Experiencing the Kelong Acheh

RTK 536 INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES FOR TOURISM PROJECT

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TABLE OF CONTENT

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1

2.0 THREE ISSUES FOR KELONG ACHEH RESORT DEVELOPMENT 2

2.1 Theme or Concept Development 5

2.1.1 Site observation (Inventory) 5

2.1.2 Site analysis (Comments and suggestions) 8

2.2 Design 9



2.3 Recreational Activities 15



3.0 CONCLUSION 19

4.0 REFERENCES 20

APPENDIXES 21


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1.0 INTRODUCTION Kelong Acheh Resort is one of the resorts in Malaysia that located at the sea. Nowadays the

resort becomes more popular especially for the anglers. In bahasa, ‘kelong’ means a place for

fishing breeding and it also a fishing area for anglers. But sometimes, it is become one of a

technique or a method to catch fish by using tree’s trunk like nibong or bakau as a structure of

the system to trap the fish.

Basically, in the beginning, kelong is known as Kelong Ikan Bilis or Fishing kelong that

just for fishing breeding area. Because of the concern and demand from the customers, the

owner upgraded the area to be as a resort in order to comfort the anglers while waiting for fish.

Kelong Acheh now aims to cater not only avid anglers but also visitors & tourists who simply

want to have a restful, reflective & relaxing stay by the sea.

Kelong Acheh is surrounded by beautiful islands like Pelanduk Island, Tengah Island, Tunas

Island and also Acheh Island which the name had been taken for the kelong to be as Kelong

Acheh. It is because, the source of the clear water for the resort are taking from the island.

There are several routes that can be taking to reach Kelong Acheh. From Kuala Lumpur

via the North South Highway exit at Senawang Toll Plaza through Kuala Pilah/Bahau and

Bandar Muazzam Shah, this route is about a 6 hours drive. Alternatively, continue on the North

South Highway and exit at the Air Hitam Toll Plaza and take route 50 to Mersing and turn right

at Tanjung Resang junction to Penyabong. This route will also take approximately 6 hours but

be ready to fork out a tidy sum for the toll charges. The best and fastest (4 hours) way to

Kelong Acheh from Kuala Lumpur is via the East Coast Highway and exit at the Gambang Toll

Plaza through Pekan town and via the scenic coastal route 3 through Nenasi, Merchong,

Rompin and Endau. This route gives a preview of the beautiful blue seas of the South China

Sea once leave Pekan Town.

(Source: http://www.kelongacheh.com/Location.htm)


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Location Plan of Kelong Acheh Resort

Route Plan to the Penyabung Jetty


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2.0 THREE ISSUES FOR KELONG ACHEH RESORT DEVELOPMENT

2.1 THEME or CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT (Nature based Resort) A theme or a concept of any project developments is very important in order to

create the uniqueness of the overall project. The concept that always been used

in resort development project are mostly based on the culture (activities) of the

surrounding area. But nowadays in Malaysia, the other area or country

approaches (culture) are being popular to be used as a concept like Balinese

style, Inggeris Style, Japanese style and many more in order to create the

difference.

Besides that, the location of the project also can contribute to create the

image or identity (characteristic) of the resort. So that, a proper concept planning

and the right location of the project are very important aspect in order to make

the resort difference with others and at the same time can attract more tourists to

experience the site.

2.1.1 Site observation (Inventory) For the first time arrived at the Penyabong Jetty, we believe that, the resort are

quit popular in term of getting tourists especially for the activist anglers. Why we

said that because of the surrounding setting of the jetty. There are lots of food

stall and the condition of the jetty is good. The size of the jetty is comfortable and

quit proper in built. So we believe that, the numbers of tourists or users to the

area are quit in a big number.

Actually, the jetty is not only for visitors of the Kelong Acheh Resort, but

also been used by the fishermen to bring out the fish that they catch at the sea.

Most of the fish will be selling at the market nearby. As an overall concept of the

jetty area, we can say that it is a typical jetty like others in Malaysia but nice.

