A trek up the hill via a “via ferrata” trail at Pulau Lang Tengah in Terengganu has become the latest attraction for extreme sports enthusiasts.
A via ferrata is a protected climbing route, in which ropes, cables and ladders are fixed to a mountain or hill to assist climbers, hikers and walkers.
Tourism Malaysia eastern region director Hafiz Hazin said that the Pulau Lang Tengah Via Ferrata is a big boost to the tourism industry of the island destinations in Terengganu, and will be perfect for when the government allows interstate travel.
“Tourists normally make a beeline for the islands in Terengganu to ejoy the bountiful marine life and corals through snorkelling and scuba diving.
“Pulau Lang Tengah now offers this via feratta, a new product introduced by Summer Bay Resort.
“Tourism Malaysia eastern region is always ready to support the initiative and creativity of industry players to promote the country’s tourism sector for a speedy recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic,” Hafiz said to a group of tourist agents and 16 Terengganu media personnel who were invited to try the via ferrata recently.
The boat ride to Pulau Lang Tengah, located between Pulau Redang and Pulau Perhentian, takes 45 minutes from the Merang jetty. For now, only two resorts are in operation on the island which used to attract many tourists before the pandemic.
Summer Bay Resort executive chairman Chong Fah Ming said the via ferrata has been rendered a safe extreme sport and has received approval from the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry as well as the Kuala Terengganu Municipal Council.
“A comprehensive study and the construction of the iron trail have been carried out by experienced consultants and contractors, while the resort itself has four licensed drivers in position to guide tourists for a safe experience.
“The trail is just 200m long and 80m above sea level, but it promises a rare experience for climbers.
“We are also planning to introduce more extreme sport activities in the near future to draw tourists to the island,” Chong said, adding that they spent over RM200,000 to create the via ferrata.
Meanwhile, media personnel who took the chance to try the via ferrata said that it was a great activity for extreme sports enthusiasts, notably for the younger generation.
Sin Chew Jit Poh reporter Lew I Ling rated it as a worthwhile experience and a good personal challenge.
“It was thrilling to be clinging on (to the cable) along the trail, and exhilarating when we reached the peak as we were rewarded with a breathtaking view,” she said.
TV3 journalist Mohd Ishak Abdillah Ngah, on the other hand, said he had been excited about the activity since learning about it.
“As a Terengganu born-and-bred local, I am impressed with this new product at Pulau Lang Tengah and I know it will be popular with tourists.
“Hopefully it will bring a positive socio-economic impact for local residents, too,” he said. – Bernama
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