SEMAI FOREST CULTURAL VILLAGE: CULTURAL ECOTOURISM CENTRE FOR ORANG ASAL SEMAI IN CAMERON HIGHLAND, PAHANG

Abstract

This study presents research on the development of a cultural ecotourism centre for Orang Asal Semai located in Cameron Highland, Pahang, Malaysia. The study aims to promote ecotourism while promoting and preserving the Orang Asal Semai’s culture. The Semai clan, is a native indigenous group in Peninsular Malaysia. The proposed cultural ecotourism centre will serve as the main hub for community development and growth, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation. In return, the centre offers visitors immersive and unforgettable experience such as building traditional crafts, storytelling, trekking, medicine and herbs making, and educational workshops. It is a place for visitors to dwell themselves in the Semai way of life. This initiative is supported by the participation of the Semai people in Cameron Highlands, ensuring the community hands on involvement, leading to the planning, management, and the operation of the cultural centre. By nurturing this cross-cultural exchange, this project improves the preservation of the Semai culture while serves as a model for Orang Asal led ecotourism.