ENGLISH FOR TOURISM CLASS

Maria Rivera
English Literature C-12
State University of Medan
2015

PROJECT PROPOSAL
International Standard Tourism Facilities in Mursala Island and Its Isles,
Central Tapanuli, North Sumatera

Chapter I
INTRODUCTION:
GENERAL CONDITION OF POTENTIAL TOURISM LOCATION

1.1 Potential Tourism Location

North Sumatera is known for its beautiful natural tourism spots. One of the most potential parts in
North Sumatera is Central Tapanuli. There are lot of islands and isles in this region that need to be
developed by the government and local people in order to maximize their potency. For instance,
Mursala island and other isles nearby.
Mursala might be a foreign word for a lot of people who come from outside of North Sumatera.
It is said that Mursala was known as Mansalaar Island. The word Mursala was derived from the
words Mur and Shalat. Mur was used by the local people to call Arabian merchants who came to
Barus for trading. It was believed that those Arabian merchants always prostrated in gratitude in front
of this waterfall before they set off to Barus. Therefore, this island is called Murshalat or Mursala.
Mursala itself is the name of one the most unique waterfall in Indonesia. It is located in Mursala
Island, which is the biggest Island in Central Tapanuli, North Sumatera, Indonesia. This island is in
Barus district and is located in southwest Sibolga. It takes 22.5 km from Pandan, Tapanuli Tengah, to
reach this gorgeous island.
Approximately, Mursala Island has an area of 8000 Ha. It is inhabited by more and less 60
householders and is surrounded by a lot uninhabited isles. This island can be reached from Pandan or
Sibolga by speed boat in about one hour and it takes three hours by using regular boat. Its altitude is
approximately 35 km from the sea surface and its water flows directly onto the reddish granites on the
cliff. It is said that Mursala waterfall is the only waterfall in the world which has shortest river flow.
Another fact that makes Mursala fascinating is it is the only waterfall in North Sumatera which its
water flows directly into Indian Ocean. Similar waterfall can be found Scotland, New Zealand, and
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South Korea. The water volume of Mursala waterfall is usually great and it will be greater in rainy
season.
1.2 Available Resources
There are a lot of tourism potency can be found in Mursala island and its isles. Since it is
surrounded by sea, most of its resources are related to marine resources. Mursala has shallow waters
with coral reefs and various species of fish including ornamental fish around Jambe island. There are
also an amazing gulf and many wonderful isles near this island. For instance, Labuan Hunik gulf, Puti
isle, Silabu Na Godang isle, Kalimantung Na Menek isle, and Jambe Isle. In Labuan Hunik gulf, there
are a lot of nice and captivating spot for diving and snorkeling. There are also Garuda rock which juts
around 70m above the sea level on the steep coast of the island of Silabu Na Menek, Red Pinang
Bonsai on steep rocks in Silabu Na Menek, a cluster of steep rock composition round Silabu-labu Na
Godang Island, lagoon with white sand between Silabu-labu Na Godang and Kalimantung Na Menek,
and white sandy beach in Puti island. These interesting spots are located near Mursala island.

1.3 Shortcomings of Potential Tourism Location

Mursala island becomes known to public after it was made as a location set for a movie
entitled Skull island in 1933, King Kong in 2005 and lately, there was also a local movie entitled
Mursala in 2013 which starred Rio Dewantoro and Titi Rajo Bintang. This movie, however, reaped
a lot of controversy since it was not in accordance to what has been spread around among the local
people of Sibolga coast, Barus, Sorkam, and its surroundings.
The fact that Mursala island has been become a location set for movie is a good opportunity
for local government and local people to attract tourists and visitors to come. Seeing the response of
people on internet, be it Indonesian or foreigners, that saying this island is perfectly gorgeous and
might be a worthy place to visit must be a strong reason for government to develop and optimize
Mursala Island much more serious.
However, it seems like the local government and people do not really capture the opportunity
to make Mursala and its isles as profitable income resources. It can be recognized from the lack of
available supporting facilities for tourism here. The beauty of Mursala island and other isles should be
utilized as much as possible for the well-being of local residents. And also, by developing the island
and isles, the opportunity to increase tourist arrivals becomes greater and this should increase inland
revenue.
Mursala island is very potential to attract international tourists since it is already gorgeous
even without human maintenance. And it will be more extremely gorgeous and attractive if
government put some efforts to enhance and establish this possible tourist destination. There are a lot
of things that government should notice and pay attention in order to make this island become one
greatest of sources of income and economic resources in Central Tapanuli. Some improvements need
to be done in this island. Government needs to note that there are a lot of other gorgeous natural
tourist destinations in other region, especially underwater natural attraction, and tourists always tend
to choose the most gorgeous and fascinating places to visit such as Bunaken Sea Park in Manado,
Raja Ampat in Papua, Nihiwatu in Sumba, Gili Trawangan in Lombok, Tomini Bay in Sulawesi,
Derawan Beach in East Borneo, and Dreamland beach in Bali. By noting that fact, government will
become more serious in improving Mursala island as one of must-visit destinations in North
Sumatera, especially in Tapanuli. Not only attract local tourists, government should be able to make
Mursala attract international tourists.
Some supporting facilities needs to be completed in this island such as resorts, hotels or inns,
water sport equipment, water attraction, media for fish and coral reef cultivation, fascinating
restaurants, special arena for cultural performance, mini amusement park, local craft shops, and
feasible and inexpensive transportation. Local guides are also needs to be prepared for touring the
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island and isle. By improving and completing aspects and facilities mentioned above, Central
Tapanuli is expected to appear as one of top-notch tourist destinations in North Sumatera.

