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| The giant boulders at the site will be left undisturbed. |
GLAMPING is coming to Malaysia — a hot global trend which offers the great outdoors without sacrificing modern comforts.
Touted as the first glamping site in the country, the RM7mil Boulder Valley Glamping Resort in the Teluk Bahang-Balik Pulau area in Penang Island is expected to take in its first guests in two years.
The project to be developed on an 8.9ha site will be undertaken by Amazing Discovery Sdn Bhd.
Its executive director Lee Woon Poo said glamorous camping, or ‘glamping’ in short, would appeal to people who wished to enjoy “five-star camping in the jungle”.
She said the project would be a model for sustainable tourism whereby the natural environment is preserved while releasing its economic potential.
“There will be 45 ‘tented camps’ that come with attached bathrooms, along with a treetop restaurant, a campfire site and a 100m suspended bridge.
“Giant boulders on a 1.2ha site will be retained because of their spectacular formation.
“Even more spectacular is that the resort will be housed amidst flora, fauna, streams and secondary forests.
“All these will give our guests a unique and amazing experience,” she said during a press conference at the Chief Minister’s office in Komtar yesterday.
In developing the site, Lee said priority would be on maintaining the biological and geological state of the project site.
“We will not harm nature and will be careful with the greenery and giant boulders.
“Pathways and tents will be designed and constructed in a way that will not spoil the environmental characteristics of the site,” she said.
She said guests would be discouraged from television and music in an effort to sustain the serenity of the environment.
“We hope campers will enjoy the sounds of nature — chirping birds, clicking cicadas, running stream water and breeze wafting through,” she said.
To enhance visits, dedicated officers will find out the preferences and needs of guests before customising itineraries and activities for them.
“Tourism today is not only about visiting famous spots. It is more about memorable experience,” she said.
According to Lee, the development would have a positive economic impact such as job opportunities for the locals and generate income for the tourism industry.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who was also present during the press conference, said the state was willing to give approval and assistance to such private initiatives.
“We are looking forward to it,” he said.
Also present was Amazing Discovery Sdn Bhd chairman Heah Gek Huah
Source : The Star
