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ABSTRACT
Resort is a place where people often go for rest or having recreational activities as on holiday from
inbound or outbound of the country. Current trend on holiday destination indicates that resort with
traditional, heritage and ethnic elements in its design, is the most popular type of resort design
throughout the world. Malaysia with its Truly Asia slogan in its tourism campaign is promoting the
uniqueness of local cultural and heritage. Malaysia has a various types of resort design or architectural
languages that can be categorized into four style i.e. Colonialism, Modern International,
Traditionalism/Vernacularism/Regionalism and eclectic. Aim of the paper is to study the decorative
element of Traditional Malay Architecture used, to the resort design in promoting the Malay architecture
and heritage to gaze the awareness of the tourist on the element heritage as well as the traditional/
vernacular / regional design of resort in Malaysia. Eight case studies from selected local resort in
Peninsular Malaysia were chose as comparison. Finally, the authors reached the conclusion that resorts in
Malaysia plays significant roles in promoting local architecture and heritage.
INTRODUCTION
Resort is a place where people often go for rest or having recreational activities as on holiday
from inbound or outbound of the country. Current trend on holiday destination indicates that resort with
traditional, heritage and ethnic elements in its design, is the most popular type of resort design
throughout the world (Hassan, 2000 & 2010). Malaysia with its Truly Asia slogan in its tourism
campaign is promoting the uniqueness of local cultural and heritage. Resort in Malaysia has a various
design or architectural languages that can be categorised into four style i.e. Colonialism, Modern
International, Traditionalism/Vernacularism/Regionalism and eclectic. Aim of the paper is to study the
decorative element of Traditional Malay Architecture used, to the resort design in promoting the Malay
architecture and heritage to gaze the awareness of the tourist. The traditional / vernacular / regional styles
of resort design will be the main discussion. Eight case studies from selected local resort in Peninsular
Malaysia were chose as comparison. Finally, the authors reached the conclusion that resorts in Malaysia
plays significant roles in promoting local architecture and heritage.
RESORT IN GENERAL
The Role of Resort In Promoting Traditional Malay Architecture and Heritage Awareness Among Tourist in Malaysia. ROHAMINI.Y
Arte-Polis 3 International Conference on Creative Collaboration and the Making of Place 3
Traditional architecture despite being categorised as primitive has always been the main
source of references in the social and cultural studies by architects and anthropologists. In the Malay
world, the traditional principles of buildings built by the locals are very much related to knowledge
gained over several generations. Thus there are key players or experts involved namely; the builder
(tukang), the pawang (traditional Malay healer), the head of religious matters (ketua adat or imam) and
the craftsman (pengukir). The builder who is the expert on the overall construction process determines
the type of timber or materials, equipments and the construction techniques of the house. Based on
local practice the service of the pawang is required in determining the exact location, orientation,
particular day to built, together with all the associated mantras related to the building process. The
imam on the other hand will decide and head the local beliefs in blessing the overall process with
prayers (doa) whilst the craftsman, a person of exceptional talent in woodcraft will be responsible in
the aesthetics of the symbolic elements adoring the overall house. Thus, the local spiritual beliefs on
the mystical beings based on animism, Hindu-Buddha and the religion of Islam form a diverse mixture
with the traditional thinking, which constantly generate questions on the actual message or meanings
behind the construction process and its elements. These relational or symbolic meanings of the Malay
culture play important roles in the minds of the Malays manifested through their concept of things
(living or non-living). Apart from these, the natural environment is also seen as their teacher (guru).
Because of this, every aspect of the traditional Malay architecture and the construction process will
have many resemblance and various meanings to the use and articulation or reflection of the smell, the
sight, the sound and the feel of the natural environment.
Architecturally, aesthetical and decorative elements are considered as additional to the basic
architectural members. Apart from the structural and construction components, there are various
elements introduced to enhance the basic form decoratively. According to Sabrizaa, (2007) there
are at least sixteen aesthetical elements identified in the traditional Malay architecture -
A. Bumbung (roof): tunjuk langit, sisik naga , sulur bayung , kepala cicak, ande-
ande, pemeles, tiang gantung;
B. Dinding (wall): sesiku keluang / kekisi;
C. Pintu (door): pintu gerbang, kepala pintu gerbang, gerbang pintu, kepala pintu;
D. Tingkap (window): kepala tingkap, gerbang tingkap, pagar musang.
According to him the ornamentation together with the aesthetical elements of the traditional Malay
architecture were closely related to the Malay thoughts and culture. Several motives adopted from
particular plants were highly meaningful to the Malays. All of these contribute to the shaping of the
Malay aesthetical philosophy. These aesthetical also known as decorative elements such as the
intricate timber carvings adorning the Malay house are considered the ultimate expression of Gods
knowledge subsisting in the subconscious mind of the Malay society.