After take a boat ride around 15 to 20 minutes from Penyabong Jetty, and

then we arrived at the resort area. Our feeling had been changed. From our

observation, the kelong concept of the Kelong Acheh Resort is very unique and

just a few resorts in Malaysia used that approach .The concept had been used


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Jetty area – shelter where all the catch fish will be gather and will bring out by lorry to be

selling at the market nearby.

Jetty area – there are lots of shop lots selling souvenir and food.

The jetty is quit big and proper in built. But the surrounding area having lots of rubbish

because of low maintenance.

The concept of the jetty is typical like others in term of design and material that been

used.

because of the historical background of the area; as a finishing area and fishing

breeding. It becomes a resort because of the demand from the anglers, who

want a kelong with accommodation. So, the concept of the resort actually is not

proper in planning. However, the location of the resort that located at the sea had

made the resort exclusive in term of the visual quality and services especially for

anglers.

Here are some pictures and info that we get from our observation and

interviews with one of the shareholder of the resort; Mr. Set H.C in term of the

concept of the resort.

Penyabong Jetty


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The jetty is also been used by the fishermen to park their boats.

There is one of the popular stall that selling otak-otak and ‘pulut panggang’ which is one

of the popular food in Johor.

Before Kelong Acheh Resort, the name of the area was Kelong Ikan Bilis – the area for fishing

and fishing breeding

Kelong Acheh Resort – provided a comfortable space to anglers for fishing.

This area is the first structure that been built, that called kelong. – Area for fishing breeding

The concept of kelong still is remaining even the function of the area had been changed. – Area

to catch fish

Kelong Acheh Resort


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‘Family destination’ is the new concept of the resort – provided space for fishing to the

angler’s family.

The resort also provided a small stall for visitors – eating area

The view of accommodation that been provided since the name of kelong been

upgraded as a resort

Typical facilities (toilet) been provided to comfort the visitors.

2.1.2 Site analysis (Comments and suggestions) In our opinion, the concept of a kelong resort is very unique. Moreover, the resort

had been develop from a fishing breeding and fishing area (kelong), and then

been upgraded as a resort in order to comfort the anglers during they are fishing

at that area. And at the same time, nowadays, the area also can cater the

angler’s family for having their holiday there.

So, we suggest that the concept of kelong resort should be remaining in

order to continue the character. Here are some suggestions in term of concept

development to the Kelong Acheh Resort. They are:


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Basically, the jetty is good in built but several part of the decking are not in well condition because of lack in maintenance. However, the overall design is good.

i. Only used the materials that been used for kelong (tree trunk like nibong)

in order to remain the character.

ii. Remain the nature materials and color. So that it can suit with the

surrounding area.

iii. We suggest that, the resort should be applied a user friendly concept in

term of waste management and energy usage to make sure the

sustainability of the area. It is because, if the cleanliness of the sea water

around there not cleans, it will effect the fish population. Then, the

concept of kelong will not be work.

2.2 DESIGN of THE KELONG ACHEH RESORT Resort design is very important element in term to show the image of the site.

Besides to give an esthetic value, design also can solve other aspects like safety,

space arrangement, quality of the site in term of materials used and so on.

2.2.1 Site observation (Inventory) In our opinion, the design of the resort is simple and typical. But, the concept of

kelong itself, make the design of the resort unique. Here are some of our

observation and comments about the design of the resort.

Penyabong Jetty


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The main structure to build the resort – used nibong trunk as column, make the uniqueness of the resort design. But materials that been used to join the structure are steel. It is not practical in term of

safety aspect because all steel become rusty.

The jetty at the resort side is not in well in design. It is because, the space for visitors to climb up to the resort and to take out the bags from the boat are too narrow for them to move and at the same

time, the stairs are too steep. So, for our opinion, the jetty should be proper in design in term of space for the safety purposes. Moreover, jetty is the first impression for the visitors to determine the resort.

