Dream Forest Langkawi transforms a leisurely 1.2km trail in a prehistoric forest of over a hundred million years old into an immersive experience with the magic of multi-sensory technology, projection mapping, sophisticated lighting and mesmerising soundscapes. It is set to open on 1st May 2023.
When the sun goes down, the forest comes alive and the tales of Tasik Dayang Bunting, Merong Mahawangsa and the Giants of Langkawi turn into interactive adventures for visitors of all ages.
Conceptualised and developed by highly acclaimed creative powerhouse Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina, the President and Chief Dream Maker of the Enfiniti Group assembled an all-Malaysian team of the best talents in the creative, technical and construction worlds to bring this unique concept to life.
Puan Sri Tiara remarked, “To begin with, Dream Forest Langkawi was one of several of Enfiniti’s projects halted by the pandemic. It had 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. We even had plans for a spectacular nightly performance in an outdoor theatre.”
By 2020, it was very clear that the tourism industry and attractions like the one we were creating needed to adapt to a new normal in tandem with IR 4.0. The world was changing, the way people travelled and consumed entertainment was changing. Cultural and environmental sustainability had become even more of an urgent conversation. I challenged my team to step back, look at how we could use our creative skills honed over the years and take all that into consideration to “pandemic-proof” this project, even if it meant going back to the drawing board. How could we stay true to telling stories but present them differently?
We needed to rethink the concept and how the visitor’s journey could be enhanced and elevated through the use of technology and automation, and to work with the natural forest landscape as responsibly and respectfully as possible.
We looked at the map of the land we had leased from Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Kedah (PKNK) and realised that, aside from the 5 acres of land where the original Kampung Buku was, there was also another 10.8 acres of lush forest surrounding it. It ticked all the boxes immediately – an open-air nature-based attraction, with over a hundred million years old rainforest as our new “canvas” for storytelling. Where audiences could feel safer, in a space that naturally allowed for social distancing, as they celebrate and gain an appreciation for the natural beauty of our Malaysian flora and fauna.
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.
“I believe 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 we will create all over Malaysia, and hopefully the region!”
Thanking Tourism Malaysia, Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Kedah (PKNK) and TERAJU (Bumiputera Agenda Steering Unit) for their unwavering support, she continues, “I am very happy that we also have had strong support from the state authorities and government agencies. I believe that the more we work in tandem to create and develop exciting attractions, Langkawi has the potential to be one of the most popular tourist destinations in this region.”
The wonders of Dream Forest Langkawi go beyond immersive adventures. It’s primed to increase local tourism by attracting visitors of all ages; families, holidaymakers, school groups, corporations, event organisers, wedding planners, and culture buffs. This in turn, will help boost the local economy through employment, enrich the local communities through training and technology transfer, as well as create business opportunities.
Located at the foot of mighty Gunung Raya, the Dream Forest is a wonderland of biodiversity that never sleeps. During the day, visitors can take nature walks 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 that call the Lubuk Semilang forest their home.
At sunset, the forest transforms into a 15.8-acre wide natural theatrical space. Sang Gedembai, the Guardian of the Dream Forest, along with Eli, Coco and Terra, three adorable helicopter seeds who play host to visitors, welcome you to experience and interact with stories, told through projection mapping on the trees and surroundings.
Dream Forest Langkawi will also be working closely with all tourism stakeholders including Tourism Malaysia, Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) and tourism and travel associations like the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agencies (MATTA), Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (MITA), the airlines, travel agents (OTA) and other channels of distribution, locally and internationally.
For over 20 years, Puan Sri Tiara and her award-winning Enfiniti Group have pioneered innovative storytelling and dynamic experiences on film, stage, live events, themed attractions and resorts. Their expertise is in creative tech, design and technology related to immersive experiences, experiential marketing and revitalising spaces. Enfiniti’s safety video for Malaysia Airlines recently won 2 Gold Awards at the 2022 Marketing Excellence Awards. Dream Forest Langkawi is yet another step in their exploration of new frontiers, and Enfiniti hopes to create more Dream Forests in other parts of the country, in the near future.
“As the Chief Dream Maker of what we call The Enfiniti Creative Universe, I’m interested in designing worlds, environments and characters for the metaverse, and exploring storytelling through AR/VR/XR and gamification. Whether in the areas of film, stage, resorts, creative events, themed attractions or unique resorts – if I can dream it, I can make it happen!
It feels like Dream Forest Langkawi is a natural culmination of the best of my experience in film, stage, performing arts, cultural performances, tourism and creating attractions. I can’t wait to share this with all of you!”, concludes Puan Sri Tiara.
An enthralling combination of creative passion, technological innovation and natural heritage, Dream Forest is the first experience of its kind in Malaysia. Prepare yourself for a truly magical journey.
Dream Forest Langkawi will open from 7pm to 12 midnight daily, except Wednesdays.
Ticket prices:
Malaysians – RM68 adults, RM48 kids, RM28 senior citizens
Non Residentials – RM98 adults, RM68 kids, RM38 senior citizens
Langkawi residents – RM38 adults, RM28 kids, RM 28 senior citizens