The Role of Resort In Promoting Traditional Malay Architecture and Heritage Awareness Among Tourist in Malaysia. ROHAMINI.Y
Arte-Polis 3 International Conference on Creative Collaboration and the Making of Place 4
Spatial means space as components in architecture, which is essential due to its function as
container for human activities Haryiadi & Setiawan (1995). Similarly, the planning of the Malay
house imitates the spatial organization that shapes the social relations of its occupants and
outsiders. Rumah depan, rumah ibu, rumah tengah and rumah dapur indicates a range of socio-
culture segregation to the overall spatial organization of the house. There exist a social system that
creates a division between what is private or domestic and the public domains, formal and informal
etc., reflecting the Malays as being culturally civilized communities that based their daily activities
on a harmonious social dealings i.e. kenduri-kendara (wedding ceremonies), gotong-royong (group
activities) etc. The Malay kampong or village has its own characteristics. Their social pattern can be
summed up as very informal to the extent that the individual house lots, to an outsider seems to be
indistinctly demarcated. In other words the separation between public and private exist but on a
more subtle manner. House compounds are usually more open and seem to merge with the
surrounding public spaces. It may seem haphazard, but the Malays do have greater tolerance for
communal intimacy that has no equivalent in the western concept of dwellings (Powell et.al., 1988).
The immediate surroundings of the site, whether natural or manmade, have a considerable
impact on design. Natural features outside can be incorporated visually to broaden conceptual
boundaries. For example the traditional rice terrace, mountain village have influence planning and
building technique. For example to comply with the local code, it is stated that no building shall be
higher than the tallest coconut tree! The house backdrop in lush tropical vegetation and natural
resources provides opportunities and challenges to the traditional Malay house. The Malays, being
the inhabitants of the archipelago are understandably respectful not only of their natural
environment but also towards the metaphysical elements related to their surroundings; hence, the
use of natural material is considered as being in harmony with nature. As the timber rots, the rotting
process contributes to the resurrection of the natural environment. Every tree is used to the
maximum with minimum waste and minimum disturbance to the balance of nature. Briefly the
Malay house, which is a model building that is environmentally sustainable. The house too is
essentially a timber post and beam construction that is lightweight and utilizes one of the earliest
prefabrication methods in building construction. Consistent with Waterson (1998), essentially the
Malay house is held together by means of techniques of jointing and mortising, entirely without the
use of a single nails, giving the advantage in that it is capable of being dismantled and reassembled
in a new location; which also strongly reflects its cultural kinship system. In supporting the content,
ICOMOS (1999) shows that, the built vernacular heritage is important; it is the fundamental
expression of the culture of a community, of its relationship with its territory and, at the same
time, the expression of the world's cultural diversity and for guideline on practice.
Malaysia is a small tropical country in South East Asia and just like many South East Asian
countries, has several fabulous beach resorts for tourists who want to get away from the city to enjoy the
sun, sea and sand. The case study selected is based on the award winning and popularity amongst local
and international visitor, through promoting on website.
The Role of Resort In Promoting Traditional Malay Architecture and Heritage Awareness Among Tourist in Malaysia. ROHAMINI.Y
Arte-Polis 3 International Conference on Creative Collaboration and the Making of Place 5
In attractive low rise Malay-style architecture, this recently refurbished 258 rooms resort
inclusive of suites span across a cluster of private villa, the premier Ocean Wing, Pacific Wing and
Garden Wing. The newly renovated villas is an archetype of a traditional Malay village, sited on one end
of the bay along the slope covered with tropical jungle, with the sea front right on its doorstep. Each of
the villa offer strong view of the sea and is luxuriously furnished with a large day bed near the bay
windows, deep sunken bath and an oversized outdoor shower, surrounded by tropical jungle. The Villas
is 12 units exclusive Malay-style architecture, using timber and decorative element such as the kepala
cicak, tebar layar and pagar musang. A warmth and exotic ambience with modern amenities. Beside
there are The Ocean Wing that provide the 102 units of deluxe rooms facing the sea, another 81 units of
elegant suites namely The Pacific Wing and Garden Wing equipped the 58 rooms with modern
amenities.
