Kong Kong is one of the hidden gems in Pasir Gudang and has the potential to be developed further as an ecotourism destination.
Many hidden gems yet to be developed, including ecotourism destinations, say stakeholders
VISIT Pasir Gudang Year 2025 should be postponed as many of the city’s tourism attractions are not yet fully developed, say residents and business owners.
Kampung Baru Masai village chief Dr Chua Ching Hao said sites such as the Kampung Baru Pasir Gudang mussel farm boat ride as well as the ceramic village and crocodile farm in Tanjung Langsat were still awaiting upgrades scheduled for next year.
ALSO READ: ‘City not ready for Visit Pasir Gudang Year 2025’
“Pasir Gudang faces significant challenges in attracting tourists due to its poor public transport system, including limited bus services.
“Road congestion and inadequate infrastructure are hampering efforts to make key attractions more accessible.”
Green oasis: Taman Tasik Pasir Gudang is one of the many lakes and green areas in Pasir Gudang city.
Chua said this resulted in the city being known only for its annual international kite festival which takes place every February at Bukit Layang-Layang.
“We should promote other attractions in the city; hidden gems such as Tasik Biru in Seri Alam and the floating chalets in Kong Kong still remain underdeveloped.
“Relying on one major event limits the city’s appeal as a year-round destination, and Pasir Gudang risks being viewed as a one-dimensional location unless it offers a broader range of attractions,” he opined.
The Tanjung Langsat and Kong Kong areas also have mangrove forests rich in biodiversity, with potential as ecotourism destinations.
Chua: Relying on one major event limits the city’s appeal as a year-round destination.
“Guided tours, bird-watching activities and mangrove conservation projects could attract environmentally conscious travellers.
“Developing boardwalks, observation towers and educational centres in this area would provide visitors with unique experiences while raising awareness of the need for environmental preservation,” said Chua.
Tanjung Langsat could also attract those interested in capturing photos of planes taking off and landing at the airport in Singapore, he added.
Diverse attractions
Local coffeeshop owner Alif Farhan Sham Shul echoed these sentiments, saying that any tourism programme should feature a variety of attractions to encourage families to spend time in the city.
Alif noted that Pasir Gudang was mainly known for its industrial areas, with Bukit Layang-Layang being the only place for family outings.
“To be honest, nothing else comes to mind; the 2019 chemical pollution crisis remains fresh in people’s minds and has likely discouraged visitors,” he said.
Alif suggested that smaller community events might be a better approach to attract visitors rather than large-scale initiatives.
Alif Farhan: 2019 chemical pollution crisis remains fresh in people’s minds.
“These smaller events could support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly youth-led businesses, while also creating a buzz.
“Such programmes are a practical way of boosting the city’s appeal without requiring significant resources, benefitting both residents and businesses,” he noted.
Freelance photographer Chin Guan Ming highlighted the need to upgrade public transportation, including introducing shuttle services to connect major attractions.
Beautiful setting of Tasik Layang-Layang.
“Improving road conditions and reducing traffic congestion are equally important; Pasir Gudang is infamous for its potholes and heavy traffic.
“Enhancing recreational facilities such as jogging tracks, picnic areas and playgrounds will help make the city more family-friendly.
“Creating night markets or food festivals near Tasik Layang-Layang would create a lively atmosphere that would attract both locals and tourists,” he said, adding that such initiatives could help attract residents who might otherwise travel outside the city for leisure activities.
Nur Diana: There is great potential in Pasir Gudang’s lakes and rivers for recreational tourism.
Student Nur Diana Md Zaki pointed out the potential of Pasir Gudang’s lakes and rivers for recreational tourism.
“Investing in water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding and boating could draw adventure enthusiasts to the area,” she said.
She also pointed to the city’s cultural offerings such as local crafts, performing arts and traditional dishes like laksa Johor and nasi briyani gam that could help Pasir Gudang develop a distinct identity.
Pasir Gudang International Kite Festival takes place every February at Bukit Layang Layang.
Nur Diana added that creating cultural villages or organising food trails would be a good way to enhance the city’s tourism appeal.
The city should ensure that its public parks and amenities are disabled and elderly friendly, civil servant S. Sangeetha said.
“Even places like Bukit Layang-Layang should be upgraded to cater to those using wheelchairs; more seating areas should also be provided, especially for the elderly.
Many say Pasir Gudang lacks good public transport.
“There should also be better management of traffic flow because the city is often affected by massive congestion every time there are events or large-scale programmes.”
She added that Luna Lights Wonderland, which stopped in Bukit Layang-Layang during its nationwide tour, should be made a permanent feature of Pasir Gudang’s tourism calendar.
