Nature based tourism destinations and biodiversity conservation in South Kelantan

Nature based tourism in South of Kelantan is blessed and endowed with rich natural resources with a dramatic mix of mix of mountains, caves, waterfalls and pristine jugles that is definitely a feast of the eyes of visitors. Three are many potential destinations that can be develop as nature based tourism product whic in turn can promote biodiversity awareness. Assessing the potential of nature based tourism in south of kelantan is required for sustaining and developing the tourism industry in Kelantan. This is because the natural environment and natural heritage in south Kelantan is plenty and need to be explored and managed. The goal of this study is to identify nature based tourism corridors in South Kelantan that need to be futher develop, manage and promote which in turn can promote biodiversity conservation. Ten destinations in South Kelantan were selected. Data gathering method, checklist approach by using Market Appeal Model and Geographical Information System (GIS) method has been used in this study. The analysis of tourist satisfaction will be evalauated based on the distribution of questionnaires at the study areas. The anlaysis is aimed to identifying the behavior of visitors, their expectation and perception of biodiversity awareness. The primary, supporting and complementary nature based tourism potential has been determined and the result show that Gunung Stong and Taman Negara Kuala Koh were the primary nature based tourism destination in South Kelantan