Teluk Dalam Resort (TDR) Providing a 140 individual wooden chalets and bungalows with a
magnificent view of either the garden or the sea view. The fully wooden chalets and bungalows come
complete with its own private balcony and complete provides with other facilities. The eye-catching of
Balai Temu or lobby, chalets and bungalows feature "kampung" styles architecture and are furnished and
equipped in a manner to achieve visitor pleasure and comfort with the Malay named Tanjong Chalet,
Chempaka Chalet and Melati Chalet. The chalet units and lobby area using a lot of Malay decorative
element such as a fascia board Ande-ande, pagar musang, tunjuk langit to create the ambience of local
environment, heritage element with and sense of welcoming.
Kampung Tok Senik Resort (KTSR) is where genuine Malay heritage flourishes in the lushness of
nature. Fully manage by government the building built up on the land of rubber plantation, to create a
sense of Malay traditional environment and architecture. The resort is facing paddy field and the hilly
area as a backdrop. It is an exclusive experience life in the traditional kampung or village beside the
resort discover an amazing tranquility brought by an appreciation of cultural heritage and closeness to
nature. There are rustic chalets with pleasant invitation to enjoy the simple and relaxed atmosphere of a
kampung.
The Role of Resort In Promoting Traditional Malay Architecture and Heritage Awareness Among Tourist in Malaysia. ROHAMINI.Y
Arte-Polis 3 International Conference on Creative Collaboration and the Making of Place 6
Tanjong Jara Resort (TJR) is a beautiful resort with an authentic taste of the region spirit and an
enduring embodiment of the gentle Malay arts of service and hospitality. This resort, located on the East
Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, It is a sanctuary of luxury and well-being steeped in age-old Malay
traditions. Designed to reflect the elegance and grandeur of 17th century Malay palaces. Tanjung Jara
Resort is also initially built to enhance the beauty of Terengganu traditional Malay architecture with the
ambience of flowing stream, a small bridge, a pot and decorative element such as tebar layar, corbel,
tunjuk langit, ande-ande, etc.
Pangkor Laut Resort (PLR) is a resort island of private property. The creation of fishing village
namely Sea Villas are locate on the sea and the Hill Garden Villas is located on the edge of the hill, in the
middle veranda equipped with quality mountain, located in the park. Each individual space is made to
reflect on a fine elegance and luxury amenities. Complex details of interior design accents that emphasize
the informal set of facilities and functions. Polished tropical hardwood floor tailored by fabric textures
that add warmth to the elegant bedrooms with their podium bed, while bathroom and dressing area is
very wide, and made with very detailed carvings. There are Spa Village comprises a number of specially
built structures designed to facilitate an extensive range of treatments from China, Japan, India, Thailand,
Bali and Malaysia. These include eight treatment pavilions, a deluxe Belian Treatment Pavilion, three
'Healing Huts', which include Chinese Herbal, Ayurvedic and Malay Huts, two Bath Houses, three Spa
Huts, three Nap Gazebos and a Spa Boutique. 22 beautiful Spa Villas situated over the sea offer direct
access to the Spa Village.
Figure 7: From left, The Gate Entrance, library, spa and modern suite,
Source: http://TheAryani.com
The Role of Resort In Promoting Traditional Malay Architecture and Heritage Awareness Among Tourist in Malaysia. ROHAMINI.Y
Arte-Polis 3 International Conference on Creative Collaboration and the Making of Place 7
The Aryani Resort layouts were based on the refined elegance of authentic Malay architecture
inspired by the Sultans Palace of the olden days. Exclusively designed by owner, an Architect
conservationist. The main building act as the focal point which holds the lobby Reception Area , Main
Serai Restaurant , Nusantara Meeting Room , Galeria Boutique and Hikayat Fine Dining cum
Library represents the Sultans palace of fortress . The Arrival Hall (Lobby Area) is created to have a
sense of arrival is pronounced as guests are welcomed with Bunga Rampai ( Malaysian Potpourri),
Cold Towel , and Welcome Drink of Lemon Grass Tea and welcome Food of Terengganus famous
side dishes Keropok Lekor . While waiting for registration formalities, guests can enjoy the scenic view
of the Grand Central Courtyard overlooking the pool and National Marine Park.
