(from left) Wong, Sahak, Ngan, Aw and Soo during the groundbreaking of the new rainforest theme park in Gamuda Cove.
DENGKIL: Property developer Gamuda Land Sdn Bhd has revealed its placemaking activation to drive it’s 1,530 acres Gamuda Cove township as a catalyst of growth in the Southern Klang Valley.
A tree-planting ceremony was held last week on-site to mark the commencement of its 18-acre rainforest-themed water park which is targeted to open in December 2021.
“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,” said Gamuda Land leisure and hospitality executive director Aaron Soo.
Together with Soo at the groundbreaking event are Gamuda Cove general manager Wong Yik Fong, Gamuda Land executive director Datuk Abdul Sahak Bin Safi, CEO Ngan Chee Meng, and chief operating officer Aw Sei Cheh.
“Much thought and research were put in to conceptualise, plan, design and develop the waterpark, poised to open as a top attraction. 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’ safety standards,” he explained. The water theme park will showcase 18 rides.
With a gross development value of RM20bil, the location of Gamuda Cove along the Elite Highway, bordering the 7,600-acre Kuala Langat forest reserve and the 1,111-acre Paya Indah wetlands enables Gamuda Land to capitalise on the natural greenery to entice the annual inflow of 25 million visitors coming in through KLIA and KLIA2.
On top of the rides and slides, the water theme park also features a 300-metre lazy river, twin surf beach pool with private cabanas, simulated surfing and interactive water plays. Around 70% of the water theme park area will be dedicated to green spaces filled with tropical trees, shrubs and flora.
Soo added that Gamuda Land had obtained approval in principle to partner with the Minister of Water, Land and Natural Resources and the Selangor state government to jointly manage and operate the Paya Indah Wetlands located adjacent to Gamuda Cove.
Comprising 14 interlinked lakes, marshes and lowland tropical forests, the 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. According to Soo, the Paya Indah wetlands will be rebranded as Discovery Wetlands to revive eco-tourism in the area.
Visitors can look forward to the new addition of raw and rustic activities such as cycling, fishing, bird watching, horse riding and bamboo trail walking. Hot air balloons will also be set up for those interested to witness the aerial view of the beautiful wetlands. In the pipeline to support tourism activities are hotels as well as a regional mall, meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions facilities and offices in the commercial business district.