1.4 Aims of Project

1. To design appropriate and effective tourism facilities in accordance with the natural
conditions of Mursala and worldwide travel trends. By doing so, it is expected that
Mursala and its isles can fulfill tourists expectation when they come to spend their
holiday here.
2. To know and to understand the benefits and aims of ecotourism facilities which can
preserving the environment and bring profit to local economic situation
3. To provide appropriate facilities for cultural performances and local craft that can
introduce the cultures in North Sumatera, especially in Tapanuli.
4. To establish one of the most top-notch tourist destination in North Sumatera

Chapter II
DEVELOPMENT OF TOURISM POTENCY

2.1 Project Analysis

The concept which is going to be applied in establishing and developing Mursala and
its isles as tourist destination is land and underwater tourism attraction which not only
provide tourists and visitors with an enjoyable entertainment, a pleasant atmosphere, a
sweet vacation experience, but also some active activities such as cultural events and
underwater competition. This concept is expected should be able to attract many local and
international tourists.
The beauty of sea scenery around Mursala and its isles can increase added value to
resorts, hotels, inns, and huts that are going to be established. A program of fish and coral
reef cultivation under the sea will increase the beauty of Mursala and its isles. Tourists
and visitors will be able to enjoy their days and nights in Mursala completely. In the noon,
they can do many outdoor and underwater activities such as swimming, diving and
snorkeling, sowing fish fingerlings, cultivating coral reefs, fishing, enjoying water sports,
riding speed boats and shopping around the local craft shops. While in the night, they can
enjoy their wonderful dinner, captivating cultural performance such traditional dances and
dramas, and fantastic fireworks.
Providing mini amusement park is beneficial in increasing local revenue since there
will be a lot of small and big families with young children are going to spend their
holiday here. For old people, comfort, reassurance, and cordiality are the most essential
things. This tourist destination should be able to give such feelings to old people who are
spending their holiday with their families. Some relaxation facilities such as spa,
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massage, and body treatment are also beneficial to be provided here since it can also
attract tourists to visit this place. Public toilet, gazebos, pathways and road, and sanitation
are also need to be considered. These aspects are very crucial in improving a tourist
destination that aims to attract tourists, especially international ones.
2.2 Facilities and Location Access Development at the Location of Tourism Potential
2.2.1

Facilities
There are some facilities need to be provided to support this location as one of
the top-notch tourist destination in North Sumatera, Central Tapanuli, namely:
Appropriate and fascinating resorts, hotels, and inns
Water sports equipment
Underwater activity equipment
Underwater attraction equipment
Fishing gears
Mini amusement park
Cultural performance arena
Local craft shops
Restaurants or eatery
Huts and gazebos
Public toilet and sanitation system

2.2.2

Access
Although it has not been maintained by local government seriously, the
access to Mursala Island and its isles is not really difficult. Instead, it is quite
accessible. The only way to access this location is by boat. The problem is the
boat rate is not really low-cost and inexpensive. To reach Mursala, tourists
must arrive at Sibolga first, which is 350 km from Medan. From Medan, it
takes approximately eight (8) hours to get here by car/taxi. And it only takes
about 45 minutes from Medan (Kuala Namu airpot) to Sibolga (FL Tobing
Pinangsori airport) by airplane.
From Sibolga, tourists should continue their trip by using speed boat
from the wharf in the Pandan coastal district. It takes about sixty minutes by
speed boats and one hundred eighty minutes by regular boats to reach Mursala
completely. Tourists or visitors must pay a bit expensive for sea trips to
Mursala, normally, a sea trip to this island costs about IDR 1,300,0002,500,000/ boat. It will be much better if government can help tourist cut the
cost by providing government-owned boat or organizing a cooperation and
coordination with private the private company that manages marine
transportation in Sibolga/ Bosur- Mursala.

2.3 Project Planning

In establishing and improving Mursala Island and its isle as top-notch tourist
destination in Central Tapanuli, North Sumatera, there are some project planning
stages that government should take, namely:
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 Reviewing the legal aspects of project implementation in order to prevent

