Melaka polls: Pantai Tanjung Bidara regains tourist appeal

MASJID TANAH: Pantai Tanjung Bidara, which had lost its appeal as a tourist destination, has regained popularity following a series of upgrading works, attracting visitors from within Malaysia and abroad.

Melaka Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ab Rauf Yusoh said the beach had considerable tourism potential and had previously served as a filming location for local and international movies.

However, he said, planning shortcomings had caused the area to lose its appeal, with fewer visitors choosing it as a holiday destination.

"When I took over the state government, I noticed that the beach was becoming increasingly quiet. On weekends, more people were going to Pantai Padang Kemunting instead.

"Recognising the beach's potential, I decided to transform and revitalise Tanjung Bidara to attract domestic and international tourists once again," he said when met at the Santai Bersama Anak Muda Tanjung Bidara programme in Balik Batu here last night.

Ab Rauf, who is defending his Tanjung Bidara seat in the Nov 14 state election, said the improvements had helped turn the beach into a popular destination, attracting visitors from within and outside the country.

He cited Tanjung Bidara Beach Resort as an example, saying the establishment, which was previously quiet, was now receiving accommodation bookings.

"This is the result of the trust and mandate given to me to manage Tanjung Bidara. I have used that mandate to restore its appeal and ensure the people here can once again enjoy its benefits," he said.

He said the coastal stretch from Tanjung Bidara to Kuala Linggi had further potential for tourism development, supported by the availability of accommodation facilities such as chalets and homestays.

Ab Rauf said preserving the area's natural beauty was important to ensure tourism continued to contribute to the livelihoods and economic well-being of the local community.