As in any business, there has to be a balance between good value-for-money and profit sustainability. Hasan and the Santika team are always on the lookout for what visitors want, what works and whether it can be done as cost-effectively as possible. How do they gather the data on customer behaviours, preferences and trends? While as a small family-run entity, they may not use highly scientific methods, they do use keen observation and feedback especially direct questions to visitors and even potential visitors met at other places.

"Santika’s focus evolved away from being just another Malaysian homestay into a place of unique experiences, highlighting authentic Javanese-Malaysian identity; one in which even natives of Java would find interestingin its inter-mixed evolution inMalaysia. Santika Hulu Langat truly hasgreat potential in being highlighted as a tourist attraction when it is packaged and branded with its unique offerings. Which was why in 2019 the Santika Musical Village package was introduced after taking into consideration the trend and demand of domestic and foreign tourists who were interested in both food and musical attractions. The readiness to evolve or change was a key element in making Santika a success, as it would be for other lagging places that are willing to change and make tourism in Malaysia on par with other countries in the world.” Mr. Hasan Muhamad Suyat, Manager, Santika Hulu Langat.

After a near-miss experience in 2018 when Rashihah herself was hit with a sudden water gush from probably a cluttered logs dam that broke after heavy rain, RNR became even more cautious when handling trips especially during the rainy season or in any conditional uncertainties. During rainy seasons, clients are advised that booked activities would only be confirmed two to three days before the actual trip because heavy rain over the forest could affect conditions and make it dangerous. Thus, a rain monitoring app is used for near real-time data. Other than that, RNR will also contact Taman Eko-Rimba Gunung Datuk Park office on the weather and other conditions at the area as it could also affect caving activity safety at Gua Batu Maloi.

“Various initiatives have been taken in elevating safety levels for all RNR participants, among them applying strict SOP requirements and hiring guides who are well-trained for every trip. In addition, wearing helmets for the entire caving trip is a must for all participants. These are to ensure that everyone in the expedition is in optimum safety while enjoying the beauty of Gua Batu Maloi, which has its own trulyunique qualities.” Ms. Rashihah Nordin, Founder of Rashihah Nordin Resources (RNR).

Pulau Buta Eco Resort (PBER) has also been very proactive in ensuring its best practices and services to customers through honestly and carefully listening to user feedback that it receives, and also by going through a rigorous certifying process until achieving Malaysia Tourism Excellence (MaTEx) Business Certification. This applies to all aspects from security to environmental scrutiny.

"I believe that Pulau Buta Eco Resort has a huge potential as a premier tourism product in Lahad Datu. With its huge 80-acre area allowing for large gathering activities that have been furnished with necessary facilities, plus our clean river and sea fronts that are also natural attractions - all of which we are proud of. We have gradually introduced various activities for visitors to learn, benefit and have fun with the surrounding environment. We also update or enhance our safety and security procedures every year as one of the ways to ensure and raise the confidence and satisfaction of our customers. " Mrs. Jessica Reyes, Manager, Pulau Buta Eco Resort.

Having many things on PIA’s plate at one time means that Syazman needs to run a tight ship, and to do that successfully means having a good set of SOPs. Indeed, it was one of the first items looked into when the company began. In fact, there are particular SOPs or even sub-SOPs for different parts of PIA’s business, to make sure that all aspects and risks are taken care of for each type of activity.

“To flourish, PIA needed to expand by offering diverse and attractive packages, from organising leadership and teamwork programmes to event management, while the newest is with adventure tourism products. To further strengthen the company’s position, a concerted effort to qualify for MaTEx certification was made and PIA became one of the first local operators who succeeded in being awarded this recognition. This success is largely due to the strong SOPs that the company has developed, which ensures all the safety and efficiency aspects for our clients that of course also ensures our clients’ satisfaction.” Mr. Azmansyah Osman, Manager, Pearl Island.

Focus and passion extends solidly into safety, which is critical in adventure tourism where the elements of risk are by nature always present and the highest standards of safety are thus required and embodied by Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). It is required under MaTEx for all adventure tourism activities, covering all aspects from safety equipment to site condition to emergency reaction. From here, the complete SOP on implementation of adventure activities will ensure that OG complies with MaTEx certification.