Kelong Acheh Resort

From the interview with Mr. Set H.C:

i. The maintenance cost estimation is around RM 60,000 – RM100, 000 / year. Kelong

management done maintenances by their own because cheaper than hire the

contractor.

ii. Maintenance is done by local people from Rompin – there are specialists in making

kelong. (7 – 10 workers needed for maintenance works).

iii. Maintained by replace the nibong pillar and plank. Nibong pillar durability is 2 year but

to be changed every year for safety purposes.


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Overall design of the resort is very traditional because of the main materials that been used are from the natural elements like nipah leaves (wall and roof – will be change every 3 years) and nibong

trunk (pillar). However, the mix woods and colours for certain structure make the resort not in standardize of design.

The facilities that been provided (accommodation and toilet) are simple in design. For the toilet, the colour that been used is blue. For our opinion, it should be nature in colour in order to suit with the

surrounding elements and the concept.

The floor is not good in condition. The different level of the floor will harm the users.

The stairs rises are not consistence in height. So, it also can cause hazardous to users.

– Not well in design


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Details construction of the kelong (simple joint and electricity wiring – lack of safety consideration).

‘Boya’ located at strategic area (not enough number of ‘boya’ if something happened).

Life jacket and ‘boya’ provided (not located in a room to avoid lost)

Hardscape elements at Kelong Acheh (water sinky, plastic pots and benches) not in proper maintained and design.


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Improper landscape design (crowded and imbalanced).

Mix wood used to construct beam and rafter (no standardized in term of design).

Hook provide to easing anglers (enough number of hook).

Improper store and wash basin cause a bad view (dirty and unclean).


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2.2.2 Site analysis (Comments and suggestions) From our observation and research the kelong design can be improved

by:

i. Concept

• Need to have suitable development concept.

• Existing concept more too natural and traditional based.

• Some elements not follow the main concept and show

confusion to guest.

• Priority in design is on wood using and painted with natural

colour.

ii. Construction Materials

• Need to consider standard of Uniform Building by Law (UBBL).

• Nibong woods as a main column show the natural element at

kelong.

• Nipah leaves used to make kelong roof and wall. Nipah leaves

need to tie with wire to avoid it disappeared by wind.

• Wood can be painted by using shellac (natural colour).

iii. Specification

• Stairs specifications need to consider standard of Uniform

Building by Law (UBBL).

• Railing need to follow specification to avoid hazardous to

children’s. Railing also not uniformed in design. Railing joint

need to be more strengthen and tied up by steel.

iv. Design

• Life jacket should be located in every room, focal point and at

clear seen area.

• Floor wood arrangement need to be closed. To give privacy to

the user at the upper rooms.

• Floor plan of the kelong should be show off in every room,

focal point and at clear seen area.

v. Landscape Design

• Vegetation need to plant in a suitable pots (plastic is

recommended because very lightweight).


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• Pots can give good impacts and give sense of harmonious at

kelong area.

• Vegetation should be maintained well and proper in

arrangements.

• Vegetation should be arranged according to place, texture,

colour of plant, plant characteristics and function of each area.

• Also can introduce climbers plant to give attraction at certain

area (can propose trellis and pergola to support climber’s

plant).

2.3 RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES Activities are very important element in term to attract people to come to the

Kelong Acheh. Besides to give satisfying to anglers, the kelong management

should provide activities for their family also.

2.3.1 Site observation (Inventory)

Karaoke is good for release tension and relaxation. The noise from karaoke area cause disturbance to people especially to people stay nearby. The location of karaoke area is not suitable and it can be friendlier if karaoke area is in a room and have an acoustic wall (avoid noisy).

The anglers fishing the whole days without feel bored and patient. The situation is good because the can play role as a security guard in the night. The kelong guest things in the room guaranteed and guest feel more safety. The railing at parameter boundaries are not in well condition and need prominent a safety aspect such as thestrength and design.


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Dining – food and beverage provided by kelong. Meals are provided by kelong management (included in package). Sea foods are the main menu. But for those who can’t eat sea food, the food such as chicken soup or curry also included in the menu. Drinks provided all the time to guest in the kelong (self service).

