Fifteen Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation’s (APU) School of Global Hospitality and Tourism (SoGHT) students joined the Pemanggil Vibe Voyage to Pemanggil Island, Johor, gaining first-hand experience in sustainable tourism, island hospitality, and community-based tourism visits, which combined practical learning with cultural immersion, enhancing students’ understanding of responsible tourism and industry practices.

The spirit of adventure came alive as 15 students from the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation’s (APU) School of Global Hospitality and Tourism (SoGHT) embarked on an enriching educational journey to Pemanggil Island, Mersing, Johor.

Far more than a traditional field trip, the Pemanggil Vibe Voyage programme offered students a unique opportunity to step beyond the classroom and experience the realities of island tourism first-hand. 

From island hopping across eight stunning locations to engaging with the local community, the excursion provided valuable insights into Malaysia’s island tourism sector and the principles of sustainable tourism development.

Designed to bridge academic theory with industry practice, the visit focused on exposing students to sustainable tourism initiatives, community-based tourism, and island hospitality management within a remote destination setting. 

By immersing themselves in the local environment, students gained a deeper understanding of how tourism operated within an isolated island community and the factors that contributed to its sustainability.

One of the programme’s highlights was an island-hopping expedition that took students to eight picturesque sites around the island. 

Each destination showcased distinctive geographical and ecological features, including pristine beaches, coral-rich snorkelling areas, dramatic coastal rock formations, and tranquil bays.

Through these visits, students explored the potential of marine tourism products in attracting niche tourism markets while observing the environmental considerations required to preserve fragile island ecosystems. 

The experience also enhanced their appreciation of Malaysia’s rich marine biodiversity and its significance in drawing both domestic and international visitors.

Equally impactful was the opportunity to engage directly with the residents of Pemanggil Island, who live in a relatively remote environment with limited accessibility compared to mainland destinations, offering students valuable insights into island life and tourism development.

Students observed the daily routines and socio-economic activities of the islanders while learning about the challenges they faced, including limited infrastructure, transportation constraints, and reliance on natural resources. 

They also witnessed the resilience and hospitality of the local community, which had successfully preserved its cultural traditions while embracing tourism-related opportunities.

These interactions highlighted the importance of community-based tourism and reinforced the role of local stakeholders in fostering sustainable and inclusive tourism growth.

The educational visit proved to be both meaningful and transformative, combining academic learning with practical exposure. 

It enabled students to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and complexities within Malaysia’s island tourism industry while developing greater awareness of responsible tourism practices.

According to Ms Siti Fariza Muhamad Amin, Senior Lecturer at SoGHT, experiential learning initiatives such as the Pemanggil Vibe Voyage continued to play a crucial role in preparing future tourism and hospitality professionals to become knowledgeable, responsible, and adaptable leaders in an increasingly dynamic global industry.

“A journey filled with learning, culture, and island vibes — this is what future tourism leaders are made of,” she explained.

Ms Siti Fariza, who served as the project adviser, provided direction and mentorship to the project leader and assistants, Hikmah Lauthan and Mariyam Shaistha Ibrahim Niyaz Moosa, with the support of the committee members. 

She was accompanied by SoGHT lecturers, Mr Shazeel Ali Sardar Ali and Mr Mohamad Imaduddin Zainal Abidin, with Mr Shazeel overseeing the safety and well-being of the students throughout the journey, while Mr Mohamad Imaduddin evaluated the Geography Travel and Tourism components of the programme.

Reflecting on the experience, Hospitality and Tourism student Yuma Kikuchihara shared that the trip had broadened her perspective on the value of authentic tourism experiences.

“We realised that meaningful interactions between visitors and local communities create lasting memories that cannot be replaced by technology alone,” she said.

Meanwhile, Umme Ashfakum Maney described the trip as an unforgettable learning experience.

“We gained valuable knowledge about sustainability, community involvement, and tourism operations. Despite challenges such as limited internet connectivity, the trip taught us independence, teamwork, and adaptability,” she said.

The Pemanggil Vibe Voyage ultimately demonstrated how experiential learning could inspire future tourism professionals while fostering a deeper appreciation for sustainable tourism and community engagement in Malaysia’s island destinations.