ADVENTURE TOURISM IN : 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, . 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:

TYPES ACTIVITY 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 X Activities 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 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 (20.4 million), (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, and are easily within reach with the mix of development and nature attractions. Sabak Bernam, 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 Sabak Bernam Recreational Centre 2. Camping Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) Gunung Nuang Hulu Langat Hutan Lipur Sungai Tua Gombak Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang Serdang (MAEPS) Taman Botani Negara Shah Alam Taman Eko-Rimba Kanching Rawang Commonwealth Forest Park Rawang Sungai Tekala Hulu Langat Sungai Congkak Hulu Langat Sungai Sendat Sungai Pertak Recreational Forest Hulu Selangor 3. Caving Dark Cave Gombak 4. Cycling Forest Research Institute Malaysia Kepong (FRIM) Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang Serdang (MAEPS) Paya Indah Wetlands Dengkil Taman Botani Negara Shah Alam Shah Alam 5. Eco-Tourism Fireflies () Kuala Selangor Fireflies (Sungai Pakeh) Sabak Bernam Kuala Selangor Nature Park Kuala Selangor Klang Klang Sky Mirror Kuala Selangor Blue Tears Kuala Selangor Sky Trex Adventure Hulu Langat 6. Fishing Freshwater Fish Park Kuala Kuala Selangor 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 Kuala Selangor Bukit Saga Kuala Langat Bukit Kuala Langat Chiling Waterfalls and Mahseer Fish Sanctuary Forest Research Institute Malaysia Kepong (FRIM) 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 Chiling Waterfalls Kuala Kubu Bharu (Tubing) 13. Others Air Rider 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 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 Kuala Langat Hampar Mahkota Puri Palace Klang Raja Mahadi Fort Klang 4. Local Fairs Gombak 5. Education National Botanical Garden Shah Shah Alam Alam Sungai Karang Forest Reserve Sabak Bernam Hornbill Observatory Centre 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 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, Extreme Park, Scream Park) with unlimited rides.

TICKET/ PRICE ADULT CHILD 12 & BELOW SENIORS 60 & ABOVE

Malaysians RM 138 RM 113 RM 170 Non-Malaysians RM 202 RM 113 RM 170

However, an extra fee is applicable to most of the activities in the Extreme Park (Bungy Jump, G Force X, Go Kart, Paintball Combat).

3. White-Water Rafting White water rafting on Sungai Selangor is another popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts. With river rapid ranges from grade 2 to 4, Sungai Selangor is considerably safe yet challenging.

All white-water is graded using an international system and can range from safe to life threatening.

Class 1 – no rapids, flat water Class 2 – mild rapids, suitable for children and anyone seeking an enjoyable experience Class 3 – larger rapids, requiring a little more skill but with little real danger Class 4 – powerful rapids, needing more advanced techniques Class 5 – heart-stopping rapids, for the brave only Class 6 – Extreme

According to Skyscanner; “White-water rafting in Selangor is one of Malaysia’s most popular white-water trips for two reasons. First, it’s a long river with lots of challenging rapids that aren’t quite as dangerous. Second, it’s the closest white-water option to Kuala Lumpur and makes for a suitable day trip.

One can choose between the Upper Selangor, which is more sedate but still has some good riffles and runs, or the 7-kilometre roller coaster of grade III and IV rapids that is the Lower Selangor”.

The activity takes about 3-5 hours depend on the water level and size of group. However, this river is highly dependent on the water release from Selangor Dam. The release is decided by the resevoir authorities.

Source: Iroamingholiday

Location: Sungai Selangor, Kuala Kubu Bharu

Entrance Fees: There are few guided tours available with different prices and offerings. For example this package from Xventure Mind:

RM175.00 per person (minimum 5pax) Package includes: • Lunch • Equiptment • Guides

Physical-Based Activities (Indoor)

1. AirRider Indoor Skydiving Fancy the idea of free fall skydiving but the risks put you off? Let’s try indoor skydiving instead!

The first and only indoor skydiving operator in Malaysia, AirRider in 1 Utama offers the experience of indoor skydiving centre which simulates the freefalling aspect of skydiving but without having to parachute off a plane. It’s a wind assisted activity housed within a 360 degree glass flight chamber in 1 Utama.

