Newspapers these days write about several issues with tourism in Goa, just the right time to showcase a gem of Goa, the island of Divar along with its authentic charm! When I went to George Town, Penang, an island in Malaysia recently, I was reminded of our very own Goan island. Although Penang, with an area of 295 square kilometres, is fifty times the size of Divar, with an area of 6 square kilometres, they both share several similarities that contribute to their appeal as vibrant destinations for travellers seeking adventure and cultural experiences. I felt Divar has the potential to be more like Penang.
Primarily, both islands offer a laid-back vibe, making them popular spots for relaxation and leisure activities. Goa was a Portuguese colony, while Penang was a British trading post; both have profound historical significance, impressive colonial architecture, and epochal heritage sites. While Divar offers a blend of Portuguese and Indian cultures, Penang showcases a mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences. Both islands are known for their scenic landscapes sprinkled with hills and lush greenery, making them ideal for outdoor adventures. Both attract visitors with their natural beauty and cultural heritage, sharing a rich cultural tapestry influenced by various ethnic groups. Both islands boast unique culinary scenes, with seafood and local dishes reflecting their cultural influences. Goan cuisine is known for its spices and seafood, while Penang is famous for its street food and fusion dishes.
I had always thought of Divar Island as a spot to escape the crowds and noise of the mainland while enjoying the natural beauty, serenity, and tranquillity of a quaint village. With its proximity to the mainland and accessibility via a ferry, Divar is a convenient destination for day trips, surrounded by the Mandovi River, boasting lush greenery, scenic landscapes, and tranquil beaches—a peaceful retreat away from the bustling Goan tourist areas. Once a thriving Hindu settlement, it remains home to remnants of its past with several temples, churches, chapels, and monuments, the Church of Our Lady of Compassion being a notable landmark. There are no beaches, shacks, or nightclubs—only a unique and tranquil experience, a blend of Portuguese and Indian cultures, with colonial-era architecture and churches dotted with vintage houses built in Portuguese style.
Divar needs to do lots more to be like Penang. To reach Divar Island, the ferry from Ribandar, a slow-moving contraption, takes five to ten minutes to reach the south-west side of Divar Island, unlike the ferry to Penang Island from Butterworth on the mainland—a snazzy new speedboat with a choice of travelling the roughly 20 minutes in an air-conditioned cabin with clear views of Penang’s skyline and the sea.
Penang Island in Malaysia has its unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty that makes it a significant and attractive destination in Malaysia. I found it to be a melting pot of cultures, primarily influenced by Malay, Chinese, and Indian communities. Georgetown, its capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture, historic buildings, and vibrant street art, showcasing its rich history as a trading port. With its beautiful beaches, lush hills, and tropical rainforests, the island is home to a vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, street art, and cultural events that celebrate its heritage and contemporary creativity. Famous for its street food and diverse cuisine, Penang is considered the food capital of Malaysia.
No doubt the respective islands have different cultural heritages. Divar was primarily influenced by Portuguese colonial history and Hindu traditions, duly reflected in its architecture and festivals, while Penang Island is a melting pot of cultures, with significant Chinese, Indian, and Malay influences, evident from its diverse festivals, food, and architecture. Divar Island is relatively tiny, less commercialised, and dependent on agriculture and fishing, whereas Penang is much larger, urbanised, featuring a mix of urban areas and natural landscapes, a major economic hub with extensive tourism infrastructure, hotels, and restaurants. Yet Divar can be another Penang.
To benefit from tourism, Divar needs to become more like Penang despite the innate differences. Divar should improve its ferry services and road access, invest in accommodation, develop eco-friendly resorts, boutique hotels, and guesthouses, expand events like the Bonderam Festival, foster a vibrant arts community, and develop street art initiatives similar to Penang’s Georgetown. Divar needs to promote culinary tourism by highlighting local cuisine, replicating Penang’s famous food scenes. Solid community involvement by engaging local residents in tourism development is necessary to ensure that growth benefits the community and preserves local culture. Goa Tourism should have a strong marketing strategy to promote Divar Island as a unique tourist destination, utilising social media and travel influencers to reach broader audiences.
Divar Island already has a lot going for it; an additional push will take it to the forefront, easily done by implementing tourist-friendly strategies, enhancing its appeal as a tourist destination yet maintaining its unique identity and charm.
(The writer is a columnist and independent journalist based in Bengaluru)
