THE SOFT LAUNCHING OF BOULDER VALLEY GLAMPING, TELUK BAHANG

SPEECH BY CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG
AT THE SOFT LAUNCHING OF BOULDER VALLEY GLAMPING, TELUK BAHANG

24 NOVEMBER 2018

 

YB Yeoh Soon Hin
Penang State Exco for Tourism Development, Heritage, Culture & Arts

YB Zolkifly bin Md Lazim
Teluk Bahang Assemblyman

Mr Heah Gek Huah
Chairman of Amazing Discovery Sdn Bhd

Ar. Nina Lee
Executive Director of Amazing Discovery Sdn Bhd

Dato’ Yew Tung Seang
Mayor of Penang Island

Superintendent A.A Anbalagan
South West District OCPD

Mr Jonathan Freddy Bagang
Director of MOTAC Penang

Puan Siti Hajar
Assistant Director of Advertising & Digital Tourism Penang

Distinguished guests

Members of the media

Ladies and gentlemen

A very good evening to all of you.

First and foremost, thank you for inviting me to join all of you today and to share this joyous moment of the soft opening of Boulder Valley Glamping Site. I was very surprised to see that this site has been transformed into a whole new place after I came for Ground Breaking Ceremony about 3 years ago.

As we all know, this site was an abandoned rubber estate with only earth track, without water supply, electricity nor any infrastructure available. But today, it has been transformed well beyond my expectation. We witnessed today the completion of the first phase of Boulder Valley Glamping with total cost RM25 million.

Boulder Valley Glamping sites is providing unique camping experiences in natural environment without going through hardship and discomfort. This is very suitable for modern urbanites to have their family and group gatherings, or company brain storming events.

I was really impressed when the company, Amazing Discovery Sdn Bhd can preserve the original environment while making it more convenient to others. It showcases an example of sustainable ecotourism practice whereby the natural environment is preserved while releasing the economic potentials.

I understand that while the total land area is 24 acres, only 4.5% has been used for the built up, while the rest of the site is retained in its original state. It takes a lot of determination and dedication to achieve what you see today.

I was also informed that there are 25 pre-pitched tents with different styles, known as the Tented Villas and Safari Tents. I was also informed that the owner, Mr Heah and the team, had gone as far as to South America, South Africa and India to look for these tents where the glamping idea originated from. These tents are equipped with daily essential items such as beds, air conditioner, water heater, fan, safe and other necessities.

They further enhance the place to cater for events in the jungle by having facilities like Dining Glass House, Glass House Event Place, Giant Fans and Pre-function Area at the Jungle Glades. The choice of using glass enables the guests to enjoy the natural views of the environment.

5 years ago, when Amazing Discovery, led by Mr Heah and Ar Nina Lee, proposed this Glamping idea to the State Government, it was the first time I heard about it. But today, ‘glamping’ has becoming a trend and lifestyle in our country. When they briefed me about the concept of Jurassic Style Garden, the first impression I had was that they are going to bring in dinosaurs to the glamping sites. But then I see it myself that these fertile gigantic plants are those forming the Jurassic Style Garden. Matching with the huge existing boulders, this further enhanced the uniqueness of Boulder Valley Glamping, which cannot be replicated.

Tourism is an important sector of Penang economy. Ecotourism is gaining its popularity and places like Balik Pulau and Teluk Bahang has all the ingredients for ecotourism. I believe that Boulder Valley Glamping Site would be able to attract more tourists. This development will be in line with the State Government’s objective in promoting Balik Pulau–Teluk Bahang Eco & Agro Tourism Belt. The Penang State Government will give its utmost assistance to all the ecotourism players in the state.

Last but not least, I would like to congratulate Amazing Discovery for their achievement and a special thanks to everyone involved in making the Boulder Valley a reality. It is truly an amazing discovery. We wish you a continued success and prosperous.

With this, I hereby declare Boulder Valley Glamping Site open.

Thank you.