Assessing Indigenous Cultural Heritage Knowledge as a Foundation for Indigenous Tourism Development among the Bajau Community in Mabul and Larapan Islands, Sabah

Abstract

This study examines indigenous cultural heritage knowledge as a foundation for indigenous tourism development among the Bajau community in Mabul and Larapan Islands, Sabah, Malaysia. Indigenous tourism has gained increasing attention as a pathway for cultural preservation and tourism diversification, particularly in communities with rich traditional heritage. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected through structured questionnaires involving 30 Bajau respondents from the two island communities. The study assessed knowledge across key cultural heritage dimensions, including traditional food, crafts, performing arts, festivals, attire, and ceremonial customs. The findings reveal strong indigenous cultural knowledge in both communities, with respondents from Mabul generally demonstrating higher levels of cultural knowledge retention compared to those from Larapan. The results highlight the potential of Bajau cultural heritage as a valuable resource for developing authentic indigenous tourism experiences that complement existing marine-based tourism in Sabah. This study contributes to the growing discourse on indigenous tourism by providing empirical insights into the role of cultural heritage knowledge in supporting culturally grounded tourism development within island-based indigenous communities.