From left: Aaron Soo, Executive Director of Leisure & Hospitality, Gamuda Land; Aw Sei Cheh, Chief Operating Officer of Gamuda Land; Ngan Chee Meng, Chief Executive Officer of Gamuda Land; Dato Abdul Sahak bin Safi, Executive Director, Gamuda Land; Wong Yik Fong, General Manager of Gamuda Cove.
Gamuda Land revealed plans to drive their 1,530 Gamuda Cove township towards being a growth catalyst in the Southern Klang Valley on the 21st of November. A tree-planting ceremony was held at their 18-acre rainforest-themed park, targeted to open on December 2021, to mark the commencement of their plans.
Said Aaron Soo, Director of Leisure and Hospitality, Gamuda Land, “What differentiates us from other developers has always been our strong town-making principles. We do not shy away from upfront investment to create value for our customers. Between mindful master-planning and good placemaking, we are creating a hive of tourism activities to drive socio-economic growth in this area.
“From the recently opened interchange to the 60-acre central park, the laying of 5G infrastructure, the opening of Discovery Park next month and the work commensuration for the water theme park, we are confident that our customers will benefit from the value being generated for Gamuda Cove.” Soo’s experience in the hospitality and leisure industry extends to include turning around theme parks and hotels in Malaysia and China, uplifting the brands to global acclaim.
Gamuda Cove carries a gross development value (GDV) of RM20 billion, and a vision of being a ‘Nature Sanctuary, Smart City’. It borders the 7,600-acre Kuala Langat forest reserve and 1,111-acre Paya Indah Wetlands. Its strategic location surrounded by nature with easy access along the ELITE highway is expected to draw 25 million visitors coming in through KLIA and KLIA2 annually.
Gamuda Cove as a Tourism Hub
(i) Gamuda Cove Water Theme Park
The first in Malaysia international class water theme park will feature 18 exhilarating rides. Soo explained that, “Much thought and research were put in to conceptualise, plan, design and develop the waterpark, poised to open as a top attraction when it is opened. Most of the attractions we have selected will either be the world’s first, Asia’s first or Malaysia’s first, to be built and operated by Gamuda Land following The Global Association for the Attractions’ (IAAPA) safety standards.”
Besides the rides, the Gamuda Cove Water Theme Park will also feature a 300-metre lazy river, twin surf beach pool with private cabanas, simulated surfing and interactive waterplays. And living up to their vision, 70% of the theme park will be dedicated to nature. The spaces will be filled with tropical trees, shrubs and flora of lush, tranquil nature.
(ii) Discovery Park - opening in December 2019
Just across the water theme park will be a Discovery Park where leisure and entertainment outlets converge; namely The Adventure Park and The Hangout Village.
The Adventure Park is home to indoor thrill-seeking activities, where patrons can enjoy go-karting in Blastacars Drift Karts with motorsport and drift-karting technology originating from New Zealand, mountain bike or all-terrain vehicle (ATV), and an aerial climb through adventure rope courses.
The Hangout Village will offer shopping, relaxation, and dining opportunities, featuring the best of Malaysia cuisine. The first in South East Asia food hall Aerobar named Tinjau and ArcHive can be found here. The Aerobar is a revolutionary concept designed by the Aerophile Group from France. It is where food and entertainment meet, creating a “food-tainment” where up to 15 passengers can enjoy their drinks in a 35-meter high flying bar in the sky. There is also a diving beach pool club at The Hangout village, where patrons will be able to dine or drink next to the pool, or in the pool.
(iii) Eco-tourism at Discovery Wetlands
According to Soo, “Gamuda Land has obtained approval in principle to partner the Ministry of Water, Land and Natural Resources (KATS) and Selangor State Government to jointly manage and operate Paya Indah Wetlands, located adjacent to Gamuda Cove. We will conserve, protect and restore the facilities while working closely with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, Peninsular Malaysia (PERHILITAN) as the expert.”
Discovery Wetlands will comprise of 14 interlinked lakes with approximately 43 million litres of water. There will be marshes and lowland tropical forests. Paya Indah Wetlands is home to 142 aquatic plants and animals, 40 types of fish, 225 species of birds, 23 types of mammals as well as 220 types of terrestrial plants and herbs. Of the rare species living here is a two-metre long fish from the Amazon, ducks from Russia and two hippopotamuses from Botswana.
Soo stated in an announcement that the Paya Indah Wetlands will be rebranded to Discovery Wetlands, to revive eco-tourism in the area. Additional activities that visitors will be able to look forward to include cycling, fishing, bird watching, horse riding, and bamboo trail walking in a natural pristine and wild setting. There will be hot air balloon rides as well for those who wish to enjoy an aerial view of the wetlands.
“The leisure and entertainment components are taking shape nicely and we are confident that Gamuda Cove will be the key destination for local and international visitors alike. Ultimately, it is not just about creating quality products for our customers, but also providing a good experience and sustainable value creation to people who will call this place home, a place where they would want to be a part of, grow up and grow old in,” Soo concluded.
To support the tourism activities, hotels, a regional mall, MICE facilities, and offices in the commercial business district (CBD) are in the pipeline. These additions will make Gamuda Cove a truly well-thought and well-executed masterplan.
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(25 November 2019)