Cultural Interpretation toward Sustainability: A Case of Mount Kinabalu

Abstract

The study looked at the role of cultural interpretation in sustainable tourism development. Using Mount Kinabalu as a case in point, it examined Kinabalu Park visitors’ (including Mount Kinabalu climbers) awareness of the indigenous cultural values of Mount Kinabalu. It also analyzed their level of satisfaction with the cultural interpretation of the mountain and their perceptions of cultural interpretation toward sustainability. Using convenience sampling, questionnaires were distributed to park visitors at several points at the park headquarters. Descriptive statistics were conducted to obtain frequencies, means and standard deviations. It was discovered that Kinabalu Park visitors did not have an in-depth knowledge of the cultural significance of Mount Kinabalu. They knew significantly more about the scientific aspects (i.e. geology, botany and zoology) of the mountain and the history of early Mount Kinabalu climbing. The cultural knowledge they had of the mountain was limited to the commonly interpreted theme of Mount Kinabalu sacredness. Despite the positive experience with the cultural interpretation presented by mountain or tour guides, visitors were dissatisfied with the overall cultural interpretation of Mount Kinabalu. They did not think the exhibit centers at the Kinabalu Park headquarters provided sufficient information on the indigenous cultural values of the mountain. They indicated that they would like to learn more about the cultural significance of Mount Kinabalu and agreed that there should be more information in that respect. Visitors agreed that the knowledge of the indigenous cultural values of Mount Kinabalu deepened their understanding of the mountain and increased their awareness of its physical environment which indirectly resulted in a desire to protect the park or the mountain. They also agreed that knowledge of the mountain's cultural significance made them appreciate the native non-material side of the mountain, enhanced their understanding of and respect for the indigenous cultural values and prompted them to behave respectfully. The present study proposed several recommendations that the park management can consider to ensure appropriate visitor interpretation.