Promote small towns to tourists

THE 10th Malaysia Plan unveiled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak is geared at propelling Malaysia to the top 10 of global tourism in 2015. Undoubtedly, sheer hard work is required to attain this ranking.
The Tourism Minister has identified countries such as Russia, China, India and those in the Middle East as potential targets in attracting more tourists.
Besides these, emerging economic giants like Brazil and the Scandinavian countries could also be potential targets. The right message has to be conveyed to achieve the desired number, not the mundane stuff.
One of the measures is to ensure that Kuala Lumpur, George Town, Johor Baru, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu would be made more attractive and livable with parks, public squares, walkways and waterfronts to attract tourists.
Smaller towns should also be promoted for their attractions, particularly in eco-tourism. One such town I can think of is Raub.
Somehow, the smaller towns continue to appeal to me. I guess after the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur and its mind-boggling traffic jams, I yearn for the peace and tranquility of a hamlet that still harks back to the old days. One such town is Kuala Lipis, which in many ways remains unspoilt by modernity.
Kuala Lipis was the capital of Pahang for 57 years, from 1898 until Aug 27, 1955 when Kuantan was picked as the new capital.
Oblivious to many is the richness of the town’s history and its attractions, which include the 14 heritage buildings, among them the administrative buildings, Clifford Secondary School and the post office.
Kuala Lipis was at one time also famous for the “rumah rakit” or raft houses, built on the river by people living adjacent to the banks. Each house had a bedroom, a living room and kitchen. However, such houses are no longer a feature nowadays.
Notwithstanding its old-fashioned appeal, Kuala Lipis has many congenial activities for any visitor. The town presents a comforting atmosphere for rest and recreation. In its midst is an unpolluted and clean recreational lake, Empang Jaleh, not too far away from the town centre.
This place is popularly known for picnics and excursions for both tourists and locals. It is a hive of activity, especially during weekends and school holidays.
Perhaps, Kuala Lipis is noted as an alternative entry point to Taman Negara, and one of the three embarkation points to Gunung Tahan, the highest mountain in peninsular Malaysia at 2,187 metres above sea level.
I believe that more promotional activities should be undertaken to promote Kuala Lipis as a tourist destination, and to refurbish and maintain the town’s structures.
Tourism Malaysia should aggressively promote small towns like Kuala Lipis as a centre for eco-tourism as not all foreigners are here to shop or marvel at our iconic Twin Towers.

JAMES GONZALES,Kuala Lumpur.