Tourists queueing up at Selangor Tourism information counter at the PKCT in Port Klang. — Photos: Courtesy of Tourism Selangor
SHORE excursion packages for passengers of ships docking at the Port Klang Cruise Terminal (PKCT) at Westport can be huge income generators for the Selangor tourism industry.
Recognising this potential and in line with Visit Selangor Year (VSY) 2025, Tourism Selangor is placing greater emphasis on providing a variety of tourism options for passengers coming ashore at PKCT.
Among them are private shore excursions, day-trips and tours, said Selangor local government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim.
“Most of the time, the cruise travellers have about six to eight hours on land.
“Many choose culturally immersive excursions, seeing colonial buildings or enjoying local food with a family in a village, rather than going to a shopping mall,” he said.
Istana Alam Shah at Jalan Istana is a popular tourist attraction in Klang.
Ng said there was also growing demand for eco-friendly as well as personalised tours such as white-water rafting.
For eco-tourism, he said there was Mangrove Point, a park amid the lush setting of mangrove trees within a coastal forest in Port Klang.
“Given the few hours that scruise passengers have on land, Mangrove Point is ideal and they could enjoy the local sea food,” he added.
Ng said this trend of shore excursions augured well for the cruise market.
“Selangor has much to offer and the activities here are a key selling point. Tourism Selangor has placed a counter at PKCT to promote the shore excursions.
“It is a major earner of foreign exchange, drives job creation and is critical to economic resilience,” he said.
(use this) Ng says Selangor had lots of attractions for cruise passengers.
He said 39 cruise ships docked at PKCT throughout 2024, bringing in a total of 522,600 passengers.
“With VSY 2025, we are encouraging and supporting those able to attract tourists through the main gateways at airports and the cruise terminal in Selangor.”
Tourism Selangor Promosi Sdn Bhd operations manager Arshad Mustapa said shore excursions were important for the enhancement of the overall cruise experience.
“Our entrepreneurs who offer tourists activities must provide packages that would draw tourists. Shore excursions serve as a gateway into Selangor’s natural landscape, rich culture and history.
Tourists shopping for gold jewellery at Jalan Tengku Kelana in Little India.
“Excursions offered must mesmerise the tourists and allow them to engage with the spirit of the places they visit and hold good memories.”
Arshad said travellers were looking for unique and meaningful experiences that offered deeper understanding of the places they visited.
“Activities such as buying the local stingless bee honey, seeing the harvesting of the honey at the farm and tours that focus on local stories and culture are a draw,” he added.
(use this) Mangrove Point is an eco tourism attraction in Port Klang.-Courtesy pix
Arshad said there was also varied interest among cruise passengers based on age groups.
The younger generation, he said, loved the old and unique cafes for their social media videos while the older generation preferred historical experiences on guided city tours.
“We need more impressive offerings beyond just the standard sightseeing tours,” he said.
(use this)- Abd Hamid (left) discusses tourism plans with Arshad.
Arshad added that the cruise sector was expected to be the fastest-growing part of the travel industry over the next three years, representing a major opportunity for travel agents, car rental and tourist guides.
Klang mayor Datuk Abd Hamid Hussain said the Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) was improving the softscape along council roads outside the PKCT.
“With the right combination of large leaves and flowering plants, we plan to create a garden like environment with a tropical feel. Our aim is to create a calm retreat using hardy plants that withstand the sea breeze and heat,” he said.
One of the facilities for visitors at the Mangrove Point.
He also said MBDK has drawn up a tourism calendar for Klang city highlighting the unique aspects of the community and its attractive destination.
“Whether through weekend food festivals or cultural celebrations, these simple events can bring visitors and boost local tourism,” he said.
Klang’s Little India is a popular shopping spot for tourists. — CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
Abd Hamid added that attracting tourists required strategic planning and creative ideas.
“We will explore simple yet effective events that can draw visitors to Port Klang and boost local tourism and invigorate the economy.
A tourist walks in to the Port Klang Cruise Terminal in Port Klang.
“Tourism is a powerful economic driver for bringing in revenue, giving job opportunities and fostering a sense of local pride,” he said.
Abd Hamid added that the city council was committed to welcome all visitors and ensure the arrival of cruise liners brought lasting benefits for Port Klang and Selangor as a whole.
