ADVENTURE TOURISM IN SELANGOR: EXPLORE, EXPERIENCE AND ENJOY! By Nurul Azlyna (CIFP,Bach. Of Acc (Hons), CMI) LET’S HIT THE ROAD Millions of people travel across the world every year and thus, making the tourism industry as a key role in the global economy. According to World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the industry accounted for 10.4% of global GDP and 319 million jobs, or 10% of total employment in 2018. Travellers travel with different purposes where some people travel for leisure or business while some travel due to specific interest such as medical or religion. Given the different purposes, tourism industry has been classified into various types to cater to the needs and preferences of all types of tourists. The following are the categories of tourism 1 : a. Leisure Under this purpose, travellers simply want to enjoy new experience of a destination and devoting their holiday to rest and relaxation. These tourists prefer to stay in some quiet and relaxed destination preferably at a hill resort, beach resort or island resort. b. Business The travellers’ main motive for travel is for work purpose such as attending a business meeting, conferences, conventions selling products, meeting clients. Business tourism is popularly known as MICE (Meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) tourism. c. Special Interest Interestingly, some people travel for special reasons such as religions, medical, education, hobbies and cultural. Under medical tourism for example, travellers go to places such as recommended specialist centre seeking for medical treatment. Meanwhile, the adventurous groups usually travel to spots that are popular for adventure activities such as bungee jumping or whale- 1 National Institute of Open Schooling
Transcript
ADVENTURE TOURISM IN SELANGOR: EXPLORE, EXPERIENCE AND
ENJOY!
By Nurul Azlyna (CIFP,Bach. Of Acc (Hons), CMI)
LET’S HIT THE ROAD
Millions of people travel across the world every year and thus, making the
tourism industry as a key role in the global economy. According to World
Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the industry accounted for 10.4% of global
GDP and 319 million jobs, or 10% of total employment in 2018.
Travellers travel with different purposes where some people travel for leisure
or business while some travel due to specific interest such as medical or
religion.
Given the different purposes, tourism industry has been classified into various
types to cater to the needs and preferences of all types of tourists. The
following are the categories of tourism1:
a. Leisure
Under this purpose, travellers simply want to enjoy new experience
of a destination and devoting their holiday to rest and relaxation.
These tourists prefer to stay in some quiet and relaxed destination
preferably at a hill resort, beach resort or island resort.
b. Business
The travellers’ main motive for travel is for work purpose such as
attending a business meeting, conferences, conventions selling
products, meeting clients. Business tourism is popularly known as
MICE (Meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) tourism.
c. Special Interest
Interestingly, some people travel for special reasons such as
religions, medical, education, hobbies and cultural. Under medical
tourism for example, travellers go to places such as recommended
specialist centre seeking for medical treatment.
Meanwhile, the adventurous groups usually travel to spots that are
popular for adventure activities such as bungee jumping or whale-
1 National Institute of Open Schooling
watch. Going to undiscovered or non-commercialized destinations
for more exquisite, thrilling and adrenaline-rush experiences is
another choice to consider.
This paper however focuses on adventure tourism, specifically in Selangor,
Malaysia. It presents vacation spots in the states with various activities under
the adventure tourism category. The objective of the paper is also to identify
potential of activities that the state government and private entities may yet
to discover.
Based on the ‘Malaysia Tourist Profile 2018’ by Tourism Malaysia, majority of
tourists visited Malaysia for holiday purpose. The profiling however does not
present the purpose of visit for each state.
Source: Tourism Malaysia
ADVENTURE TOURISM IN SELANGOR: WHY NOT?
ABOUT ADVENTURE TOURISM
According to World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), ‘adventure travel has
become a cornerstone of the tourism experience’ as travellers are
increasingly seeking authentic, rare and incomparable experiences.
The global value of adventure tourism stood massively at USD 89 billion in
2010 as per study conducted by Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA),
The George Washington University (GWU) and Xola Consulting.
The study was repeated in 2013 and found that 42% of travellers departed on
adventure trips, making the sector worth USD 263 billion—an increase of 195%
in two years.
Thus, it is unanimously important to understand the definition of adventure
tourism and to identify relevant activities under the spectrum to allow the
relevant stakeholders to explore, tap and promote the available
opportunities.
ATTA defines adventure tourism as a trip that includes least two of the
following three elements: physical activity, natural environment and cultural
immersion. Further, there are two main categories of adventure activities;
hard adventure or soft adventure.
