The objectives of this project were:
(i) To expose tourist guides to knowledge in astronomy.
(ii) To equip them with extra skills in entrepreneurship and astro-tour hospitality and service.
(iii) To revamp the tourism sector in Peninsular Malaysia with a new niche in astronomy tourism.
Activities
The original plan was to conduct a 10-day physical course. However, due to the tour guides needing to work post-pandemic for economic survival and being unable to take extended time off from work, online classes were organised, supplemented by one-on-one training sessions, and followed by a 3-day, 2-night physical camp. An online evening class was held for seven subsequent weeks, starting on June 25, 2023. The curriculum included:
– Week 1: Ice breaking and introduction to astrotourism.
– Weeks 2 and 3: Basics of astronomy and the night sky.
– Week 4: Astronomy instruments and observation techniques.
– Week 5: Photography and landscape astrophotography.
– Week 6: Skylore and cultural heritage.
– Week 7: Professionalism, marketing, promotion, and networking
– In the 8th class, trainees were assigned to conduct their own observations or participate in public events for the Perseid meteor shower. Observation sites included Kuala Kubu Bharu (Selangor), Kuala Sepetang (Perak), Langkawi (Kedah), Kuala Merang (Terengganu), Timah Tasoh (Perlis), Sedili Kechil (Johor), and Tasik Ahning (Kedah).
– The 9th class involved one-on-one training sessions with trainers. Trainers traveled to the trainees’ workplaces for personal discussions on meeting their plans and job scopes. Trainees also had the opportunity to access local observatories, learn starcharts, and handle telescopes.
– In the 10th class, all trainees attended a 3-day, 2-night astronomy festival in Kuala Kubu Bharu. Activities included repeated training on telescope handling and starchart reading, experiencing a planetarium show, hands-on mirrorless camera usage for landscape astrophotography, and sharing experiences with the public on nocturnal wildlife.
Out of 20 trainees, 3 actively promoted astronomy education and tourism via NGOs, 2 associated with observatories, 5 introduced new stargazing tour packages through resorts and tour agencies, 1 conducted freelance tours, and 2 introduced astronomy as part of tourism courses, while 7 are still in the process of establishing themselves.
Tourism Malaysia and the Ministry of Tourism acknowledged astrotourism as a new niche for Malaysia. Within a year, Kuala Kubu Bharu, Perlis, and Sik, Kedah were highlighted as astrotourism hotspots, with ongoing efforts in Johor, Negeri Sembilan, and Pahang. The Kuala Kubu Bharu astronomy tourism project received full support from the Hulu Selangor City Council, which promoted KKB Stargazing in Borneo airline magazine, Shinjuku and Berlin Tour Festivals, and attracted attention from the Royal Highness of Selangor.
Additionally, parallel projects such as the Bima Sakti di Langit KKB, Selangor Astronomy Passport and Reclaiming the Night Sky for Perak were launched, receiving supplementary grants. Two star parties were organized, assembling up to 40 telescopes with the support of the Hulu Selangor City Council. This initiative also was featured in a three-page spread in The Star newspaper, discussing astrotourism and night sky protection.
Outcomes
(1) 4 tour companies introducing custom astro/night tour packages to their ecotourism niche: Kuala Sepetang Eco-Adventure (1 guide), JungleWalla Desaru (2 guides), Darulaman Sanctuary (1 guide), and Tanjak Adventure Tour (2 guides).
(2) 5 observatories partnering with astroguides to bring guests to the facilities: Kusza Observatory (2 guides), Kota Bharu Observatory (2 guides), Selangor Observatory (2 guides), Teluk Kemang Observatory (1 guide), Sheikh Tahir Astronomy Centre (3 guides).
(3) 2 tourism institute/organization introducing astronomy education and tourism syllabus as part of tourism certificate: GeoTraining Studio (1 guide), Penang Tourist Guide Association (1 guide).
(4) 3 5-star resorts offering stargazing packages to guests: Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villa (1 guide), One & Only Desaru Coast (1 guide), and The Datai Langkawi (1 guide).
(5) Adoption of astrotourism by 3 city councils: Hulu Selangor City Council, Sik District Council, and Kuala Langat City Council (in progress).
(6) Development of 2 astroparks: Ayer Hitam Utara State Park by Johor Forestry Department and Ulu Muda Forest Reserve by Kedah Forestry Department (in progress).
(7) Promotion/publicity by 2 national tourism boards: Tourism Malaysia and The Habitat Foundation (Sustainable Tourism Malaysia).
(8) Securing 3 additional grants for continued initiatives: Tourism Selangor for ‘Bima Sakti di Langit KKB’ and ‘Selangor Astronomy Passport’, also Environmental Accelerator Perak for light pollution awareness.