Exploring pondokstay in Muar: formulating its characteristics from the potential producers’ perspective

As a traditional Islamic educational institution, Malaysia's pondok shows significant promise as a tourist destination, aligning with the nation's growing Muslim-friendly tourism sector. However, while the PondokStay concept has been discussed, it lacks a clear, empirically grounded definition from the perspective of potential producers. This study fills this gap by formulating the core characteristics of PondokStay. Qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with five screened informants in the Muar District, Johor, Malaysia. Thematic analysis of transcribed responses revealed three primary constructs: motives for establishment, core features offered, and potential programs provided. This study provides the first operator-centric framework for PondokStay. The findings are contextualized using Social Exchange Theory, offering a vital practical and theoretical foundation for academics and policymakers. It also identifies a key opportunity to enhance a niche tourism segment that could yield significant economic, social, and environmental benefits.