ATTA has listed out adventure activities and its classification as follows:
ACTIVITY TYPES
SOFT HARD OTHERS
1.Archaeological Expedition X
2.Attending Local Festival/Fairs X
3.Backpacking X
4.Bird Watching X
5.Camping X
6.Canoeing X
7.Caving X
8.Climbing (Mountain/Rock/Ice) X
9.Cruise X
10.Cultural Activities X
11.Eco-Tourism X
12.Educational Programs X
13.Environmentally Sustainable
Activities
X
14.Fishing/ Fly-Fishing X
15.Getting To Know The Locals X
16.Hiking X
17.Horseback Riding X
18.Hunting X
19.Kayaking/Sea/White-Water X
19.Learning A New Language X
20.Orienteering X
21.Rafting X
22.Research Expeditions X
23.Safaris X
24.Sailing X
25.Scuba Diving X
26.Snorkeling X
27.Skiing/Snowboarding X
28.Surfing X
29.Trekking X
30.Walking Tours X
31.Visiting Friends/ Family X
32.Visiting Historical Sites X
33.Volunteering Tourism X
Source: ATTA (2013)
Source: Shukhrat Ismoiljonov
SELANGOR: EXPLORING ADVENTURE TOURISM IN THE STATE
Selangor is among the favourite destination among tourists, be it local or
international thanks to its abundance attractions and offerings. It is a vibrant
state and exotic blend of culture, economic advancement and natural
wonders, making it as top tourist destinations in the country.
Unsurprisingly, Selangor is ranked as number one as the most visited state
together with Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya as shown in Malaysia Tourist Profile
2018. Selangor was the most visited state by domestic visitors in 2018 which
accounted for 30.2 million visitors, followed by Sabah (20.4 million), Sarawak
(19.4 million) and Kuala Lumpur (19.2 million).
Source: Tourism Malaysia
Source: Tourism Malaysia
WHAT TO DO IN SELANGOR
Either you are into soft adventure or hard, Selangor promises exciting time for
travellers with plenty attractive destinations. The state has nine distinctive
regions, each with its own unique appeal. Petaling is the most central and
urban while Gombak, Klang and Sepang are easily within reach with the mix
of development and nature attractions. Sabak Bernam, Kuala Selangor and
Hulu Selangor are the charming districts in the up north, whereas further south
lie the nature hotspots of Kuala Langat and Hulu Langat.
Source: PDT Kuala Selangor
Here is the compilation list of famous destinations in Selangor, divided into
type of activities that are closely per ATTA’s definition. Most of the activities
can be enjoyed by all ages and genders.
A.Indoor / Outdoor Activities
ACTIVITIES DESTINATION LOCATION
1. Bird Watching
Kuala Selangor Nature Park Kuala Selangor
Paya Indah Wetlands Dengkil
Bagan Nakhoda Omar
Recreational Centre
Sabak Bernam
2. Camping
Forest Research Institute Malaysia
(FRIM)
Kepong
Gunung Nuang Hulu Langat
Hutan Lipur Sungai Tua Gombak
Malaysia Agro Exposition Park
Serdang (MAEPS)
Serdang
Taman Botani Negara Shah Alam Shah Alam
Taman Eko-Rimba Kanching Rawang
Commonwealth Forest Park Rawang
Sungai Tekala Hulu Langat
Sungai Congkak Hulu Langat
Sungai Sendat Batang Kali
Sungai Pertak Recreational Forest Hulu Selangor
3. Caving Dark Cave Gombak
4. Cycling Forest Research Institute Malaysia
(FRIM)
Kepong
Malaysia Agro Exposition Park
Serdang (MAEPS)
Serdang
Paya Indah Wetlands Dengkil
Taman Botani Negara Shah Alam Shah Alam
5. Eco-Tourism Fireflies (Kampung Kuantan) Kuala Selangor
Fireflies (Sungai Pakeh) Sabak Bernam
Kuala Selangor Nature Park Kuala Selangor
Pulau Indah Klang
Pulau Ketam Klang
Sky Mirror Kuala Selangor
Blue Tears Kuala Selangor
Sky Trex Adventure Hulu Langat
6. Fishing
Freshwater Fish Park Kuala
Selangor
Kuala Selangor
Pantai Remis Kuala Selangor
Paya Indah Wetlands Dengkil
Pulau Angsa Kuala Selangor
Sungai Sepang Besar Sepang
Taman Botani Negara Shah Alam Shah Alam
Taman Tasik Shah Alam Shah Alam
7. Hiking Bukit Melawati Kuala Selangor
Bukit Saga Kuala Langat
Bukit Jugra Kuala Langat
Chiling Waterfalls and Mahseer Fish
