ESCAPE Penang celebrated its 10th anniversary celebrations and also launched two brand new attractions recently.
These include Malaysia’s very own Ski Slope – the first-of-its-kind in Penang’s tropical setting; and a Dead Sea Pool, in which visitors can naturally float, much like in Jordan’s Dead Sea.
State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy, YB Yeoh Soon Hin, on behalf of Penang Chief Minister, YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow.
Also present was Dato’ Sim Choo Kheng, Founder and Executive Chairman of Sim Leisure Group, proprietor and operator of the ESCAPE brand of theme parks.
Local comedian Harith Iskander hosted the occasion along with .18-year-old Malaysian Olympic Alpine Skier, Aruwin Salehhuddin, who showcased her skills on the Ski Slope, bearing testament to the world-class nature of the new attractions.
“I am truly glad to say that Sim Leisure Group, through the inception and development of ESCAPE Penang over the last 10 years, has truly answered the call to put Penang on the world map with such a world-class destination. Indeed, the ESCAPE brand – with its wings now spread around the globe – is a true success story, which started right here by our very own Penang Boy himself, Dato’ Sim Choo Kheng,” said YB Yeoh Soon Hin in his speech.
The 302-metre-long Ski Slope is an outdoor man-made ski slope that runs downhill created from special material that allows skis and snowboards to slide effortlessly.
Meanwhile, The Dead Sea Pool mimics the famous Salt Lake in Jordan, which it is named after. The pool’s high salinity content allows visitors to float naturally in the pool.
“Here we are, 10 years later after the ESCAPE brand was conceptualised right here in ESCAPE Penang. It has certainly been a long journey for us, but as you can clearly see, we are not like other so-called theme parks. We dared to be different, answering the call for reimagined play experiences. Today, we still stick to this tried and tested concept of the rediscovery of childhood, while promoting connection with nature. And we meant it. When developing this park, we made every effort not to affect the natural lush greenery that you can see around the park. In fact, we even planted more trees!” said Sim in his speech.
Today, the ESCAPE brand of theme parks is represented by ESCAPE Penang and the brand’s very own mall attraction, ESCAPE Challenge, in Petaling Jaya. The brand will also soon see the opening of new parks in Ipoh, Cameron Highlands, and even outside Malaysia with the first international ESCAPE Park planned to be opened in Sri Lanka and on-going projects in Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and China.
Later, even the VIP guests had the chance to try out the new attraction at the venue.