Sarawak – The Only Destination in Malaysia That Offers Dolphin Watching Tour

The Sarawak Tourism Board is pleased to announce the first step of its Product Development Initiative – the sustainable develop of marine mammal tourism in Sarawak. The board has just launched a 16-page interpretation brochure entitled Introducing the Irrawaddy Dolphins of Sarawak, Malaysia, and it is the beginning of an ongoing effort to develop and promote Sarawak’s position in this fast-growing market.

Marine mammal tourism (whale and dolphin watching) is one of the fastest growing areas of nature tourism; according to a report published in 2000, whale and dolphin watching was already a US$ 1 billion industry, attracting 9 million people a year in 87 countries and territories.

Sarawak is the first and only destination in Malaysia to offer commercial dolphin watching tours. The first tours were pioneered by local tour operator CPH travel in 1998, and the market has grown steadily with more operators participating. In 2005, 1500 people took part in dolphin watching tours, over 90 per cent of which were foreign tourists.

Sarawak is one of the best places in Southeast Asia to view the rare and unusual Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris), which is highly endangered worldwide yet still abundant and thriving along most of the Sarawak coastline. The Irrawaddy dolphin inhabits estuaries and coastal areas, and its behaviour and lifestyle is quite different to pelagic (open ocean) dolphins. It is generally shy and elusive and must be approached with great caution if the animals are not to be disturbed, and if visitors are to enjoy a worthwhile viewing experience.

Because of the Irrawaddy dolphin’s unusual habitat and behaviour, STB have commissioned the publication of interpretation brochure so that visitors can fully understand and appreciate this most remarkable animal. Further activities are planned to develop this unique ecotourism product – including the drawing up of dolphin watching guidelines and training seminars for tour operators, tour guides and boatmen – in order to ensure that the product is developed properly and the dolphins are not disturbed by increased tourist traffic.

Since the introduction of dolphin watching tours, local operators have diversified their products, so that tourists can combine dolphin watching with crocodile spotting, bird watching or cruising the mangroves for proboscis monkeys. For the more energetic visitors, a local kayaking company is also offering dolphin spotting kayak tours.