tioman while cave explorers can check out those in Merapoh (Kuala Lipis). Kiteboarders can surf the waves at Balok Beach while avid rock climbers can utilise the via ferrata in Jerantut. A via ferrata is a protected mountain pathway consisting of a series of rungs, rails, cables and bridges embracing the rock face. Popular destinations for family fun are Genting Highlands, Bukit Tinggi and Bukit Gambang while those seeking a quiet getaway can head to Cherating, Tioman or Fraser’s Hill. “Kuantan dan Cameron Highlands are also known as an ideal locations for company retreats and seminars,” said Idros. TASIK CHINI Idros admitted that the number of visitors to top destinations had dwindled and this was due to several issues such as the absence of flights to Pulau Tioman, pollution at Taman Negara and Tasik Chini as well as the lack of tourist-friendly activities in Raub. However, he said, the positive developments in Pahang tourism has convinced investors to continue investing in the state’s tourism sector. “With the community involvement and effort from all parties, the state government is targeting between 18 and 20 million tourist arrivals by 2020. This is expected to increase to 25 million by 2025 with the construction of the East Coast Rail Line,” he said. The operator of Hafiz’s Cherating Activities, Mohd Hafiz Abdul Majid agreed that more local tourists were into ecotourism. He has had requests to make ground arrangements to destinations like Tasik Chini, the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary and with waterfall attractions the Pancing Waterfall in the Sungai Pandan Forest Reserve and the Pelangi Waterfall in Sungai Lembing, Kuantan. “This year I’m going to focus on promoting Tasik Chini as the number of visitor going there had dwindled over the past few years due to negative publicity purported by several parties. “Tasik Chini is actually very beautiful and there is a charming resort there as well, with plenty of activities available,” he told Bernama. Visitors can also get on boat rides around the lake and visit the Orang Asli villages nearby where they can buy souvenirs and even try their hand at blowing the sumpit (traditional blowgun). PAHANG’S TREASURES Pahang Tourist Guide Association committee member Noorafeza Rozali, 29 said that it was important for players in the industry to treat every year as a “Visit Pahang” year even if there was no state level campaign for it. “Pahang is a treasure trove and has something for everyone. Industry players and local communities need to work together to support the ministry in developing the tourism industry. “Local tourists would usually get all the information they need but then go off on their own. Not all activities require our services,” said Noorafeza, who has been a freelance tour guide for the past seven years. Noorafeza also hoped that facilities like public toilets and rubbish bins would be increased as what was currently available was not sufficient to cater to the influx of tourists during the weekends, festive seasons and school holidays. -- BERNAMA

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