The landscape is preserving the natural surroundings; only one main tree was cut down during
the construction. Besides the Wild Guava and coconut trees, the lushly landscaped gardens are planted
with native plants of Terengganu to do a double duty. The Serai or Lemon grass wards off mosquitoes.
The pandan is natures deterrent to cockroaches . The sugarcane and wild banana plants with purple and
pink flowers make a rustic village scene. While frangipani and our local flowers fragrance the air with
their heady scent.
Figure 8: From left, Terengganu Traditional house, Veranda and The Archway Entrance
Source: http://puratanjungsabtu.com
Pura Tanjung Sabtu is a unique traditional Malay residential complex located in the charming
tranquil rural river countryside of Terengganu, on the East Coast of West Malaysia. Comprising eleven
antique 150 to 200 year-old Malay timber houses. The owner who personally supervised its restoration
assist the re-assembled, restored and preserved on-site in the manner of an 18th century princely estate,
known as the private residence of Tengku Ismail Tengku Su, Royal Songket Weaver by Appointment to
the Royal Court of Terengganu Darul Iman. Surrounded with beautifully landscaped with verdant
aromatic boughs, bamboo groves and shaded by Pohon Rengas and Nibong Palms, the resort is name
after "Pura", the Sanskrit word for palace, Temple or City, and "Tanjung Sabtu", the quiet Malay village
near which the complex is located. It is only private retreat in Malaysia where you may personally
experience the relaxed elegantly of courtly life in a princely estate. It is only private retreat in Malaysia
where you may personally experience the relaxed elegantly of courtly life in a princely estate. There are a
few type of building namely Rumah Sungai Rengas, Rumah Nesan Empat and Rumah Rhu Dua
The Bon Ton built within the grounds of a 100-year-old coconut plantation, the houses are
centered on a pool/Jacuzzi and front onto a serene lagoon. Divided with two phase of resort with a
northern traditional Malay houses named Laguna - 120 year old house with a very stately in feel, has
The Role of Resort In Promoting Traditional Malay Architecture and Heritage Awareness Among Tourist in Malaysia. ROHAMINI.Y
Arte-Polis 3 International Conference on Creative Collaboration and the Making of Place 8
sweeping lagoon views even from the Chinese style wooden bathtub for two. A large balcony at the
entrance offers the ideal spot for sunset cocktails, Black Coral - A 100 year old Malay Nobleman's house,
the intricate carvings made for natural ventilation. The windows are lower level in line with the eye level
of guest sitting on the floor, blue ginger - Basic style with a simple bedroom and an attached kitchen
area. This villa is a 60-year-old house. A round post shaped from a tree trunk is the support of the house.
Yellow Orchid - This simple 50-year-old Malay anglers house has a front open balcony for maintenance
of fishing equipment. Silk - At 120 years old, this villa is very grand and charming with old plantation
style shutters and intricate carvings. With two queen beds in one room and two single beds in another
room, it is the ideal house for a family to feel at home. Palm A 120-year-old house sits very majestic
and picturesque beside the pool. Beautiful carved panels above the windows make this house a treat to
the eye. The neighboring house Laguna is its twin in size and layout. Both have extra large bedroom and
bathrooms. White Frangipani - This 80-year-old typical Malay house with the main reception area for the
men has a raised sleeping area and a kitchen with a link house entrance for women. Cahaya Villa -
Formerly a head of the village residence, this spacious 100 year old Malay house has a large main
bedroom , with King bed, and a separate living room, with three day beds that easily convert to a second
bedroom.
Table 1: Shows the used of Decorative Element of Traditional Malay Architecture on the resort design.
Source: author
Kepala Tingkap
Dinding Kelarai
Bertindih Kasih
Tiang Gantung
Gerbang Pintu
Pintu Gerbang
Pagar Musang
Kayu Pemeleh
Tunjuk Langit
Dinding Janda
Sesiku Kluang
Sulur Bayung
Kepala Pintu
Kepala Pintu
Kepala Cicak
Andes- and
Sisik Naga
Gerbang
Gerbang
Tingkap
Dinding
Berhias
Kekisi
PIBR
1
R
TD
2
KTSR
3
TJR
4
PLR
5
AR
6
PTS
7
BTR
DISCUSSION
According to Rohamini Yusoff, Mohd Sabrizaa Abd.Rashid & Sufian Che Amat, 2009 that
the vernacular, traditional and regional took a certain extent from the integration of the cultural and
tropical climate by introduce of tempayan (pots), carvings , textile, crafts as decorations representing
Malay features, by using a landscape elements such as water, stream, timber bridge, exposed kerosene
lamps, the roofs, the aesthetical elements and local material creates sense of place such as kampong
and fishing village ambience all over.
