DAYUNG : Eco tourism, Jetty Terminal Education and Information Hub

City University Malaysia

Project idea

DAYUNG is a cultural and eco-tourism hub designed to reconnect future generations with the heritage, culture, and natural beauty of Langkawi. Inspired by the question, “How can we connect the future generation with culture and history?”, DAYUNG seeks to answer this by offering a space where tradition meets sustainable innovation. In the face of rapid globalization and modern development, many communities are losing touch with their roots. DAYUNG responds to this by creating a platform that preserves and celebrates local identity through design, storytelling, and community engagement. By highlighting the untold stories, traditional crafts, and local livelihoods of Kilim, Langkawi, DAYUNG becomes more than a jetty terminal ,it becomes a bridge between generations and a symbol of resilience for the local community.

Project description

Located in Kilim Geoforest Park, Langkawi, DAYUNG is a multifunctional tourism center that combines a jetty terminal, eco-tourism hub, educational platform, and cultural preservation space. The name “DAYUNG,” meaning paddle, signifies movement—connecting destinations, cultures, and people. The project is strategically placed at a site rich in natural and cultural value, surrounded by more than 20 tourist attractions and supported by strong local traditions like boat-making, weaving, and seafood trading. The design promotes openness and comfort through natural ventilation, open courtyards, and locally inspired materials such as rattan, bamboo, and mangrove wood. Programs within DAYUNG include educational exhibitions, poster tunnels on marine life awareness, boat-making workshops, fresh markets, viewing points, and capsule-style accommodations each curated to highlight local identity. The design also supports the economic development of local vendors while attracting both local and international tourists, investors, and students to appreciate the heritage of Langkawi.

Technical information

Technically, DAYUNG emphasizes sustainable, user-centered design. The use of E-glass allows natural sunlight to enter the building, reducing dependence on artificial lighting and minimizing energy consumption. Natural ventilation is enhanced through open-space layouts, fabric panels, and carefully placed ventilation blocks, all contributing to a cooler indoor environment. Deciduous trees are integrated into the design to provide shade and regulate temperatures, while rainwater harvesting systems support plant irrigation and reduce water costs. Materials are selected for their environmental benefits and local origin mangrove wood, oak, rattan, and bamboo ,coated with Nippon polyurethane paint to increase durability and resistance to humidity. The interior design incorporates elements such as "mengkuang" weaving, bubu traps, and local textiles to reflect cultural values. Color selections like New Brick, Truffle Dip, Gala Glitter, and Lilac Lining from Nippon Paint help create a calm, nature-inspired environment. Sustainability is addressed holistically, balancing environmental preservation, social empowerment, and economic growth making DAYUNG not only a tourism hub but a model for sustainable community-based design.