Sanctuary
Kuala Kubu Bharu
Forest Research Institute Malaysia
(FRIM)
Kepong
Gunung Nuang Kuala Langat
Gunung Kutu Kuala Kubu Bharu
Kuala Selangor Nature Park Kuala Selangor
Paya Indah Wetlands Dengkil
Sungai Gabai Waterfalls Hulu Langat
Sungai Lepoh Waterfalls Hulu Langat
Taman Rimba Ampang Ampang
8. Paragliding Bukit Jugra Kuala Langat
Bukit Batu Pahat Kuala Kubu Baru
9. Rock-Climbing Gua Damai XPark Gombak
10. Trekking
Gunung Nuang Kuala Langat
Paya Indah Wetlands Dengkil
Sungai Congkak Hulu Langat
11. Water – Rafting Sungai Selangor Kuala Kubu Bharu
12. White Water
(Tubing)
Chiling Waterfalls Kuala Kubu Bharu
13. Others Air Rider Petaling Jaya
Most Fun Gym (MFG) Kampung Sg. Penchala
District 21 Putrajaya
Sunway Extreme Park Petaling Jaya
B.Culture & Heritage
ACTIVITIES DESTINATION LOCATION
1. Cultural Village Mah Meri Cultural Village Kuala Langat
Sekinchan Paddy Field Sabak Bernam
2. Guided Tours Royal Klang Town Heritage Walk Klang
3. Historical Sites Bukit Melawati Kuala Selangor
Istana Bandar Jugra Kuala Langat
Hang Tuah’s Footprint - Batu
Hampar
Kuala Langat
Mahkota Puri Palace Klang
Raja Mahadi Fort Klang
4. Local Fairs Batu Caves Gombak
5. Education National Botanical Garden Shah
Alam
Shah Alam
Sungai Karang Forest Reserve
Hornbill Observatory Centre
Sabak Bernam
Source: Visit Selangor, Tourism Selangor, FB Tourism Selangor
THE TOP 3 DESTINATIONS: WHERE ADVENTURE AND EXCITEMENT MEET
For this segment, the author has gathered the top 3 most popular adventure
destinations in Selangor from various travelling sites such as Tripadvisor, Lonely
Planet, Kuala-Lumpur.ws, The Star, Malaysia-Traveller, Facebook stories, Gaya
Travel Magazine, Thrillophilia, Inspirerock, Libur and Rileklah.
Divided into three categories, these spots are chosen for its uniqueness that
are not available in other states and authentic experience it offers to the
travellers.
Nature-Based
1. Sky Mirror
Known as Malaysia’s own Salar de Uyuni, Sky Mirror is a seabed that
appears above water at low tide, exposing an expansive sand flat as
huge as hundred football fields for 3-4 hours in the morning, producing
a mirror-like reflection of the sky. This offers stunning photography
opportunities. So be prepared with the best shots!
This spectacular natural phenomenon is a mysterious island that will
only emerge for several days on the 1st, 2nd, 14th, 15th, 16th and 30th
day of the month according to the Chinese lunar calendar. The island
is also the habitat for marine agriculture with the most common are the
sea and baby clam scattered abundantly in the sand.
Since it located off the coast, the secret island is accessible by a 30-
minute boat ride from the mainland, depart near Pantai Remis.
Location:
Sasaran Beach, Kuala Selangor
Entrance Fee:
There are guided tours available for the travellers and advance
booking is highly recommended to get a spot as it is always fully
booked.
TYPE PRICE (PICKUP FROM KUALA SELANGOR) PRICE (PICKUP FROM KL)
Malaysian RM80/adult, RM60/child RM330/person
Others RM100/adult, RM80/child RM330/person
Source: Visit Selangor
2. Batu Caves
An iconic place in Malaysia’s tourism, Batu Caves is not only
recommended as a must visit place in Selangor, it is also a top
attraction in Malaysia.
Batu Caves is amazing on its own. According to Theculturetrip; the
hollow limestone tower has been around for 400 million years, its
caverns, crags and crevices formed in the prehistoric era.
There are 4 main attractions at Batu Caves which are Temple Cave (or
Cathedral Cave), Dark Cave, Cave Villa and Ramayana Cave. The
main Cave is known as the Temple Cave or Cathedral Cave and is
accessed by a steep flight of 272 steps.
The cave serves as a Hindu Temple devoted to Lord Muragan whose 42
meter high gold statue stands guard outside. It is the second tallest of
its kind in the world.
