Malaysia’s community tourism initiatives offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the country’s rich natural heritage while contributing to conservation efforts and supporting local communities.
Feature Image: Baby turtles on Selingan Island. Credit: Sabah Parks
From the crystal-clear waters of Sabah to the lush rainforests of Sarawak, these experiences provide an opportunity to connect with wildlife and help preserve the country’s biodiversity.
We’ve picked out some standout community-based tourism projects across Malaysia that every community-minded traveller will love!
Turtle Conservation in Sabah
Nesting turtle in Sabah. Credit: Sabah Tourism Board.
Sabah’s Turtle Islands Park is a sanctuary for green and hawksbill turtles, both endangered species. Located off the coast of Sandakan, this protected area consists of three islands: Selingan, Gulisan, and Bakungan Kecil. Selingan Island is the main hub for conservation activities and the only island where tourists can stay overnight to witness turtle landings.
Visitors to the island can participate in various conservation activities, including watching turtles come ashore to lay their eggs, a truly unforgettable experience. As part of the project, hatchlings are carefully monitored and released back into the ocean to increase their chances of survival. By engaging in the conservation process, travellers contribute directly to the protection of these majestic creatures.
This initiative not only focuses on preserving turtle populations but also educates local communities and visitors on the importance of marine conservation. The funds generated through tourism help support research, protection efforts, and public awareness programs.
Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre – Sabah
Orang Utan in Sabah. Credit: Sabah Tourism Board.
Also in Sabah, the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre is a world-renowned haven for one of Malaysia’s most iconic animals: the orangutan. Located in the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, this sanctuary was established in 1964 to rehabilitate orphaned and injured orangutans, preparing them for reintroduction into the wild.
Visitors to Sepilok can witness the rehabilitation process first-hand, observing orangutans as they move freely within their natural habitat. By participating in feeding sessions and nature walks, visitors support ongoing efforts to conserve these endangered animals.
Through community tourism, Sepilok has created job opportunities for locals, empowering them as stewards of the environment. This sustainable model helps protect not only orangutans but also the broader rainforest ecosystem, ensuring that future generations can continue to thrive.
Semenggoh Nature Reserve – Sarawak
Semenggoh Nature Reserve. Credit: Sarawak Tourism Board.
Over in Sarawak, the Semenggoh Nature Reserve is another crucial rehabilitation centre, primarily focusing on orangutans as well. Established in 1975, this reserve provides a safe space for rescued and orphaned orangutans to recover and develop the skills needed to survive in the wild.
The reserve offers visitors the chance to observe semi-wild orangutans during feeding times and nature walks. As orangutans are released into the surrounding forest once they are fit for the wild, sightings are not always guaranteed, adding to the authenticity of the experience.
Semenggoh’s mission is intertwined with local community involvement. Indigenous communities are engaged as guides, educators, and conservators, ensuring that tourism revenues benefit the area. This model promotes wildlife conservation and highlights the cultural significance of the region’s flora and fauna.
Kemaman River Terrapin Conservation Project – Terengganu
Rare river terrapins get a shot at survival. Credit: Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia.
On the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, the Kemaman River Terrapin Conservation Project is dedicated to preserving one of the world’s most endangered freshwater turtles, the river terrapin (Batagur affinis). Initiated in 2011 by the Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia (TCS), the project is based along the Kemaman River in Terengganu, where locals work hand-in-hand with conservationists to protect this critically endangered species.
The project engages local villagers as “Terrapin Guardians,” creating sustainable livelihoods through eco-tourism and conservation efforts. Visitors to the project can participate in community-led programs such as river terrapin releases, hatchery visits, and guided boat tours along the river to observe the terrapins’ natural habitat.
In addition to eco-tourism activities, the River Terrapin Conservation Project offers an educational component that raises awareness about the importance of protecting river ecosystems and highlights the role of local communities in sustainable conservation efforts.
Through a women empowerment initiative, local women are supported and empowered to produce turtle batik merchandise, which helps them support their families. Their colorful merchandise has been sold and shipped to numerous countries, including the US, UK, France, China, the Philippines, Singapore, and Australia.
Funds raised through tourism, including the sale of merchandise, are reinvested into terrapin research, habitat restoration, and local community development, making this initiative a model for how community-based tourism can foster environmental stewardship.
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