THE Escape Penang nature-based retro-eco adventure park from the Sim Leisure Group, has emerged as the underdog, surpassing much larger and more established brands, earning the third spot in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice 2022 Best of the Best - Asia in the Top Amusement Parks and Water Parks category.
As Tripadvisor’s annual Travellers’ Choice awards are voted on by real travellers, Escape Penang’s ranking is a testament to its relevance in delivering what consumers want.
With the Tripadvisor win, Escape outshone big global entities in Hong Kong, Japan and Dubai to become the third top rated attraction in Asia in the Amusement Parks and Water Parks category. The park is also the only theme park in Malaysia to have a 5-star rating on Tripadvisor.
The award was presented to Datuk Sim Choo Kheng, Founder and Executive Chairman of Sim Leisure Group, by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who applauded the Group for its ascent within the theme park and attractions industry, saying that the company’s inventiveness had helped elevate both Penang’s and Malaysia’s tourism and attractions industry.
“It is heartening to see a Malaysian brand come this far while staying true to its ethos and philosophy. I see Sim Leisure Group’s win as a step forward for the local industry, and look forward to their continued efforts at putting Malaysia on the world map for exceptional attractions and theme parks,” said Chow in his speech, during the award presentation ceremony yesterday
Sim Leisure Group has a track record of creating 300 international theme park projects worldwide, including renowned attractions such as DreamWorks, the John Wick ride in Motiongate Theme Park Dubai, and Sea World Abu Dhabi and just recently Six Flags in Saudi Arabia.
The Escape brand, is rooted in a desire to give visitors the opportunity to reconnect with nature and rediscover childhood experiences. Starting with the first Escape park in Penang in 2012, the brand has creatively worked with the natural environments it operates in to create immersive and distinctive experiences. Since opening its doors, Escape Penang has attracted some 1.2 million visitors from around the world.
“We are keen to reinvent what ‘leisure’ means in this current era and for us, this means crafting authentic experiences that are unique, enriching, and spark curiosity. Unlike many bigger brands, we believe in a ‘low tech, high fun’ that prioritises self-directed play which utilises imagination and creativity.
"With Escape in particular, we also aim to help more people fall in love with nature again, which is instrumental in pushing for more environmental preservation and conservation. I am proud that this unconventional approach has paid off, as it is clear that many people are receptive to our brand of fun and play,” said Sim.
Parks under the Escape brand also showcase the power of sustainability in the leisure industry by employing a low-impact and green approach to development. Escape Penang speaks to this process; once a brownfield of leftover office buildings and warehouses from a past dam construction, the area is now a lush green playground with a thriving local ecology.
The Escape brand is currently in the midst of bringing its game-changing retro-eco concept to the rest of the world – a reversal of the past trend of foreign attractions brands being exported to Malaysia. In addition to two new Escape parks in Ipoh (set to open in the final quarter of this year) and Cameron Highlands, the brand is set to establish its presence across the Asia Pacific and the Middle East.
In addition to the award ceremony, guests present were also treated to an exclusive tour of Escape Penang’s Base Camp, Malaysia’s first pet-friendly travel destination. A 2-acre camping site, the Base Camp expands on Escape’s goal of promoting appreciation for the great outdoors. Equipped with modern comforts, such as shower facilities and even Wi-Fi access, the camping site offers visitors a safe and comfortable way to embrace the wonders of nature for themselves. – The Vibes, June 2, 2023
