LANGKAWI — Pulau Tuba is being positioned as a potential new tourism draw in Langkawi, with its traditional village setting, local cuisine and cultural experiences offering visitors an alternative to conventional holiday attractions.
Kedah Tourism, Culture and Entrepreneurship Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin said the island’s relatively low visitor numbers, despite Langkawi attracting more than three million tourists, indicated significant room for growth.
“Tourist arrivals in Langkawi reach the millions, yet only a small number visit Pulau Tuba. This shows the island has tremendous potential that has yet to be fully developed.
“It offers a sense of tranquillity and an atmosphere that is difficult to find elsewhere. The local community continues to preserve its heritage and traditional cultural values, complemented by an authentic village landscape, including buffaloes roaming freely,” he told reporters, as reported by Bernama.
He said Pulau Tuba’s appeal also extended to its traditional food, with visitors able to sample local seafood such as bronok (sea cucumber) and siput gayam, a type of shellfish associated with the island.
Mohd Salleh said changing tourist preferences presented an opportunity for Pulau Tuba, as travellers increasingly sought experiences rooted in local culture rather than simply modern facilities.
“Tourists today are no longer simply looking for luxurious buildings and facilities, they are seeking unique experiences. I am confident that Pulau Tuba has the potential to become a premier tourism destination, and we will focus on promoting its unique attractions to international visitors.
“The state government recognises Pulau Tuba’s special appeal, so we will not neglect it. Greater focus and attention will be given to the island,” he said.
He said the state government would also organise various programmes and events on the island to increase visitor arrivals and generate economic opportunities for the local community.
The island’s tourism offerings were recently showcased to 31 media practitioners from Kedah, who were given the opportunity to experience its lifestyle, cultural traditions, food and local activities.
The group took part in traditional games, including menarik upih (areca frond racing), and sampled local dishes such as buffalo curry.
With a population of about 5,000, Pulau Tuba is one of the 99 islands that form the Langkawi archipelago.
