Fascinating Trips -Langkawi Geopark

Msc Tourism Development

Ahmad Zamil bin

Zakaria

S-RM0049/08

Msc Tourism Development

Tourist Attraction in Langkawi

RTK533 – Design For Tourism and Recreational Project

RTK533 – Design for Tourism & Recreational Project Tourist Attraction in Langkawi Island

Msc Tourism Development School of Housing Building & Planning Universiti Sains Malaysia Pa

ge2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Item Page

Acknowledgement 3

Introduction 4

Cable Car at Oriental Village 5

Pantai Cenang 14

Kilim River (Geoforest Park) 21

S.W.O.T. Analysis 28

Conclusion 32

References 33



ge4

GEOPARK, Langkawi Island, Kedah Darul Aman Academic Trip (3 days, 2 nights) RTK533 – DESIGN FOR TOURISM AND RECREATIONAL PROJECT ASSIGNMENT TOPIC: TOURIST ATTRACTION IN LANGKAWI

Langkawi has been accorded the GEOPARK status by UNESCO, for its beautiful geoheritage features, consisting of stunning landscapes, karst, caves sea-arches, stacks, glacial dropstones and fossils. With a geological history dating back 500-milllion odd years, the islands contain unique rock formations that stir the imagination and baffle the mind.

(Source: Tourism Malaysia, Ministry of Tourism, 2008)

Introduction Langkawi Island is one of the famous tourism places in Malaysia. Every year more than a million tourists came for their vacation and other purposes. It located at west peninsular Malaysia, in about 30 km from Kuala Perlis and 51 km from Kuala Kedah.

The island riches with myth and legendary story make it so special to people who visit this island. It also has geological history in about 500 million years with astonishment, fantastics and interesting pre-historic rocks.

Langkawi Island also surrounded with small islands, make it as an attraction to this island. Beautiful beach with the great panoramas, good for tourist needs calmness, relaxing, recreational and leisure activities. Also provide activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming and other water sports.

Langkawi Island guarantees all tourists will be happy and satisfied with those activities.



ge5

Cable Car at Oriental Village,

Langkawi



ge6

CABLE CAR AT ORIENTAL VILLAGE

Photo 1 : Main entrance to Oriental Village

Photo 2 : Convenience car park

Photo 3 : Proper bus parking

Introduction Langkawi Island is one of the famous tourism places in Malaysia. Every year more than 1 million tourists came for their vacation and other purposes. It located at west peninsular Malaysia, in about 30 km from Kuala Perlis and 51 km from Kuala Kedah. The island riches with myth and legendary story make it so special to people who visit this island. It also has geological history in about 500 million years with astonishment, fantastics and interesting pre-historic rocks. Langkawi Island also surrounded with small islands, make it as an attraction to this island. Beautiful beach with the great panoramas, good for tourist needs calmness, relaxing, recreational and leisure activities. Also provide activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling and other water sports. Langkawi Island guarantees all tourists will be happy and satisfied with those activities.

Cable car located on the enjoyment

an exhilarating cable car ride to the

top of Gunung Machincang. Visitors

can enjoy marvelous views of the

Andaman Sea and the Langkawi

Island group, as well as breathtaking

sights such as overhanging cliff walls

and isolated pinnacles. With the

length of 919.5m it has been

recognized as “The Longest Free

Span Single Rope Cable Car” by

Malaysia Book of Records. (Source : Tourism Malaysia, Ministry of

Tourism, 2008) Photo 1 Main entrance in good condition

gives the exclusive atmosphere to

the tourists. Entrance statement with

a simple design but clear in

information and convenience to use.

Photo 2 Car park planted with shading trees

give natural impact to the site. Proper

pathway gives convenience to

people.

Photo 3 Well design bus parking must

separate with car parks. Bad attitude

of bus driver spoil the proper design.



ge7

Photo 4 : Modern relaxing area

Photo 5 : Entrance to Cable Car

Photo 6 : Langkawi Island attraction places map

Photo 4 Mixed designs in Oriental Village

make a great environment.

All equipments are in good condition

and ready to use.

Photo 5 So many people queue to buy a

cable car ticket. Inconvenience for

people with disability to buy a ticket.