falling-out in the future.
Surveying market interest and current tourism business trends. By knowing
what type of tourists this tourist destination is established for, what kind
applicable current trend in tourism business is, and what kind of expectation
that government, local people, and tourists expect from the tourist destination
have, government will be able to optimize and improve the location which is
aimed as tourist destination optimally. In this case, the targeted tourists are
those who come from any social classes. The tourism trend that is going to be
applied in this tourism location is to create an enjoyable, reassuring, cordial,
pleasant and full of fun place to spend holiday with loved ones.
Deciding prospective requirement. A lot similar tourism locations might be
established and set up in the future, and local government and people should
note that in order to make this tourism destination as one of tourists most
favorite even there are many similar places outside there, they have to offer
some distinct wonderful aspects to tourists. Excellent maintenance and
advance of facilities, entertainment, education, and sanitation in Mursala
Island and its isles is the key to prospect a long-term economic resource for
Central Tapanuli.
Determining what aspects or facilities should be improved to support the
tourism location. In this project, some supporting facilities have been
mentioned in the previous session.
Compiling target of operation and long-term plan for the establishment and
improvement. Government and local people should plan what kinds of
improvement and goals that is expected to be achieved in certain period. For
instance, the development project on Mursala Island and its isles is expected to
be profitable and bring benefit to local people economically and culturally and
increase the local revenue in five years. It is also expected that this project can
make Central Tapanuli appear to be one of best local and international tourist
mainstay in North Sumatera.
Observing and reviewing peoples demand on tourism destination and their
expectation for a tourism location. Nowadays, people do not go only on
holiday for only entertaining themselves and doing some fun activities, but
they also want to educate themselves and their children about nature and
culture.
Doing promotion. Promotion is crucial to introduce the tourist destination to
the public. Proper and good strategy but unique promotion determines the
market response and tourist intereset to pay a visit.
Observing competitors. To make Mursala Island and its isles become an
excellent and most-visited tourist destination in North Sumatera, local
government need to do some competitor analysis. By doing some analysis,
government will find out what kind of tourism aspects that a tourist destination
should have, what kind of facilities and services should be provided, what
kind of promotion strategy should be done and what kind of management
should be applied to achieve the goals of the tourist destination development.
2.4 Project Development Stage
Table 2.4.1 Development Project 1

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Project

International standard tourism facilitties development in Mursala Island

and its isles, Central Tapanuli, North Sumatera

Type of
development

Construction

Activity
1. Building resort/ hotel/ inn at the specified area near Mursala
Island/ isles
2. Building public facilities such as restrooms, gazebos, and benches
3. Establishing a specified arena for cultural performance and
cultural center.
4. Building a mini amusement park surrounded by local craft store
5. Establishing restaurant, eatery, and food court
6. Establishing a special dock for tourists to visit Mursala Island and
its isles
7. Establishing a center for underwater activity and water sport

Table 2.4.2 Development Project 2

Project

International standard tourism facilitties development in Mursala Island

and its isles, Central Tapanuli, North Sumatera

Type of
development

Service Provision

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Activity
1. Providing a pleasant and wonderful holiday for visitors with
optimum, effective, and excellent service
2. Performing regular cultural performance and attraction
3. Holding regular underwater activity and competition
4. Serving the tourists with delightful local and international culinary
5. Providing water sport equipment and training for tourists who are
fond of such sport
6. Holding coral reef cultivation and fish fingerlings dissemination
on a regular basis in order to provide ecological entertainment and
education to tourists.
7. Providing relaxation services
8. Rendering wonderful local crafts and stuffs with competitive price
9. Providing event organizer for special occasion
10. Facilitating all equipment and facility with high-level security
11. Providing interpreting services for tourists who are not able to
speak Indonesian or English.
12. Providing special transportation and accommodation rate for
tourists, especially those who come in a large group.

2.5 Expected Results of the Development

There are several results that expected to be obtained from this development project, namely:

The presence of new potential tourism destination in Central Tapanuli, North Sumatera
The establishment of the first top-notch international standard tourism destination in
Central Tapanuli, North Sumatera.
The availability of a tourist destination that is not only full of entertainment but also
education
The availability of means for coral reefs cultivation and marine conservation
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The establishment of arena for underwater activities and water sports

The availability of means to introduce Indonesian cultural heritage especially in North
Sumatera such as traditional songs and dances, legends and folklores, culinary, and local
crafts.
To make Central Tapanuli as one of the best tourist choice locations in Indonesia and
introduces North Sumatera potency not only to local tourists but also international ones.

Chapter 3
EXPECTED OUTCOME
The development of international standard tourism facilities in Mursala Island and its isles is
absolutely expected to give benefit and profit for tourism sector in North Sumatera, specifically in
Central Tapanuli. Two sectors which are the prime target to obtain benefit from this development
project are local tourism and local economy.
3.1 Benefits for tourism sector
Cultural heritage in North Sumatera can be exposed to local tourists from other cities or
provinces and international tourists who come from all over the world.
Natural beauty and potency that exist in other part of North Sumatra can be developed more
serious
Local and inland revenues can increasing greater than before since this tourist destination is
not only expected to attract tourists or excursionists but also investors.
Reduces inland expenditures for overseas travel that spent by officials and society
Increases the interest of local companies and communities to develop local tourism
3.2 Benefits for local people economic growth
Stimulating and motivating local people to produce local crafts more industriously
Local people have the means to channel and express their innovation, creativity, and talent
that have economic value
Increasing local peoples income by helping them to sell their crafts to tourists.
Providing greater job opportunities for local people in Central Tapanuli which can help
government to reduce unemployment rate and to launch transmigration program in North
Sumatera
Local agriculture, fisheries, and plantation can be optimized in order to improve local people
welfare

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