Suitable for those aged 3 years and above, the activity will be assisted by trained instructors who are all qualified through the International Bodyflight Association (IBA).

Source: Indoorskydivingsource

Location: AirRider Indoor Skydiving - 1 Utama E, Petaling Jaya

How much: There are few packages available depending on the experience level:

TYPE 2 FLIGHTS 4 FLIGHTS 10 FLIGHTS 10 FLIGHTS Price From RM89 From RM159 From RM369 From RM399 Descriptions -Beginner The best Ideal for Share the package package for those who ultimate flying that those a little are keen to experience with introduces more fast track friends and indoor adventurous at their skill family! skydiving heart. Double progression one-on-one flight time for and really 10 flights shared with the same freefall want to learn by up to 5 Instructor. time as 4 to fly! people Perfect for all skydives from ages and 14,000 feet! 10 flights for 1 abilities. person 4 flights for 1 2 flights for 1 person person

Source: AirRider 2. District 21 District 21 is an adventure theme park located in Putrajaya. The first of its kind, it is a huge post-apocalyptic themed action that incorporates 10 adventure attractions with varying levels of difficulty and thrill factors.

The attractions are Go-Pedal, Pump Track, Power Station, Low Ropes, Launch Pad, The Maze, Free Fall, Sky Trail, Tubby Ride, and Roller Glider that allows visitors to get climbing, jumping, riding, sliding and flying.

If you are afraid of heights, Sky Trail is certainly not for you as it has over 20 obstacles, that is set high up above the ground. Younger kids can try the Low Ropes, the kiddy-version of Sky Trail.

The Power Station is meant for the brave souls that exhilarates more excitement to rock climbing with its interactive walls fitted with auto- belays. Meanwhile, Free Fall gives visitors a taste of free falling from a plane while fitted with a cord.

Steer through a complex structure of tunnels, cages and platforms at the giant ball Maze or through a series of bumps at the Pump Track on a wheel of choice—bicycle, scooter or skateboard.

Weight & Height Restriction applies at all attractions.

Source: IOICityMall

Location: IOI City Mall, Putrajaya

Entrance Fees:

TICKET TYPE PRICE PER PERSON Weekdays RM 68 School holidays, weekends and public holidays RM 85 Non-Active Ticket RM 10

3. FlowRider® 1 Utama Looking for something different? Experience the indoor wave surfing at FlowRider® 1 Utama. The first indoor flowriding and surfing simulator in Malaysia, it is located in 1 Utama Shopping Centre and a growing sports scene that is a hybrid boardsport combining the techniques of surfing, snowboarding, skateboarding, wakeboarding and skimboarding.

Beginner or expert,one can catch a perpetual wave with the guidance of professional instructors. Enjoy the flawless waves at a 32 km/h created by endless sheets of water on composite vinyl surface. Submersible propeller pumps located in the pool below inject a 3 inch sheet of water creating a surfable wave, allowing riders surf up and down and perform tricks and spins.

The surface is made of a soft and bouncy material so riders will not get hurt. Note that children aged 3 or below are not allowed and one must be over 107cm to bodyboard and over 122cm to perform a standup ride on the FlowRider.

Source: Fatindays.com Location: 1 Utama, Petaling Jaya

Entrance Fees:

MALAYSIAN NON-MALAYSIAN Weekend & Weekend & Weekday Weekday Public Holiday Public Holiday (RM) (RM) (RM) (RM) 1 Hour 45 55 55 65 Session Normal Rate 2 HOUR 80 100 100 120 SESSION Children 1 Hour 40 50 50 60 (>107cm Session Height & 2 HOUR < 12 Years SESSION 70 90 90 110 Old)

CONCLUSION

Adventure tourism undoubtedly is getting more appealing among the travellers due to its diversified segment of activities. It offers more genuine, unique and rare experiences for the travellers.

It is a sector that is resilient, attracts high value customers and support local economies. Interestingly, due to its characteristics adventure tourism promotes and encourages environment sustainable practices. With all the benefits the sector offers, Selangor needs to gear up and be ready to tap on the potential of adventure tourism.

The state is blessed with extensive list of attractions and thus, the relevant stakeholders must play their role efficiently and effectively so Selangor will be the top choice among local and international travellers who love the adventure tourism. .