Provide interpretation that relates

directly to local heritage.

Photo 6 Langkawi Island attraction map

provide in the cable car building.

Situated at focal point area and

crowded with tourist.



ge8

Photo 7 : Proceed with cable car

Photo 8 : Operation hours signage

Photo 7 Tourists queue to ascend the cable

car. Tight security makes sure tourist

safety.

Photo 8 This signage gives information for

tourist the cable car operation hours.

Situated at the strategic location and

crowded with the tourist.



ge9

Photo 9 : Tourists queuing to cable car

Photo 10 : Ticket counter

Photo 11 : View to cable car building

Photo 9 Many tourist come to cable car

every public holiday and school

holiday. Long queue make tourists

uncomfortable cause by no air-

conditioner.

Photo 10 Not all ticket counter opened make a

long queue. Ticket counter crowded

with tourists queue to buy a ticket

and wait in a queue to the cable car

building.

Photo 11 Good panoramas from the climbed

cable car.

Traditional concepts apply to the

cable car building show our culture.



ge10

Photo 12 : First pit stop

Photo 13 : View to second pit stop

Photo 14 : Suspension bridge

Photo 12 Good viewing at the first pit stop.

People more likely to go to the

second pit stop cause by an

attraction of the suspension bridge.

Photo 13 Second pit stop more attractive

cause located at the highest point of

Gunung Machinchang. The

panoramas in this level more

interesting compared to first pit stop.

Photo 14 Suspension bridge is the most

attraction to the cable car area.

Comfortable walk to the bridge make

safety to people.



ge11

Photo 15 : Inconvenience rubbish bins

Photo 16 : Unpretentious stall

Photo 15 Rubbish bins make by cement Ferro

not provide with container and cover.

The design is to match with the

environment but quite typical and not

interesting.

Photo 16 The unpretentious stall sells film and

refreshment not attracts people to

buy. The price also expensive

compare at the ground area.



ge12

Photo 17 : Japanese Food Restaurant

Photo 18 : Food court

Photo 19 : Superb toilet

Photo 17 Western, Japanese and Thai food

restaurant are provided for all tourist.

The food is more expensive and not

all tourist like to have a breakfast or

lunch at this restaurant.

Photo 18 Food court located at the backside of

Oriental Village area. The food court

sells local food but the price is higher

compare to the food selling at Pekan

Kuah.

Photo 19 Toilet design is so impressed people.

The toilet looks clean and neat.



ge13

Photo 20 : Inside the toilet

Photo 20 The toilet has its own landscaping.

The purpose to have landscaping

area inside the toilet is to give

calmness and show the cleanliness

of the toilet.



ge14

PANTAI CENANG,

LANGKAWI



ge15

PANTAI CENANG

Photo 21 : Improper road

Photo 22 : Lack of maintenance

Photo 23 : Lack of maintenance

Pantai Cenang offer carefree sun-

filled days and quite evening strolls.

First-class accommodation in

modern hotels or comfortable chalets

is available. A wide range of exciting

watersports provide dun and thrills

for the energetic. Restaurant outlets

in the hotels and outdoors serve a

variety of appetizing cuisine with live

music and an explosive atmosphere. (Source : Tourism Malaysia, Ministry of

Tourism, 2008) Photo 21 Road not well maintained by local

authority. The road design not

provides pedestrian walkway. The

road must be designed for tourist

convenience, safety and comfort.

Photo 22 and 23 Some of the chalet did not

maintaining their fences and

entrance. Because of the poor

condition of fences and entrance it

may not attract tourist to stay at the

chalet. The front part always

impressed tourist.



ge16

Photo 24 : Under construction road

Photo 25 : Entrance archway

Photo 26 : Advertisement along the road

Photo 24 Under construction road give

impacts to the image of the tourism

area. The road condition makes

tourist feels not comfortable and

safety because shared the road with

vehicles.

Photo 25 Some of the budget chalets have

their own entrance archway. The

entrance statement also clear and

can impressed tourist to stay.

