Tourism authorities of Langkawi have decided to promote Tuba Island’s natural beauty and unique cultures, with the hope of placing putting the remote island on the map as a potential tourist destination. According to reports, the island is home to around 3,000 people, majority of who are fishermen and farmers.
Many years ago, Tuba Island had around 30 homestay operators but at present, there are only 13, of which 10 are active. Non-profit community Friends of Langkawi Geopark (FLAG) that work towards promoting the concept of Geoparks is working closely with these operators to upscale their premises and upskill their talents so they can provide visitors with an authentic Malay kampong experience.
Rosly Selamat, committee member of NGO Friends of Langkawi Geopark (FLAG), said in that the availability of scheduled passenger boat services between Kuah and Tuba Island since early last year has made the island accessible to tourists. However he also mentioned that Tuba Island continues to remain an unknown destination for many locals outside of Langkawi as well as foreign tourists.
He also shared that authorities believe homestay visitors will enjoy experiencing the culture and lifestyle of the locals and the action will be a draw to attract domestic tourists from cities to make a day trip or overnight stay on Tuba Island. He said that they are also to market the island to foreign tourists by enhancing collaboration with some of the local inbound agents when the border reopens for international tourism later.
He added that the organisation is also considering options to secure micro-credits from financial institutions, including government soft loan facilities to allow the operators to purchase needed supplies to upscale their premises. Each homestay could do well in terms of providing bicycles to their guests. Tuba Island is part of the Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park, rich with great limestone formations, marbles and unique geological features.
FLAG also plans to set up a website to promote the island’s natural beauty and tourism products including homestays and link the site to Langkawi Development Authority’s website and other related tourism websites in order to give the island greater exposure.
