Dakoh rainforest chalets and crystal rivers anchor Kelantan’s Orang Asli tourism ambitions

Blessed with natural beauty, Dakoh in Pos Balar offers ecotourism potential for extreme motorsports and 4x4 off‑roading enthusiasts. — Bernama pic

First Published: Sunday, 13 Sep 2026 9:00 PM MYT

GUA MUSANG, Sept 13 — Blessed with natural beauty, the area around Dakoh, Pos Balar here offers a comprehensive tourism package with immense potential to attract enthusiasts of extreme motorsports and 4x4 off-roading from both within the country and abroad.

Integrated collaboration among various agencies to develop the area’s ecotourism sector could further boost the local socio-economy-particularly for the Orang Asli community-while simultaneously opening up broader entrepreneurial opportunities for villagers.

Kelantan State Department of Culture and Arts (JKKN) director Rohaniza Abdullah said the heritage and cultural elements could certainly generate returns and drive economic growth within the Orang Asli community.

“They (the Orang Asli) can turn these natural resources into a source of income. However, efforts by the authorities to enhance their expertise must be continuous, without compromising the authenticity of the community’s traditional arts,” she told Bernama recently.

Galas assemblyman Datuk Mohd Syahbuddin Hashim said this initiative requires careful planning, including upgrading existing infrastructure to ensure the comfort and safety of tourists wishing to enjoy the crystal-clear river and traditional chalet accommodation, which is available for as little as RM40 per night.

Children play freely in the shallow, rocky river at Dakoh, Pos Balar, an Orang Asli ecotourism destination. — Bernama pic

He noted that proactive measures by relevant agencies-including the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac), which acts as the policy lead and grant provider for facility upgrades-align with the government’s aim to ensure the Orang Asli community directly benefits economically from the domestic tourism sector.

“Dakoh offers a tranquil forest atmosphere at a very affordable price, allowing visitors to enjoy the experience without spending a fortune. However, tourists are advised to obtain prior approval from the relevant authorities, as the route traverses a Permanent Forest Reserve area where there is a risk of wildlife encounters,” he said.

Meanwhile, Kelantan Department of National Unity and Integration (JPNIN) deputy director, Mohd Anuari Mohd Yusof, said his department would play a role in ensuring the Orang Asli community is not left out of the mainstream unity agenda while promoting and ensuring the success of the community-based ecotourism concept in the village.

“We view Dakoh as a destination that should be preserved and upgraded in collaboration with the local Orang Asli community.

“JPNIN will play a role in ensuring that this minority cultural heritage is recognised, preserved, and promoted as part of the Madani society’s identity and the national integration agenda,” he said.

Visitors cool off in Dakoh’s river at Pos Balar, enjoying swimming and other water activities. — Bernama pic

A visitor, Mohd Halim Mohamed Zaid, 47, said that staying in the Dakoh area provided a serene atmosphere, surrounded by peaceful nature.

“I came to Dakoh with friends to engage in extreme sports activities and stayed in a chalet that offered comfortable, fully equipped basic amenities-including ample parking, a hall, cooking facilities, and a playing field suitable for a family getaway.

“The experience of traveling and staying in the heart of this tropical rainforest is vastly different from daily city life. Here, we can truly appreciate the beauty of nature and listen to the soothing sounds of rushing water and forest wildlife,” said the Kuala Lumpur resident.

He added that if the area were further improved, more visitors would choose it as their preferred tourism destination. — Bernama