This article discusses the growth of archaeotourism in Malaysia. Archaeotourism is part of heritage tourism which is one of the growing tourism sectors in Malaysia. In terms of its significance, this sector is increasingly rapidly and, in fact, has recently been contributing towards the national income. Unlike in Western countries and in Japan, Korea, or Turkey, archaeotourism in Malaysia is rather behind in this sector. As a matter of fact, Malaysia has a very rich in heritage, particularly archaeological sites, monuments, and historic buildings in addition to its unique nature. Therefore, in the 9 th Malaysian Plan (RMKe-9) and the 10 th Malaysian Plan (RMKe-10), the Malaysian government made various efforts to improve facilities, particularly infrastructure, in order to attract a bigger number of tourists to visit the heritage sites. Aspects such as the definition, the scope, and the concept of archaeotourism are discussed and explained in this conceptual paper. Using qualitative methods, field observations, and interviews with several relevant respondents, this study tried to get feedback on the prospects, issues, and constraints that are affecting the development of archaeotourism. The study found that, although there are many heritage sites in Malaysia that are still not optimally developed, it was discovered that the archaeotourism sector has a high growth potential. In particular, the government has focused on providing various facilities in the vicinity of the heritage sites to attract tourists. This is because the archaeological sector is seen to be able to provide job opportunities to the local community and simultaneously to improve standards of living.
This study focuses on the prospects of the natural environment for ecotourism development in Bujang valley (Kedah), a protohistoric archaeological heritage site. This is because Bujang valley has the prospects to grow as one of the potential domestic tourism destinations in this country, especially in terms of ecotourism. Blessed with the geographical endowments of hilly terrain, mountains, rivers, waterfalls, beachs, islands, bays and forest reserve, Bujang valley is a suitable destination for tourists to visit. However, with all these specialities, to what extent are the important natural prospects made use of, especially with respect to the development of ecotourism in Bujang valley? In order to answer that question, this study has applied qualitative methods by referring to books, journals and proceedings in the library. Quantitative methods were also applied in this study by conducting field research through questionnaires and interviews to identify the natural prospects for ecotourism development in Bujang valley. The findings discovered that three locations are the main choices of local tourists to visit, namely Pantai Merdeka, Tanjung Dawai and Gunung Jerai. The findings also showed that all locations with natural attractions in Bujang valley have the potential to become ecotourism areas, including Gunung Jerai, Pantai Merdeka, Pulau Sayak and Hutan Simpan Merbok. However, as a whole, in terms of popularity, Gunung Jerai is the most popular tourist destination, followed by Pantai Merdeka and Tanjung Dawai.
This article discusses the challenges faced in sustaining archaeological heritage sites at several limestone caves in Kinta Valley, Perak. Besides being rich in historical elements, both in the form of historical buildings and in the socio-culture of its community, Kinta Valley is also gifted with uniquely beautiful natural features resulting from the formation of limestone caves. More interesting, archaeological remains have been discovered at some of the limestone caves in Kinta Valley. Given all these advantages, this paper studies the extent to which the potential of the heritage sites in Kinta Valley has been exploited, and the challenges faced in the efforts to sustain these sites. Therefore, this conceptual paper will discuss some of the challenges in sustaining the heritage sites, especially the archaeological sites, at a number of limestone caves in Kinta Valley, Perak. In order to produce this paper, qualitative and observational methods have been applied to obtain sources and findings for the study. The findings are that there have been some issues and challenges in the effort to sustain the heritage (archaeological) sites at the limestone caves in Kinta Valley. Among these are the increasing threats to the condition of the sites caused by natural factors such as weathering, shaking and ruins as a result of quarrying activities, and vandalism and developments that have affected the ecology and environmental sustainability of Kinta Valley.
The Bantaeng megalithic site houses megalithic cultural relics, such as terraces (teras berundak), dakon, lumpang batu, menhir, dolmen, stone altars, circular stone (batu temu gelang), tombs, and fences, including fragments of pottery and foreign ceramics on the surface of the site. In addition, residents on the site also preserves and performs traditional megalithic rituals. This study aims to find out the functions and meanings of these megalithic cultural relics using surveys, inventory studies, and interviews to the local community. The results indicate that the megalithic culture functions both as a sacred medium of ritual, and a secular instrument of daily life. Furthermore, some of the elements of megalithic culture have symbolic meaning which are related to social status, cosmic symbols, agriculture, astrology, and religious symbols.
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