Local tourism potentials as perceived by the local community: The case of Matu Daro, Sarawak

The tourism industry contributes to the national economy and local development. It also gives, through direct and indirect involvement, positive impact on the local community itself by improving its quality of life and well-being . Hence, the rationale for the identification of the tourism potential in a locality. This paper gauges the tourism potential of Matu-Daro, Sarawak as perceived by the local community based on the findings of a field survey. The study identified three main areas of tourism potential, namely, cultural and heritage tourism, agro-tourism and ecotourism . The oldest Melanau Longhouse in the world, Tomb of the Orang Kaya Segunim and Pesta Kaul would be the main cultural and heritage tourist attraction while the production of traditional sago, and traditional rice cultivation would be the anchor of agro-tourism. The main ecotourism attractions would revolve around the unique local mangrove forests and the aesthetic Rajang River. In conclusion, as perceived by the local community the Matu-Daro District has real commercial development potentials through the tourism sector.