WWFM_Hill Stations Study Vol2_2001.pdf - Sdn Bhd - WWF Malaysia

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Study on the Development of Hill Stations Final Report II EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Strengths 80. The main strength of this hill station is its cool climate which is a significant attraction for residents of nearby Taiping and the state capital of Ipoh, as well as other domestic visitors and a small number of foreign visitors. 81. Bukit Larut serves as a nature retreat to the residents of settlements such as Taiping and Ipoh and it also embodies historic, architectural and aesthetic values. The hill station is also serene and scenic and abounds with groves of evergreens and colourful flora and fauna. 82. Bukit Larut possesses one of the richest flora for any hill stations within the country with a significant proportion of it consisting of rare and endemic species. Bukit Larut contains 20% of the total number of Peninsular Malaysia’s fern species and 17% of Malaysian montane orchids. Weaknesses 83. The absence of a statutory land use plan for the Bukit Larut may attract incompatible development proposals that may be detrimental to the hill station and the surrounding heritage sites, particularly the lake gardens. The lack of development controls and guidelines may threaten the natural beauty of the resort through incompatible development proposals. 84. At present the major weakness is that this hill resort is not widely promoted and is relatively unknown especially in foreign markets. It has not been widely promoted even within Malaysia. 85. The tourism infrastructure is poor. The bungalows are in need of upgrading with e.g. better interior decoration, more self-catering facilities and improved heating. Accessibility needs to be improved and there is a clear need for better interpretative and informative signage as well as possible safety problems that could arise from the unstable nature of the slopes. 86. There is limited recent information on biodiversity on Bukit Larut. Although information on the biodiversity of Bukit Larut is available, most of this are derived from old literature and do not reflect the comprehensive range of biodiversity found here. 87. The existing Educational Forest located at the foothill of Bukit Larut and is run by the District Forestry Office, although is a good initiative, lacks publicity, and hence unknown to many visitors. 88. The only known forest trail in Bukit Larut, which leads to the peak of Gunung Hijau has been closed to public. The trail is unmarked and overgrown. These coupled with the fact that the trail is narrow and dangerous in places, pose a safety hazard to users. WWF Malaysia E- 11 December 2001
Study on the Development of Hill Stations Final Report II EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Opportunities 89. Whilst the potential for Bukit Larut by itself to become a major tourist destination is limited, when packaged with Ipoh, Taiping and Kuala Kangsar as part of a sub-regional tourism circuit, considerable benefits could arise. Within such a package this hill station could provide a unique recreation attraction complementing the urban-visitor and cultural-heritage attractions of Ipoh, Taiping and Kuala Kangsar. 90. The undisturbed natural surroundings, which provide a safe haven for flora and fauna, characterizes the image of Bukit Larut. Great potential exists for promoting the biodiversity theme to enhance the image of Bukit Larut as a special tourist destination. 91. There is potential for nature education and interpretation in Bukit Larut. Biodiversity information could be used to enhance visitors’ experience to Bukit Larut as well as their awareness of the importance of this hill station. Information such as the flora and fauna of special interest that are found in Bukit Larut are ideal especially as interpretative materials. Threats 92. The existing Forest Reserves and the water catchment areas may come under pressure from agriculture use as evident form the small patches found particularly at Kuala Kangsar side. 93. Bukit Larut is only one of a number of hill stations in Malaysia and is considerably smaller and less well known than such established resorts as Genting Highlands, Cameron Highlands, Penang Hill and Fraser’s Hill. New hill resorts such as Bukit Tinggi Hill resort in Pahang, given its proximity to the densely populated Klang Valley, is becoming another competitive destination. 94. The possibility of large-scale tourism development could pose a threat to the forest ecosystem in this hill station. Bukit Larut has previously been targeted for development to enhance its image as a tourist destination. In the past, there were several plans for large-scale development but these were shelved due to public protest. 95. The carrying capacity for Bukit Larut was determined by taking into consideration the biodiversity conservation as well as the proposed tourist facilities, and infrastructure improvements that are detailed the Action Plans, and is calculated to be about 120 visitors per day. As a low impact hill resort with nature tourism and local day use recreation as a main tourist theme, the carrying capacity of the nature trails should be a major determinant of current capacity. It is anticipated that the accommodation base would not be a major constraint since most visitors would be expected to be local day visitors rather than tourists staying overnight. There is also a diverse and sizeable stock of accommodation available in Taiping. WWF Malaysia E- 12 December 2001
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3 GUNUNG JERAI
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5 LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL ISSUES
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APPENDIX I REFERENCES
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WWFM_Hill Stations Study Vol2_2001.pdf - Sdn Bhd - WWF Malaysia

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