Beach fun – activity at Pulau Acheh (boat provided by kelong). The Pulau Acheh is not like the story that people said. The condition of Pulau Acheh is not in well maintenance. Not many activities can do in this island. The sea water also not so clean and have many sea shells at the beach (cause by wet monsoon season). The responsible authority and kelong management should maintain this area because this island is one of the main activities (tourism product) provided for kelong guest.


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Snorkeling – activity at Pulau Acheh (boat provided by kelong). Snorkeling activity not suitable for wet monsoon season because the sea water not clean and clear to sea fish in the sea. The kelong management should inform the guest the activities can be done on every season (give preparation to guest and not blaming the management cause by the lack of activities). The guests who come in the wrong time can’t do their favourite things.

Boat cruise – cruising to beautiful islands that surrounding the kelong. Cruise to a beautiful islands surrounding the kelong is an attractive activities provided by the kelong management. But not all people like to spent their money to this activities because it too expensive. The management should reduce the price to boat cruise activity and promoting the island surrounding the kelong by giving extra information to guest who coming to Kelong Acheh.

Game area – table to play game such as mah-jong, carom and card. Game area is prepared especially for guest who no interest in fishing activity. It also was functioning as group activity in group of guest. It can make guest close each other’s or be acquainted with other group of guest. Game equipments are insufficient to accommodate demand from all guests. Guest should queue up to use game equipments. This happen because no fees charge to use game equipment (first come first serve).

BBQ – open decking for this activity. Open deck built for BBQ activities at the Kelong Acheh. It located at the strategic area (focal point), but lacking in term of safety because located near to fishing area. The areas of open deck are comfort to accommodate a big number of users.


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2.3.2 Site analysis (Comments and suggestions) Additional activities should be proposed because to make tourist vacation

so interesting and can attract tourist come to Kelong Acheh. The activities

that can be proposed are:

i. Instant Picture

• Taking picture together when the tourists want to back to the

main land.

• To have a good relationship between the kelong management

and tourist.

• The picture can keep in the tourist album at kelong.

• It can be good memories to tourist and the picture can be

showed to friends when they back to their hometown (one of

the promotion strategy).

ii. Boardwalk

• Built for additional space for fishing activity.

• To give privacy space for tourist (not located at convergent

area).

iii. Swimming Cage

• Give different activities to the tourist.

• Can attract tourist who have interest in swimming activities.

• Give a new experience (swimming at middle sea).

• Can be part of family activity.

Function room – for meetings and gatherings purposes. Function room will provide by kelong management if have demand from guest. Currently customers like to use dining area for their meeting and gathering. Meeting equipments not provided by kelong (guest should bring their own equipment such as LCD projector).


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3.0 CONCLUSION Kelong Acheh is most fashionable fishing kelong in Malaysia today. Not many kelong exclusive

for anglers in our country at the moment. Kelong Acheh, a haven of calmness nestled among

beautiful islands at Mersing district and untouched by the modern development.

Kelong Acheh aims to provide not only enthusiastic anglers but also visitors & tourists who

merely want to have a calming, meditative & relaxing stay by the sea. Guest can enjoy the rural

attraction of a fishing station, relax and unwind to the sound of gentle waves and enjoy the

beauty of its marvellously stunning sunsets.

The facilities & amenities at Kelong Acheh stressed on a comfort and fares glowing above the

usual kelongs in the country. The kelong is also a family friendly and sociable place.

Kelong Acheh requires having a fresh market strategy to acquire a new guest, visitor or tourist

to approach them to the kelong. Such a strategies are by upgraded the kelong design, well

maintenance and safety in all aspect, and offer a new activities.


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4.0 REFERENCES 1) http://www.kelongacheh.com/Introduction2.html 2) http://www.kelongacheh.com/facilities.htm 3) http://www.kelongacheh.com/Location.htm 4) “Kelong Acheh Resort Brochure”, Angler’s Fishing retreat, surrounded by beautiful

islands.