Batu Caves is the mix of nature and man-made wonder, making it
famous among the travellers to discover the beauty of culture, religion
and nature.
Source: The Culture Trip
Location:
Batu Caves, Gombak
Entrance Fees:
No entry fee for visiting the Temple Cave but donation is welcomed.
CAVE PRICE
Temple (Main) Cave Free
Ramayana Cave RM5
Dark Cave Adults RM35, Children (below 12) RM25
Cave Villa RM7 (With MyKad), RM15 (Without MyKad)
3. Blue Tears
The magnificent Blue Tears phenomenon came from phytoplankton, a
microscopic marine plant drifting on the surface of the water. It
produces a light blue light when it reacts with oxygen content in
seawater.
The phenomenon was recently discovered and become increasingly
hit among the travellers. The bioluminescent microorganisms are also
called fireflies of the sea.
The darker the area, the better it is to see the Blue Tears and the best
time to view is every beginning and end of a lunar month, where the
tide is high and the sky is completely dark. The daily tour is available.
However, the sight of Blue Tears depends a lot on the weather.
Source: Tourplus
Location:
Kuala Selangor
Entrance Fee:
A 45-minute boat ride for RM25 per person
Physical-Based Activities (Outdoor)
1. Most Fun Gym (MFG)
Some called it as ‘the hidden gem’. Many rated it high. So what is MFG
and what makes it a must visit destination?
MFG is a private motor cross track where off-road bikers and motocross
enthusiasts go on thrill rides. Experience the rides up and down the hill
with tight curves and bumpy road.
The motorcross adventure is a great way to learn and kicks off some
dirt bike actions in a safe environment, and learning from biking
enthusiasts including the owner, Mr.Oh Kah Beng, a former
championship racer.
Located nearby the suburbs of Damansara Perdana and Taman Tun
Dr. Ismail (TTDI), it is convenience for urbanites to experience the dirt
bike riding without going out of the city.
MFG also offers affordable dirt bike riding courses. The knowledgeable
Coach KB and staff makes the riders, regardless the expertise level,
able to enjoy the sport.
This activity is also suitable for the kids.
Source: FB MFG
Location:
Kampung Sungai Penchala
Entrance Fees:
There are 2 coaching packages available; tailored for each expertise
level.
Standard Package (100cc bikes and below)
PACKAGE TYPE DURATION DAYS RATE
Trial 2 Hours 1 RM300
Basic 2 Hours 2 RM600
Full 2 Hours 8 RM800
*For rider with zero-riding experience, can start off on the least powerful bike, i.e. the
60cc and gradually move up to the 85cc/100cc bikes.
Advanced Package (125 cc bikes)
PACKAGE TYPE DURATION DAYS RATE
Trial 2 Hours 1 RM350
Basic 5 Hours 2 RM700
Full 16 Hours 8 RM2000
*This package is meant for the seasoned rider or if you're over 5"10 in height.
Subscribers will be put on 125cc bikes.
2. Sunway Extreme Park
Sunway Extreme Park is definitely for extreme sport fans with long list of
adrenaline rush activities available in one place. The first in Malaysia, it
is a dedicated park to outdoor activities like jet-skiing, wake-boarding,
fly-fishing, scuba diving, angling and even go-karting, dirt karts and all-
terrain vehicles (ATVs).
Try the flying fox that will be zipped through 206 metres and land in the
waters of the man-made Surf Beach and can try later surfing at the 2.4
metre high waves.
The thrill seekers may also want to try the bungy jumping, leaping from
the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge. The jump, the first in
Malaysia is set for 22 metres (equivalent to an eight-storey building)
and costs at RM130 for a five-second jump.
The bungy jump here is managed by Malaysia Bungy, a company that
handles AJ Hackett International operations in Malaysia. AJ Hackett
International is a renowned bungy jumping company that possesses a
track record of over two million jumps without any major incidents.
Location:
Sunway Park, Petaling Jaya
Entrance Fees:
Sunway Lagoon has single price entrance fee that covers all 6 Parks
(Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon, Water Park, Amusement Park, Wildlife,
![DDEVICESEVICES IINSTNSTAALLLL IILLLLUUSTRASTRATTIONION · [PBX/PMX] Microprocessor Based Bargraphic Display Scaling Meter ... Seksyen 14, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia Tel:](https://static.documents.pub/doc/80x56/603bd79c97ea0e78be4e3072/ddevicesevices-iinstnstaallll-iilllluustrastrattionion-pbxpmx-microprocessor.jpg)