The Role of Resort In Promoting Traditional Malay Architecture and Heritage Awareness Among Tourist in Malaysia. ROHAMINI.Y
Arte-Polis 3 International Conference on Creative Collaboration and the Making of Place 9
Table 1, below indicates the used of decorative element of traditional Malay architecture on
resort design in promoting the Malay village and architectural language of traditional, vernacular and
regional setting, depends on used of element. The authenticity remain as significant part to create and
design the resort for example the Bon Ton and Aryani are developed from the original forms of
traditional Malay Architecture and it is use a combination of new brick buildings and old traditional
timber houses to form the resorts. The similarity between these is that they both used recycled traditional
houses and transporting these houses onto the present resort site. However while Bon Ton Resort and
Pura Tanjung Sabtu solely use recycled timber houses. The used of decorative elements and methods of
construction were recreated for the Pangkor Island Beach Resort, Tok Senik Resort and Teluk Dalam
Resort. The surveys shows the decreases of using the decorative element will bring major impact to its
design. Whereby Aryani, Pura Tanjung Sabtu and Bon Ton is reassembling of traditional house received
a high compliment from the local and international tourist because the authenticity of traditional Malay
architecture and heritage have being preserved, recreated the sense of Malay village in terms of colour,
material used, the landscape, the environment and etc.
Table 2: shows the used of space that relate with the Traditional Malay Architecture on the resort design.
Source: author
Reception &
Hotel Name
Room/Suite
Star Rating
Case Study
Restaurant
Recreation
Location
Lounge/
Waiting
Lobby
/ Villa
Toilet
Area
Spa
Element
Pangkor Island
Pangkor Island
Beach Resort
Island
Island
Terengg
Dungun
Resort
(TJR)
anu
4 5*
and architecture element. Mixed with
modern material and constructions.
Built up new resort to suite with
Pangkor
Pangkor
Island
Laut
Terengganu
Homestay
Royal
7
maintaining the authenticity of the
building
Hotel
Island
The Role of Resort In Promoting Traditional Malay Architecture and Heritage Awareness Among Tourist in Malaysia. ROHAMINI.Y
Arte-Polis 3 International Conference on Creative Collaboration and the Making of Place 10
Case Study one(1), two(2) and three(3) shows that, the resort is using less decorative element in
the resort design, The Case Study four(4) and five(5) represent more than more used of decorative
element from traditional Malay architecture on the resort design. For the Case Study six (6) and seven (7)
which is the Aryani Resort and Pura Tanjung Sabtu both are preserving and built the Traditional Malay
of Terengganu shows fully used of decorative element base on selected resort building, beside these
element creating the Malay ambience, natural setting of traditional Malay from traditional Malay village,
whereby the Bon Ton which is case study eight (8) is using the entire decorative element to the resort
design. They also using the element of traditional Malay Architecture, surrounded by nature and mixed
the material beside maintaining the grandeurs of palace and Malay Fishing village brings visitor to feel
,to taste and to appreciate the traditional Malay Architecture and heritage.
CONCLUSION
This study concluded that the difference in promoting the heritage and traditional Malay architecture on
the resort design together with the uniqueness of Malay architecture and heritage play an important role.
Creating the traditional resort will produce an environment of harmony and balance with nature, it is also
blended with the surrounding and encourage people to feel the sense of welcomed at the resort,
humbleness but elegant reception site to complete resort. The development of resorts stays as positive
impact on local residents and resort provider. Resort has an important role in the introduction of Malay
architectural heritage to visitors both within and outside the country, where the speaker does not just
splash but the originality laid borrowed elements from traditional architecture heritage of Malay.
Sabrizaa et al, (2008) wrote that the traditional and regional load limits of the integration culture and
tropical climate. The introduction of containers (pots), sculpture, textiles, crafts as decorations represent
the characteristics of Malay, using natural elements such as stream, river, bridge timber, struck oil lamp,
ceiling, aesthetic and decorative elements, create a sense of local materials or places like Malaysia and
fishing village atmosphere around the village.
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The Role of Resort In Promoting Traditional Malay Architecture and Heritage Awareness Among Tourist in Malaysia. ROHAMINI.Y