Blessed with natural beauty, the area around Dakoh, Pos Balar in Kelantan offers a comprehensive tourism package with immense potential to attract enthusiasts of extreme motorsports and 4x4 off-roading adventures.
Integrated collaboration among various agencies to develop the area’s ecotourism sector could further boost local socio-economic conditions – particularly for the Orang Asli community – while simultaneously opening up broader entrepreneurial opportunities for villagers.
Kelantan State Department of Culture and Arts (JKKN) director Rohaniza Abdullah said the heritage and cultural elements could generate returns and drive economic growth within the Orang Asli community.
“They (the Orang Asli) can turn these natural resources into a source of income. However, efforts by the authorities to enhance their expertise must be continuous, without compromising the authenticity of the community’s traditional arts,” she said recently.
Galas assemblyman Datuk Mohd Syahbuddin Hashim said this initiative requires careful planning, including upgrading existing infrastructure to ensure the comfort and safety of tourists.
He said that proactive measures by relevant agencies – including the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, which acts as the policy lead and grant provider for facility upgrades – align with the government’s aim to ensure the Orang Asli community directly benefits economically from the domestic tourism sector.
“Dakoh offers visitors a tranquil forest atmosphere at a very affordable price. However, tourists are advised to obtain prior approval from the relevant authorities, as the route traverses a Permanent Forest Reserve area where there is a risk of wildlife encounters,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kelantan Department of National Unity and Integration (JPNIN) deputy director, Mohd Anuari Mohd Yusof, said his department will play a role in ensuring the Orang Asli community is not left out of the mainstream unity agenda while promoting and ensuring the success of the community-based ecotourism concept in the village.
“We view Dakoh as a destination that should be preserved and upgraded in collaboration with the local Orang Asli community.
“JPNIN will play a role in ensuring that this minority cultural heritage is recognised, preserved, and promoted as part of the Madani society’s identity and the national integration agenda,” he said.
A visitor, Mohd Halim Mohamed Zaid, 47, said that staying in the area of Dakoh was nice as it had a serene atmosphere, surrounded by peaceful nature.
“I came to Dakoh with friends to engage in extreme sports activities and stayed in a chalet that offered comfortable, fully equipped basic amenities – including ample parking, a hall, cooking facilities, and a playing field suitable for a family getaway.
“The experience of travelling and staying in the heart of this tropical rainforest is vastly different from daily city life.
“Here, we can truly appreciate the beauty of nature and listen to the soothing sounds of rushing water and forest wildlife,” said the Kuala Lumpur resident.
He added that if the area were further improved, more visitors would choose it as their preferred tourism destination.
Colourful festival
Meanwhile, in other news, a total of 1,500 dancers and cultural arts practitioners from various regions and communities nationwide are set to enliven the Colours of Parade event, which is held in conjunction with the Sept 24-Oct 4 Citrawarna Speed Festival 2026.
Tourism Malaysia said the procession will feature traditional music, dances, colourful fashion displays and various cultural performances. There are two key events – Colours of Speed and Colours of Art & Culture – which will be held at selected locations, including the IOI City Mall Putrajaya, KL International Airport Terminal 1 and Sama-Sama Hotel, Tourism Malaysia said in a statement. – Bernama
