Merchang is all set to attract visitors with a new package that will put travellers in close proximity to the villagers and nature.

Merchang Lestari is so packed in order to let visitors understand what local people are doing to make them live, especially to tap palm nira, fish for rivers, catch crabs with their special bito net and find locals among their palms.

Sulaiman Sulong is hopeful that the Community-based tourism package will be a success once it is made available in March of next year. Terengganu Tourism, Culture, and Information Technology Committee Deputy Chairman

He spoke to reporters here after he and Marang district officer Tun Ahmad Faisal Tun Razak made a tour of the location where the villagers catch crabs and search for lokan.

"Merchang Lestari is a tourism product similar to the Setiu Wetlands, but only it is smaller in size. Tourists can get a feel of how close to nature the local community is,” Sulaiman said.

Merchang Lestari is a product of tourism, which has yet to be revealed to its potential to the advantage of the town's residents, Tun Ahmed Faisal said.

"Our initial survey is to get feedback from the villagers on their preparations and what infrastructure facilities they need to add on for the comfort of tourists," he said, adding that he foresees Merchang Lestari generating economic growth in the area.