Luận văn tourist expectation towards sustainable ecotourism a case study of perhentian island kecil

THAI NGUYEN UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY

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REMBERTH REAL ANGELO MANTALA CABANGBANG JR.

TOURIST EXPECTATION TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE ECOTOURISM:

A CASE STUDY OF PERHENTIAN ISLAND KECIL TERENGGANU,

MALAYSIA

BACHELOR THESIS

Study Mode : Full-time

Major : Environmental Science and Management

Faculty : International Programs Office

Batch : 2013-2017

Thai Nguyen, 2017

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DOCUMENTATION PAGE WITH ABSTRACT

Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry

Degree Program Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management

Student name Remberth Real Angelo Mantala Cabangbang Jr.

Student ID DTN1454290057

Thesis Title Tourist Expectation towards Sustainable Ecotourism: A Case

Study of Perhentian Island Kecil Terengganu, Malaysia.

Supervisor (s) Dr. Norhayati Bin Hj Shariff

Msc. Do Tuan Tung

Abstract:

The Pulau Perhentian (Perhentian Island) is located in the South China Sea, 21 km off the

mainland of Terengganu State in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The Perhentian Island

harbors an expansive coral reef ecosystem which has made it a huge hit for tourist to enjoy their

holidays. This research paper identifies the significant factor of tourist expectation towards

sustainable ecotourism and also identifies the significant problem faced by the tourist at

Perhentian Island Kecil Terengganu, Malaysia. A total of 55 tourist respondents in Perhentian

Island Kecil were selected to answer the survey questionnaire and employed a non-probability

convenience sampling. The results revealed that the tourist significant expectation towards

sustainable ecotourism is that "tourist should encourage the local community to adapt eco￾friendly practice" with the highest mean of 4.49 and SD of 0.742 and the significant problem

faced by the tourist is that "some tourist operators have no knowledge on sustainable eco-tourism

leading to the degradation of environment‖ with the highest mean of 3.82 and SD of 1.278. The

findings recommend that government and eco-tourist should embark an advocacy programs to

educate people within communities where ecotourism resources are located, and to understand

the need for protecting these pristine natural resources and its long term benefit on the

community. The study also recommend ways to raise environmental awareness in the

community and basic management criteria should be implemented and adopted by operators who

wish to sustain the ecotourism operation.

Keywords:

Ecotourism; Ecosystem; Eco-friendly; Tourist Expectation

Number of pages: Fifty-nine (59) pages

Date of Submission: November 2017

Signature of the

Supervisor

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

"If you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything."

- Marty McFly (Back to the Future)

This quote gave me inspiration to finish this research. It doesn‘t matter how smart

you are or how many medals you‘ve earned in high school what matters the most is that

you believe in yourself that you can do everything in your will and have the perseverance

to accomplish your goal. My deepest gratitude goes to my Almighty Father for giving me

the strength, compassion, love and solidity to face my problems because I know He is

with me and will never leave my side to face my perils alone.

I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to Dr. Norhayati Bin Hj Shariff of

University Malaysia, Terengganu. Who willingly gave me her time and effort to advice

and help me along the way to finish my thesis during my stay in Malaysia. I would like to

thank my co-supervisor, Prof. Do Tuan Tung for the patient guidance, supervision,

encouragement and advice he has provided throughout my time as his student. I have

been extremely lucky to have a supervisor who responded to my questions and queries so

promptly.

I would also like to thank Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry, the

Advanced Education Program Office and the University of California, Davis USA for

bringing us experience and knowledge. You‘ve given us a great deal of knowledge which

we will forever be grateful for. I sincerely give thanks to Laguna Private Schools

Administrator‘s Association (LAPRISADA) especially Mrs. Gloria N. Lontoc for giving

me the opportunity to study abroad and for believing in me that I can do this.

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To my parents Oryza and Remberth Cabangbang thank you for giving me the love

and moral support I need as a growing person. To my little sisters, Renesse, Reiyette and

Reilee Cabangbang for bringing me cheer whenever I isolate myself in work. I love you

all and this one is for you guys. Lastly, a man‘s success has a lot to do with the kind of

woman he chooses to have in his life. That being said, I would like to thank my future

wife Karyss for her endless love and support.

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TABLE OF CONTENT

PART I. INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................................1

1.1. Background of the Study ......................................................................................................1

1.2. Problem Statement................................................................................................................3

1.3. Objectives.............................................................................................................................4

1.4. Research Questions...............................................................................................................4

1.5. Significance of the Study......................................................................................................4

1.6. Scope and Limitations..........................................................................................................5

1.7. Definition of Terms..............................................................................................................6

PART II. LITERATURE REVIEW............................................................................................7

2.1. Understanding the Meaning of Ecotourism..........................................................................7

2.2. Positive Impacts of Ecotourism..........................................................................................11

2.3. Negative impacts of Ecotourism.........................................................................................18

2.4. Ecotourism and Environmental Conservation: Can it be achieved? ..................................20

2.5. Conceptual Framework.......................................................................................................23

PART iii. METHODS..................................................................................................................24

3.1. Research Design .................................................................................................................24

3.2. Population of the Study ......................................................................................................25

3.3. Sampling size and Sampling Technique.............................................................................25

3.4. Data Collection Method......................................................................................................25

3.5. Questionnaire......................................................................................................................26

3.6. Observation.........................................................................................................................26

3.7. Data Analysis......................................................................................................................27

3.8. Ethical Issues......................................................................................................................27

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3.9. Profile of the Study.............................................................................................................27

PART IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ..............................................................................29

4.1. Demographic Characteristics of 55 Respondents...............................................................29

4.2 Tourist expectations towards sustainable eco-tourism logistics at Perhentian Kecil...................33

4.2.1. Environment.................................................................................................................33

4.2.2. Community ..................................................................................................................34

4.2.3. Socio-Economic...........................................................................................................35

4.2.4. Safety and Security ......................................................................................................36

4.3. Challenges faced by the tourist at Perhentian Island Kecil ................................................37

4.3.1. Problems encountered during the eco-tourism services...............................................37

PART V. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION........................................................44

5. 1. Conclusion.........................................................................................................................44

5.2. Recommendations ..............................................................................................................45

REFERENCES............................................................................................................................47

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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 2.1 Conceptual Framework................................................................................................23

Figure 3.1 Research Design ..........................................................................................................24

Figure 3.9.1 Map of.......................................................................................................................28

Perhentian Islands .........................................................................................................................28

Figure 3.9.10 Perhentian Island Kecil...........................................................................................28

Figure 4.3.1 Kampung Pasir Hantu Village ...............................................................................40

Figure 4.3.2 Local villager and her son.........................................................................................40

Figure 4.3.3. Snorkeling................................................................................................................42

Figure 4.3.4 Regular business day at Perhentian Island Kecil ......................................................43

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