Volunteer Tourism Development in Malaysia: A Case Study in Bukit Belungkor, Johor

Abstract

Volunteer tourism is a relatively new tourism sector that is being actively promoted in Malaysia nowadays. Volunteer tourism acts as a link between nature-based and community-based tourism. This creates a mutually beneficial connection that encourages responsible tourism. Volunteer tourism generally holds a low level of awareness in Malaysia. This study aims to investigate ways volunteer tourism can help empower local communities and tourists at Bukit Belungkor, Kota Tinggi, Johor. These communities should work together voluntarily to help sustain and conserve the natural ecosystem within Bukit Belungkor. This study gathered data from a questionnaire, stakeholder engagement, and interviews with volunteers. Data from the survey were analyzed by using Microsoft Excel to evaluate the results of pre- and post-program questionnaires. The mean value of each question was calculated and compared via a t test to gauge the tourist’s level of knowledge and experience after volunteering at Bukti Belungkor. Our study discovered eight stakeholders from government and non-governmental organizations that are directly involved in the volunteer tourism initiative. Twenty-four respondents who joined the volunteer tourism program at Bukit Belungkor answered the survey. From the survey, we discovered that the knowledge of volunteer tourists on volunteer tourism, biodiversity, and stingless bee increased after joining the program. Volunteer tourism acted as a platform for the participants to deepen their knowledge through hands-on activities and engagement. From the survey results, we suggested an improved volunteer tourism package for Bukit Belungkor. The new tourism package is an advanced package with the addition of activities, a new price range, and a longer program duration to attract more volunteer tourists to Bukit Belungkor.