Bertam Resort & Water Park in Penang promises wholesome staycation

KUALA LUMPUR - Although the five-star, Moroccan-themed Bertam Resort and Water Park is located on the outskirts of Penang, it has managed to attract people from as far as the east and south of the peninsula since the worst of the pandemic was over.

The RM90 million project built on an eight-hectare plot is owned and managed by Maritime Waterfront Suites Sdn Bhd, and while yet to be officially launched, it has started to receive an overwhelming response.

"We are targeting RM3 million revenue per month, so that’s RM36 million for the first year of operation. One-third of the revenue would be contributed by the water theme park while two-thirds would come from the resort.

"You might think this place is a bit on the outskirts, but we do have people coming for a staycation all the way from Kelantan and Johor. Being away from the city, you will feel amazingly different and we promise you a wholesome family staycation here,” managing director Datuk Mohamed Iqbal S. Habeeb Noohu told Bernama.

He expressed optimism about achieving the target, saying that people are now starting to go on vacation, be it domestically or internationally, after being "trapped” at home during the pandemic.

Furthermore, the company has prepared special packages and promotions to attract schools and companies to organise programmes there. This would, at the same time, give spillover effects on the local entrepreneurs here, mainly the restaurant operators and vacation rental owners. Mohamed Iqbal said after some hiccups, the first major tourist attraction in Bertam hit record sales of 3,200 tickets last month and the momentum is expected to continue in May.

The water theme park was opened to the public on Dec 15, 2022, but had to close temporarily from Dec 28 due to a licensing issue. It resumed operation on Jan 7, 2023.

The water park has more than 14 fun rides and employs a well-trained team of lifeguards and crew.

It offered promotional rates earlier this year up to March 31, and will do more promotions in the future to attract more visitors.

"As for the resort, for our buka puasa buffet recently which was priced at RM89 per person, we received 1,500 guests on weekends compared with an average of 600 guests on weekdays.

"We really thank our guests who have come here and shared on their social media about the food that we served here and, of course, the Moroccan ambience in every corner of the building. We even try to infuse the Moroccan dining experience but maybe it’s not acceptable to local palates yet,” he said.

Since its public opening in February, the resort has been receiving visitors mainly from three states -- Perlis, Kedah and Penang -- but during school holidays and festive seasons, bookings were even coming from Johor and Kelantan.

The resort currently offers over 256 rooms, 16 villas, and 29 suites catering to holidaymakers, honeymooners, families with children, and business travellers.

Room prices range from RM320 onwards.

Asked on the choice of Moorish architecture for the resort, Mohamed Iqbal revealed that it was "love at first sight.” "I have always liked the concept which is also associated with Islamic architecture. However, not many people have the opportunity to go to that side of the world so we are bringing Morocco here instead,” he said with a smile.

There are plans to enhance both the resort and water park in the next few years.

According to Mohamed Iqbal, there are three phases. Phase one is to establish the resort - "An Oasis of Muse and Luxury” - to be stable on its own, phase two is to create more entertainment for the customers, and phase three is to expand further.

"We will build more villas to accommodate the number of guests and will also be having more collaborations for medical tourism and education tourism, as well as providing internships and more job opportunities.

"For companies, in mainland Penang we have the Kulim Hi-tech Park, Prai Industrial Park and soon Penang Technology Park. Therefore, we welcome them to organise their meetings and activities here.

"We currently have a ballroom with a sitting capacity of up to 1,500, nine meeting rooms, six dining outlets and a premium Moorish concept wellness spa,” he said, adding that the company is also working closely with Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB).

PCEB is a state bureau established in 2016 to develop the business events and meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) industry in Penang.

"We want to boom together, to benefit together, and at the same time contribute to the Penang state government,” he added.

Investment consultant Yasir Jesmi, 41, said he and his family really enjoyed their stay at the resort, about a 45-minute drive from the Penang International Airport.

"I went back to my hometown to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri and decided to check in at the Bertam Resort for three days/two nights and I must say they did a great job! "Once you’re in, you never want to go out of the place, because everything is there, perfectly curated from self-healing to dining and entertainment. I like how the developer captured the essence of the Moorish architecture. Overall, I am satisfied with the services provided and will definitely recommend it to my family and friends,” he said.

Yasir also said that the location is very strategic and the project can help bring more business to the local entrepreneurs. - BERNAMA