By Balqis Jazimah Zahari
BATU GAJAH: The state government aims to attract a total of 200,000 visitors within a year for the opening of the latest tourism icon, Natural Inspiration Park ESCAPE Ipoh
ESCAPE Ipoh is located adjacent to the iconic TT5 Dredge Heritage, which has become synonymous as a landmark for tourism in the Batu Gajah district and the state.
Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, stated that ESCAPE Ipoh, developed on a 140-acre area, will fully open in April this year, serving as the main attraction for Visit Perak Year 2024.
“Its opening will indirectly stimulate economic activities and act as a catalyst for the tourism industry in the state of Perak, particularly in the Batu Gajah area.
“Till now the Tanjung Tualang township has been renowned for its udang galah. Now with the strategic location of ESCAPE Ipoh, situated near Kellie’s Castle, Silverlakes Village Outlet, Galeri LAT, Gua Tempurung, Taman Alam Kinta, PATRO, and The Treasure Taman Herba @Gopeng we can expect greater coherence for this tourist hub.
“It can be considered a complement to the plan to establish Greater Ipoh (Batu Gajah-Ipoh-Kuala Kangsar) as a preferred tourist destination,” he said during a press conference after launching the tourism icon here today.
Saarani stated that the emergence of ESCAPE Ipoh is part of a series of efforts undertaken to make the Perak Sejahtera 2030 plan a reality.
“The investment value in developing ESCAPE Ipoh is estimated at RM30 million.
“It is implemented through a collaboration between the state government-linked company (GLC), Menteri Besar Incorporated (Perak), as the site provider, and the private company, Sim Leisure Group (SLG),” he said.
He said that they believe the opening of ESCAPE Ipoh will provide more job opportunities after its official opening.
“Currently, there are already 100 employees here, so it will create opportunities for local workers once fully operational,” he said.
He also commented when asked by reporters about criticisms from people regarding the new project, which could face a fate similar to the Movie Animation Park Studios (MAPS) theme park before this.
“The launched ESCAPE Ipoh today has proven that all preparations are in place; they just need some time for touch-ups before its opening in April.
“So, it’s not fair to compare it to MAPS, especially since this follows a private financing initiative (PFI) approach.
“This industry player which is fully responsible for this project, also manages 300 locations worldwide, so we have high confidence in boosting development and tourism in the state of Perak,” he said.