Photo 26 Advertisement such as rent a car /

motorcycle, restaurant, chalet and

activities place along the road. The

advertisement should more proper

and attractive. An existing

advertisement make road looks so

messy.



ge17

Photo 27 : Budget chalet - AB Motel

Photo 28 : Budget chalet – Lagenda Permai Chalet

Photo 29 : Hotel - Landcons

Photo 27 AB Motel is one of the budget

chalets along Pantai Cenang Road.

AB Motel provides a comfortable

facility for the tourist. It’s located on

the beach side give an advantage

for tourist attraction.

Photo 28 Lagenda Permai Chalet also located

along the Pantai Cenang Road. This

chalet also categories as a budget

chalet, provides a traditional design

chalet with full of tourist facility.

Photo 29 Landcons Hotel designed similar to

castle design. The hotel offers an

exclusive room for tourist. It’s

located nearby Underwater World is

an advantage for this hotel.



ge18

Photo 30 : Budget chalet – Langgura Baron Resort

Photo 31 : Nadias Inn

Photo 32 : Budget chalet – Sandy Beach Resort

Photo 30 Langgura Baron Resort provides an

interesting resort design. It’s also

categorized as budget chalet. It’s

located on the beach side give

advantage to this chalet. Other than

that Langgura Baron Resort also

provides a comfortable facility for the

tourist.

Photo 31 Nadias Inn is one of the interesting

chalets along Pantai Cenang Road.

It’s provides exclusive facility for

tourist who stay in this chalet. The

facilities such as swimming pool and

café can find in this chalet.

Photo 32 Sandy Beach Resort provides a

variety chalet design. It’s located on

the beach side, with the beautiful

scenery. Also provides the facilities

such as outdoor café, beach bar,

restaurant and mini shop.



ge19

Photo 33 : Activities Advertisement

Photo 34 : Beach

Photo 33 The photo shows how the chalet,

resort or hotels advertise activities

for tourist beside the Pantai Cenang

Road. This advertisement can

easing tourist to plan the trips and

activities. The advertisements also

include the price for each activity.

Photo 34 Pantai Cenang is one of the

beautiful beaches in Langkawi

Island. Enjoy nature-based activities,

or simply laze by the beach. There is

also a host of unique attractions for

those who enjoy sightseeing.

Provide interpretation specific to this

area.



ge20

Photo 35 : Restaurants along the road

Photo 36 : Souvenir shops

Photo 37 : SPA and beauty centre

Photo 35 Many restaurants located beside the

Pantai Cenang Road. The

restaurant provides cuisine such as

traditional cuisine, western food,

Thai cuisine and oriental cuisine.

The prices of each cuisine depend

on restaurant. Some food is

expensive and some is same with

other places.

Photo 36 For tourist who likes to spend their

money for souvenir, this is a place

that they can buy many things such

as t-shirt, key-chain and mugs. The

prices are compatible with other

places.

Photo 37 SPA and beauty centre along Pantai

Cenang Road also available for

tourist. International spa treatments

and services at the compatible

price. Enjoy facial, hair treatment,

manicure, pedicure, waxing and

slimming massage.



ge21

Kilim River Geoforest Park,

Langkawi



ge22

KILIM RIVER GEOPARK FOREST

Photo 38 : Entrance to Kilim River

Photo 39 : Jetty to Kilim River

Photo 40 : Kilim River Map

[Type sidebar content. A sidebar is a standalone supplement to the main document. It is often aligned on the left or right of the page, or located at the top or bottom. Use the Text Box Tools tab to change the formatting of the sidebar text box.

Type sidebar content. A sidebar is a standalone supplement to the main document. It is often aligned on the left or right of the page, or located at the top or bottom. Use the Text Box Tools tab to change the formatting of the sidebar text box.]

Kilim River offers some of the most

unforgettable sights and

experiences. A boat cruise to Kilim

Nature Park is like an escapade to

another world. Spread over an area

of 100sq km in size, it features an

intriguing mix of well protected

mangrove forests, isolated white

beaches and blue lagoons.

Along the calm, winding river, you

will be exposed to the wonders of

the parks marine ecosystem, flora

and fauna and its natural habitats

like the overhanging ‘Bogak Trees’,

Brown Eagles, Tree Crabs, Iguanas

and Macaques. (Source : Tourism Malaysia, Ministry of

Tourism, 2008)

Photo 38 Entrance to Kilim River jetty looked

well in condition. Its proper maintain

by LADA. All tourists take a boat to

cruise the Kilim River on this jetty.

