The Application of an Augmented Reality Offline System for Rural Tourism Development at Pa’ Lungan, Bario

The development of rural tourism is one of the Malaysian government’s primary priorities for improving the socioeconomic and living conditions of the local community. Therefore, new ideas for assisting the rural population’s growth and economy through tourism must be explored. This article examines the application of augmented reality (AR) offline systems in improving this issue. It aims to review the planning, implementation, and effectiveness of the Interactive Digital Map (ID-MAP) as part of a rural tourism project in Pa’ Lungan, Bario, Sarawak. The study is carried out through a practical visual approach and analysed through observational, experiential and reflection approaches. The analysis elaborates on one of the main themes contained in the ID-MAP, which is linked to the famous tourist attraction of Pa’ Lungan – a megalithic rock called Batuh Ritung. The outcome was initially presented through an exhibition that applied digital information delivery using AR applications. As a result, an offline system was developed to assist locals in efficiently promoting tourism sites. This serves as an alternative platform that can verify the eligibility of tourist spots based on the existing digital and interactive multimedia systems, which are vital components in developing the smart village concept with Bario as a case study. Thus, this research has opened new interdisciplinary research opportunities and can be considered an alternative method to visual-based research, especially to stimulate the tourism industry and inform stakeholders and academics on the future of rural tourism.