Homestay programme development in the Northern Region of Peninsular Malaysia: Profile, products and prospects

The homestay programme is a form of community-based tourism which offers tourists the experience of local nature and rural lifestyle. It is a programme that is fast catching attention in the Northern Development Region of Malaysia as it serves as a platform for engaging the local community in harnessing the economic potentials of local cultural resources and preserving the environment. This article presents the findings of a field study which looked into the development of a homestay programme in the region. The homestay programme comprised 26 homestays (9 in Penang, 14 in Kedah and 3 in Perlis) and involved 552 operators. It was found that the majority of operators were 40-60 years old females, married with children and had secondary education. The main natural attractions were the Gua Kelam (the Kelam Caves) and the Herb Garden in Perlis, the Penang island itself especially since it has been recognised by UNESCO as a world heritage site, and the historic island of Langkawi. Major cultural attractions revolved around the lifestyle of the northern Malays in particular their customs and dialects. In conclusion, the homestay programme does have the potential to become a vital development resource for the region in line with the goals outlined in the country’s Rural Tourism Master Plan.