Photo 39 The jetty look in good condition but

the steps is too steep. The steep

steps can make tourist feel not

safety.

Photo 40 Kilim River map provide for tourist

information. The information in this

map helped tourist to understand

the existing Kilim River.



ge23

Photo 41 : Boat rental counter

Photo 42 : Souvenir shops

Photo 41 Boat rental counter open for tourist

to booked the boat for cruise the

river. The counter also provides

tourist guide services for the tourist.

The price for rent a boat to cruise the

Kilim River is compatible and

beneficial to tourists and

researchers.

Photo 42 For tourist who likes to spend their

money for souvenir, this is a place

that they can buy many things such

as t-shirt, key-chain and mugs. The

prices are compatible with other

places.



ge24

Photo 43 : Gua Kelawar Jetty

Photo 44 : Boardwalk to Gua Kelawar

Photo 45 : Inside Gua Kelawar

Photo 43 The bat cave is accessible only by

boat through the Kilim River and

visitor can then walk on the wooden

platform which runs through the

cave interior. It is named often its

habitats, the Malaysian Fruit bats,

which can be found hanging from

the ceiling of the main chamber of

the cave. Four different species, all

of which are insectivores or

fructivores, have been identified. In

this cave, the visitors will also see

interesting and unique formations of

stalactites and stalagmites. (Source : Langkawi Geopark)

Photo 44 Boardwalk to Gua Kelawar made

mix materials (wood and concrete).

The boardwalk is so convenience

and can be used by many of visitors.

Photo 45 Inside the Gua Kelawar, the bats

can be found hanging from the

ceiling of the main chamber of the

cave. Visitors can take photos but

cannot use the flash because it can

make the bats flying out of the cave.



ge25

Photo 46 : View to mangrove area

Photo 47 : Sail boat park

Photo 48 : Pulau Anak Tikus Jetty

Photo 46 The well protected mangrove forests

give the beauty of that place. It’s

really natural and in good condition.

The Kilim Nature Park is an

escapade to another world. Park

features a beautiful mix of well-

protected green mangrove.

Photo 47 Many of foreigner sail boat parking

on the Kilim River. The sail boat own

by foreigner but parked on Kilim

River. The sail boat owners pay

local people to watch and

maintained the boat until they come

again.

Photo 48 Pulau Anak Tikus is remnant island

located at the southernmost tip of

Langgun Island. This remnant island

is made up dark coloured moderate

to thickly bedded limestone

representing the Early Ordovician

Lower Limestone Member of the

Setul Formation. This limestone is

very rich in fossils. (Source : Geopark Langkawi)



ge26

Photo 49 : Squid fossil

Photo 50 : KILIM GEOFOREST PARK signage

Photo 51 : Fish cage jetty

Photo 49 That is an example of fossil on this

island – Squid Fossil. The squid

fossil comes from the squid that live

in about 500 million years ago in this

sea. The fossils are very important

information for the researcher who

studies about this geopark.

Photo 50 Kilim Geoforest Park signage stands

glotious on the limestone island.

This signage offer outstanding sights

for visitors and it as a trademark for

KILIM Geopark.

Photo 51 Fish cage jetty one of an attraction

place on this geopark. The

performances at the fish cage are

attractive and give a lot of

information about sea living.



ge27

Photo 52 : Fish trap compartment

Photo 53 : Eagle Feding

Photo 54 : Eagle Feeding Signage

Photo 52 Fish trap compartment isolated

many fish in this kelong. Many

tourist come to this place every day.

The jetty and compartment should

be more proper to ensuring tourist

safety.

Photo 53 This photo shows the eagle feeding

at Kilim River. Be part of the eagle

feeding experience as these

predators wait silently to swoop

down on the feed thrown into the

water by the boatmen.

Photo 54 Eagle feeding signage is a sign to

tell the visitors about the hiding

place of these predators. The eagle

feeding is one of an attractive place

to be visited by the tourist when

visiting Kilim River Geopark.



ge28

S.W.O.T. Analysis



ge29

S.W.O.T. ANALYSIS CABLE CAR

Item

Strength (S)

Weakness (W)

Opportunity (O)

Threat (T)

Location

At an attractive area and possible to be attraction place in Langkawi Island.