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APPENDIXES LIST ON ACTIVITIES, CURRENTLY PROVIDED / USUALLY DOING BY TOURIST 1) Karaoke – night activity (located near the dining area)

2) Fishing – along perimeter boundaries

3) Dining – food and beverage provided by kelong

4) Beach fun – activity at Pulau Acheh (boat provided by kelong)

5) Snorkelling – activity at Pulau Acheh (boat provided by kelong)

6) Boat cruise – cruising to beautiful islands that surrounding the kelong

7) Game area – table to play game such as mah-jong, carom and card

8) BBQ – open decking for this activity

9) Function room – for meetings and gatherings (currently customer like to use dining area

for their meeting and gathering) – meeting equipments not provided by kelong

INFO ALONG THE ROAD TO KELONG ACHEH 1) Road safety equipment provided by local authority such as guardrail, signages, reflection

sign, bridge, road lighting etc

2) Signages to Mersing are clearly located at the suitable area

3) Signages to Kelong Acheh not provided or indicate along the road

4) The road to the Kelong Acheh is undulating and dangerous for rapid driving

5) TNB pillar cable along the road – not using underground cable line

6) Bus stop provided along the road from Mersing town

7) Drainage provided but some of them covered with muddy soil or unwanted vegetation

8) Old jetty to Kelong Acheh (Penyabong LKIM Jetty) not maintain well – surrounding with

rubbish and unmaintained boardwalk to jetty

9) Used an existing parking area provided by LKIM – current activity is for loading

unloading fish from the jetty

SECONDARY DATA (BASED ON INTERVIEW SESSION WITH MR SET H.C – ONE OF KELONG SHAREHOLDER) 1) Kelong Acheh opens on 1995.

2) Maintenance cost estimation is around RM 60,000 – RM100, 000 / year. Kelong

management done maintenances by their own because cheaper than hire the contractor.

3) Maintenance is done by local people from Rompin – there are specialists in making

kelong


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4) 7 – 10 workers needed for maintenance works.

5) Maintained by replace the nibong pillar and plank

6) Nibong pillar getting from Pantai Merchong, Rompin

7) Nibong pillar durability is 2 year but to be changed every year for safety purposes

8) Atap - thatched roof of palm leaves (nipah) to be changed every 3 years

9) Floor only changed if broken.

10) Generator motor used from 7.00am – 7.00pm.

11) Pillar, beam and rafter from various types of wood (kayu kapur, meranti, bakau)

12) Electric wiring not done by specialist wiremen.

13) In the beginning kelong is known as Kelong Ikan Bilis or Fishing kelong. After getting a

huge demanding from customer, the management upgraded this kelong to Kelong

Resort (kelong with accommodation).

14) Kelong Acheh has 9 dorms for accommodation. The sizes of each dorm are different. It

based on the quantity of bed provided in the dorm (from 8 – 25 people).

15) Total no. of customer for one time is 150 people.

16) 10 workers working in this kelong every weekend. – 6 people work as cook, 2 people

work as room services security, 2 people work as boatmen). All workers are local people

from Endau Penyabong.

17) Estimation of tourist comes to Kelong Acheh in about 4000-5000 tourist per year.

18) How they do the promotion previously only by verbal communication. Today the

promotions are doing by brochure, web site and mass media advertising.

19) 2 boats provided for guest accessible to the kelong (1 owned by kelong and 1 owned by

private – rental by kelong management).

20) The management of kelong got the approval to built kelong by Pejabat Tanah, Jabatan

Laut, Jabatan Perikanan. The management of Kelong Acheh got 100m2 to built kelong

on the sea area. TOL land status given by authority.

21) The extensions of Kelong Acheh done by kelong management but not informing the local

authority and responsible authority.

22) Fire extinguisher covered by plastic to avoid rusty.

23) Rubbish from leftover food brings to Pulau Acheh to burn.

24) Sewerage directly throws to the sea.

25) Water channelled to kelong by using sea foundation poly pipe from Pulau Acheh. The

construction of water channelled takes about 6 months to complete.

