EARLIER today, Enfiniti Group, founded by producer and actor Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina Eu Effendi, unveiled the company’s latest project: Dream Forest Langkawi, set to open on May 1st, 2023.
Sitting on the foothills of Gunung Raya, the project transforms a leisurely 1.2km trail in a prehistoric forest that is over a hundred million years old into an immersive experience through the magic of multi-sensory technology, projection mapping, sophisticated lighting, and mesmerising soundscapes.
During the media launch, Tiara remarked that, “Dream Forest Langkawi was one of several of Enfiniti’s projects halted by the pandemic. It started out in 2019 as a very different project, designed to be experienced as separate stories told through various mediums of technology in individual pavilions.
"This was part of a plan to revitalise and re-invigorate the beautiful former Kampung Buku (Book Village) of Langkawi.”
Tiara revealed during a Q&A session that the project cost an estimated RM20 million and was put together by an all-Malaysian team.
After realising there was an additional 10.8 acres of lush forest surrounding the original 5 acres of land where the Kampung Buku was located, the team expanded the project to use the natural forest landscape as the new "canvas" for storytelling.
“So, our original concept not only pivoted, but as a blessing in disguise, evolved into an even more exciting and unique experience that will be one-of-a-kind in this region – what we hope will be a spellbinding fusion of storytelling, creative technology and nature,” she added.
During the day, visitors will be able to participate in ‘forest bathing’ and discover unique animals like flying lemurs, dusky leaf monkeys, the Sumatran toad, as well as several species of hornbills.
At sunset, the forest transforms into a 15.8-acre wide natural theatrical space. Visitors will be able to enjoy the interactive tales and folklore of Tasik Dayang Bunting, Merong Mahawangsa, the Giants of Langkawi, among many others.
“We have a wealth of stories in our own backyard that we can share with the world through different mediums. Every place has its own unique history that makes it special for visitors.
"This has been such a wonderful journey for me, together with my team at Enfiniti, reimagining and revitalising spaces and working with the wonders of creative technology to breathe new life into indoor and outdoor spaces.
"I hope Dream Forest Langkawi will be the first of many Dream Forests and similar immersive installations and experiences will be created all over Malaysia, and hopefully the region.”
Enfiniti Group has been working closely with all tourism stakeholders, including Tourism Malaysia, Langkawi Development Authority (Lada), Malaysian Association of Tourism and Travel Agents (Matta) and the Association of Tourism Attractions of Malaysia (Atam) to make this project a reality.
Dream Forest Langkawi, once open, will be available to visit from 7pm to 12 midnight daily, except Wednesdays. Ticket prices range from RM28 to RM98, depending on national status and age group. – The Vibes, February 22, 2023