Far away from the town.

Marvelous views of the Andaman Sea and the Langkawi Island group.

People will destroy the nature.

Facility

Comfort, safety and convenience facilities such as parking space, toilet and resting area.

Lack of seating area.

Variety of design can be implemented on this area.

Confusing on the identity and image of this area.

Accessible

Accessible by bus or other rent vehicles.

Far away from the town. An expensive journey.

On the trail of attraction place in Langkawi.

Only can accessible by vehicles.

Attraction

The Gunung Machinchang and the cable car.

The oriental village make confusing on the Malaysian identity.

The cable car has been recognized as “The Longest Free Span Single Rope Cable Car” by Malaysia Book of Records

No visitors control.



ge30

PANTAI CENANG

Item

Strength (S)

Weakness (W)

Opportunity (O)

Threat (T)

Location


Far away from the town.

Marvelous views and center of budget chalet area.

Many chalet and hotel build nearby the beach.

Facility

Comfort, safety and convenience accommodation.

Not guarded. Lack of maintenance.

Can be enhanced in the future by local authority.

A lot of vandalism.

Accessible

Accessible by bus or other rent vehicles.

Far away from the town. An expensive journey. Road lack of maintenance.

On the trail of attraction place in Langkawi. Can be enhanced in the future by local authority.

Only can accessible by road.

Attraction

The Cenang Beach and The Underwaterworld.

Too busy with vehicles.

Beautiful beach with the great panoramas, good for tourist who needs calmness, relaxing, recreational and leisure activities.




ge31

KILIM RIVER

Item

Strength (S)

Weakness (W)

Opportunity (O)

Threat (T)

Location


-

Marvelous views to nature.

Lack of security and safety.

Facility

Facilities such as jetty, kelong and boardwalk in a good condition.

Lack of facilities provide for tourist. Lack of maintenance by authority.

Can be enhanced in the future by local authority.

Wooden facilities decay time to time.

Accessible

Accessible by using a safety and convenience boat cruise the Kilim River.

An expensive journey.

On the trail of attraction place in Langkawi. Can be enhanced in the future by local authority.

Only can cruise by boat provide by authority.

Attraction

Along the calm, winding river, you will be exposed to the wonders of the parks marine ecosystem, flora and fauna and its natural habitats

Too many visitors in one time.

Spread over an area of 100sq km in size, it features an intriguing mix of well protected mangrove forests, isolated white beaches and blue lagoons.




ge32

CONCLUSION Langkawi Island is rich of legends and myths that served as a tourist attraction. There are

three most fabulous tourist attraction areas in Langkawi Island, which are Cable Car, Pantai

Cenang and Sungai Kilim or known as Kilim Geoforest Park.

These three attractions have their own specialties, for example, the special elements that

help to promote Cable Car are Gunung Machincang, the theme park and also the cable car

itself.

Pantai Cenang offers a panoramic view, and a cluster chalet and hotel. Located near the

Underwater World, gives many advantages to the area, as it will help to maintain and at time,

increase the volume of tourists.

Sungai Kilim or Kilim Geoforest Park offers a breathtaking view of our nature. We can see a

lot of unique and hidden treasures of our nature.

In spite of the uniqueness of the nature, those three attractions do have their own

weaknesses, for instance the uncontrolled volume of tourists and maintenance problems.

Therefore, these weaknesses can be reduced if a systematic plan to control the tourist

capacity exists. Other than that, the people also should care for the nature.



ge33

REFERENCES

1) Tourism Malaysia, Ministry of Tourism, (2008), Brochure: Langkawi - A UNESCO Global Geopark, Malaysia.

2) Foster, D., (1985), “Travel and Tourism Management”, The Macmillan Press Ltd, London.

3) Bhatia, A.K., (1991), “Tourism Development Principles and Practices – Sixth Edition”, Sterling Publishers Private Limited.

4) Geopark Langkawi Information Board, Pulau Anak Tikus and Gua Kelawar.

Documents

Fascinating Trips -Langkawi Geopark