PENANG has once again proved to be the leading state in the country by having its first-ever Ski Slope and Dead Sea Pool at the popular Escape Penang in Teluk Bahang.
When we talk about skiing, the image of a snow-covered mountain comes to mind. But without snow here does not mean that Escape Penang cannot have skiing activities.
It has come up with a dry ski slope or an artificial slope that is lubricated using a mist or jet system to increase speed and prevent damage to equipment from friction heat build-up.
Then, there is also the introduction of a Dead Sea Pool which offers you a unique swimming pool experience. Its amazing buoyancy lets you float peacefully.
Now in its 10th year, Escape Penang has transformed itself to become one of the main attractions in the state.
In 2019, it entered the Guinness World Record Book by having the world’s longest inner tube water slide at 1,111m.
Located in the southwest district of Penang island, Escape Penang’s rise and continuous pursuit of excellence were realised by none other than its Sim Leisure Group founder and executive chairman Datuk Sim Choo Kheng.
The proprietor and operator of the Escape Penang was proud of the decade journey.
“It is absolutely amazing as we have come a long way since the establishment of Escape Penang.
“With Ski Slope and Dead Sea Pool as the two new attractions, they will lift the state’s tourism to greater heights.
“We will continue to be a tourist magnet for visitors to come, as proven by the millions of visitors who have visited the park.
“We have once again raised the bar for the development of tourism in Penang,” he said in his speech before launching the two new attractions at Escape Penang in Teluk Bahang yesterday.
The 302-metre-long Ski Slope is an outdoor man-made ski slope that turns downhill constructed from a special material that allows skis and snowboards to slide effortlessly – without any snow.
The Dead Sea Pool, which mimics the famous Salt Lake in Jordan, allows visitors to float naturally in the pool.
Sim also paid his tribute to state Entrepreneurial Development, Trade and Industry Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain for the latter’s effort in encouraging him during the setting up of Escape Penang.
In conjunction with the launch, 18-year-old Malaysian Olympic alpine skier Aruwin Salehhuddin was invited to showcase her skills on the Ski Slope.
Malaysian celebrity and comedy veteran Harith Iskander, who was also present, had a dip at the Dead Sea Pool, which has 37.5 tonnes of salt.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin also witnessed the milestone achieved by Escape Penang.
“It gives me a sense of excitement and adventure as if I was transported into a whole new ‘wonderworld’.
“Escape Penang has always been at the forefront in raising the benchmark and I am proud of their achievement in these 10 years,” he said.
The two new attractions were opened to the public yesterday.
Also present was Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) national vice-president Datuk Khoo Boo Lim.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar