BALIK Pulau, famous for its green lung and ecosystem, has huge potential to be tapped into a well-known tourism product.
State Tourism Development, Arts, Heritage and Culture Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said Balik Pulau could be further developed into one of the popular places of interest.
To achieve that, he said plans are afoot for a series of tourism products for Balik Pulau which is already noted for its quality durian and laksa.
“This initiative by the office of special coordinator to the Chief Minister will be divided into a few themes to promote tourism.
“The themes are heritage, eco-tourism, family oriented and mangrove forests.
“This will definitely create a platform to boost Balik Pulau’s tourism to a greater height,” he told Buletin Mutiara after visiting the Audi Dream Farm in Sungai Rusa on July 20.
Yeoh added that many domestic tourists and the locals have been flocking to Balik Pulau ever since the inter-state travel was allowed.
He said a signboard showing direction to the farm would also be installed near the Penang International Airport (PIA) in Bayan Lepas.
“This will at least help to guide the tourists to Balik Pulau conveniently,” he said, adding that the place would be a focal point to promote tourism.
During Yeoh’s visit to the farm, he was taken on a tour.
The farm, which started operation in 2016, has a variety of birds, including pigeons, and other animals that have attracted many visitors recently.
Its owner Sam Lim Seow Heong told Buletin Mutiara that it was a suitable attraction for the whole family for a getaway from a hectic city life.
He said the farm could provide an identity for Balik Pulau.
“For example, people can think of Audi Dream Farm when they visit Balik Pulau. We want to instil the farm’s identity among the tourists.
“Apart from that, we will also introduce an unlimited family membership for people keen to visit the farm.
“We want to educate the people, particularly the younger generation,” he added.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad