Regardless, Langkawi is situated in the Northernmost part of Peninsular Malaysia. Other ‘dark sky areas’ within 3-4 Bortle scale that are still within reach are Perlis, Kubang Pasu, Padang Terap, Sik and Baling. The ideal condition of these areas in term of availability and accessibility making it a plus point for astro-tourism. To note, Bortle Dark-Sky Scale is a nine-level numeric scale that measures the night sky’s brightness ranges from Class 1, the darkest through Class 9, for inner-city skies.
We plan to conduct basic to moderate level astronomy short course to 20-most financially affected Langkawi tour guides who are registered with Langkawi Tourist Guide Association (LTGA). Our aims are:
i) to expose and later train the tour guides with knowledge in astronomy and navigation;
ii) to equip them with extra skills on mobile entrepreneurship and astro-tour hospitality and service; and
iii) to revamp the tourism sector in the Northern region with new niche on astronomy tourism.
This project will make use of the national astronomical facility – Langkawi National Observatory under the governance of Malaysian Space Agency (MySA) as a training hub, with support from Tourism Malaysia, Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) and National Corridor Economic Region Implementation Authority (NCIA).
Activities
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
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.