26) The estimation cost to built kelong is about ½ million.


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27) The kelong attract anglers and their family to do their activities together in holidays.

28) Rental rate per head (package by kelong management).

29) Safety aspects:

- Railing should be repaired by management if broken.

- Life jacket and boya provided (not located in a room to avoid lost)

- The workers in kelong also functioning as life guard.

- One of the workers be a security guard (petrol the kelong every 2 hours during

midnight)

30) Restaurant activities:

- Raw material bought everyday from market at Mersing.

- Meal schedule - 5 times / day

- The menu prepared by kelong management (alacarte not serve to guest)

31) Concept and idea of kelong by Kelong Acheh owners (2 shareholders)

- The kelong house designed by kelong specialist.

- Open concept.

32) The Kelong Acheh picture in the brochure is taking on 2004.

33) Accessibility to kelong:

- From LKIM Penyabong jetty. Jetty is belonging to LKIM and managed by

Persatuan Nelayan.

- Tanjung Gemok Jetty (too far from kelong – in about 1 hour journey)

34) Toilet painted with blue colour to ease guest to find it (quantity of toilet – 10)

35) Kelong Acheh management strategy is always to be different and more to attract family

(family resort).

36) According to one of shareholders the kelong business is no competition because not

many kelong operate in Malaysia.

37) Kelong also as a learning area (father teach son / daughter to fishing – activities done

together)

38) West wind is one of the management problems in operating the kelong.

39) Kelong licence getting from Fishery Department.

40) Sundries can be ordered to boatman because they always go to main land (provide

room delivery).

41) Smoking is not allowed in the room. Firecrackers also not allowed play at kelong.

42) Guest can feels ripple when they walk at the kelong

43) Pulau Acheh is 850 acre approximately areas (all covered with forest).


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44) Tourist behaviour:

- Chinese comes because Feng-Shui (have a good luck here).

- 60% Chinese tourist, 40% Malay tourist.

- Malay tourist better than Chinese tourist because less of complaint and comment

about services provided in the kelong.

45) Solar panel not practical to use at kelong because too expensive.

OVERALL COMMENTS / FINDINGS 1) Life jacket should be located in each room and strategic area.

2) Flooring material especially for 1st floor rooms to provide with carpet because the floor

makes un-privacy feeling for the user (can be seen by people under).

3) To proposed more activities such as picture together (instant picture), boardwalk and

swimming cage.

4) For those who come for relax and do their work such as research and study (come to

run-out from the congested area or usually activities) need facilities like wifi and

electricity. Currently electricity supply by the generator motor. Only can be use after

7.00pm to 7.00am.

5) In term of design the kelong looked natural based design but in term of practically and

safety aspects, the kelong lack of safety cause by not using the suitable materials and

the construction also not follow the UBBL standards.

6) Some of kelong walls coloured / painted with shellac and some painted with glossy paint

(blue colour) – nor matching or blend with the natural concepts, broke the natural

concept.

7) For the safety purposes, the main thing to upgrade is railing. Railing is acting as

boundaries for the kelong and also the place for fishing activity (fishing rods hooked at

the railing while fishing). Need more strengthen with a suitable material and user friendly

design (proper design).

8) There are no floor plan showing guest for prepare them if any emergency happens in the

kelong. The floor plan should tell the guest way to go if any worst cases have such a

kelong collapse or fire (mean the safe location).

9) For muslim guest, they need musolla or surau (praying room). In every room also should

determine the way of Qiblat (arrow of Qiblat).


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10) Restaurant not functioning well cause of limited selling things. To make guest comfort,

restaurant owner to sells variety of foods and have their own special dishes to attract

customers. Also can sells basic sundries for tourist.

11) In term of landscape design the kelong not prioritize on it. To give a good impacts and

more attractive, landscape design should be applying for restructure or rearrangement of

vegetation (make it proper – unless just using the plastic vases for planting the shrubs).

Experiencing the Kelong Acheh

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