ON THE HORIZON
Pulau Jerejak Resort and Spa is positioning itself as the next international resort destination
by Lim Lay Ying
Property Times, New Straits Times
22nd January 2005

A phenomenon is occurring in Pulau Jerejak that has become familiar in such destinations as Bali in Indonesia, Phuket in Thailand, and Los Cabos in Mexico. A scenic, ocean-side, underdeveloped destination once frequented only by society’s “rejects” in the likes of prisoners-of-war, leprosy and tuberculosis patients, drug kingpins, hardcore criminals, bank robbers, and secret society members, is about to be transformed into a major resort destination with international appeal.

Referred to as “The Alcatraz of Malaysia”, the Penang State Government, encouraged by the jump in tourist numbers to Penang Island and its beaches in particular, leased 32.7 hectares (81.75 acres) – just under a tenth of the entire 358 hectare (895 acres)-island, to Tropical Island Resort Sdn. Bhd.

Tropical Island is represented by UDA Holdings Bhd which holds a 51 percent stake as well as the built-and-operate role and Penang Development Corporation (PDC) which owns the remaining 49 percent. With an estimated development cost of RM 207 million, the master plan for the Pulau Jerejak International Eco-Tourism Project commenced with the Jerejak Resort & Spa which welcomed its first guests a year ago – January 17th 2004.

One-of-a-kind experience

Pulau Jerejak, surrounded by the Straits of Melaka waters and situated off the southeast coast of Penang Island, contains a 4,000-year-old virgin forest that is home to 39 species of fauna and 210 species of flora. Of equally great significance is the colorful history which makes it stand out from the pack, offering a distinguished one-of-a-kind experience and a connection to the past.

Touted to be the first soils Penang Island’s founder – Captain Francis Light set his foot in 1786 before he sailed on to the larger isle, Pulau Jerejak served as a base for a multitude of purposes. It moved from being an inspection centre to screen the health conditions of immigrant labour, to a sanitarium for tuberculosis patients, a German submarine base during World War II, and subsequently a penal island until August 1993.

Old prison buildings – most of them in ruins and overwhelmed by thick undergrowth, secret underground tunnels, unused jetties, and faded writings on walls, are but just a few of the many historic structures which stand reminiscent of their sorrowful past. It was as though time had stood still on the island over the last decade – a period when the rest of the country was developing at break-neck speed.

But that’s history as far as the obscure inverted-teardrop-shaped island is concerned. Pulau Jerejak has “served its time” and is now being groomed to be an economic jewel for the state. For a start, Jerejak Resort & Spa managed by UDA’s wholly-owned subsidiary, the Impiana Hotel group, offers a destination resort environment with modern support systems, access, and infrastructure.

Close to nature

The principle followed by the resort’s developer is that guests can be as close to nature as they wish. When the individual chalets were built, strict instructions ensured that minimal trees are felled and the resident monitor lizards, squirrels, monkeys, and frogs, are able to continue to share the habitat.

These are the exclusive 20 “Executive” and “Superior” chalets in traditional vernacular architecture with spacious verandahs looking out to sea, set village-style among lush, tropical garden and landscaped foot paths. For those wishing to rejuvenate, recharge, and de-stress, the spa village is a sanctuary. (See pictures)

Chalets at Spa Village


Chalet’s Bedroom


Spa treatment room with a view


Resort’s pool


Night view of the resort


7 minutes ferry ride to Penang Island (seen in the background)

Nestled among the treetops of the natural jungle of Pulau Jerejak are several wooden huts perched on sea-facing platforms. This resort spa provides an oasis of calm accompanied by the sound of birds chirping. The occasional breeze that catches the sheer white curtains and bamboo blinds protect the huts from prying eyes. Only the odd plane flying to or from the Penang International Airport is a reminder that civilization is a mere 7-minute ferry ride away.

With their view of the secluded, tranquil garden to the spectacular views over the sea, the aura is one of traditional Malaysian hospitality, indulgent luxury and charm. The dedicated spa treatment facility, serviced by therapists from Gaya Spa – a major Indonesian spa chain with two facilities in Kuala Lumpur, one in Singapore, ten in Indonesia, and several more in Europe, offer a rather comprehensive list of sensuous massages, luxury baths, and holistic treatments.

Many are happy to stay cocooned in luxury at the Spa Village, but the adventurous have the option to explore. There is the nature walk into the rainforest which has its own family of animals and reptiles such as the Common Fence Lizard, the Green Crested Lizard, the Long-tailed Macaques, the Black Pond Tortoise, and numerous species of bats. Several jungle treks offering varying levels of difficulties for ardent trekkers, hikers or mountain bike riders, and resort activities ranging from swimming and beach ball games to wall and rock climbing and abseiling, keep the more energetic occupied throughout the day.

Explosive growth predicted

Destination and Resort spas like Pulau Jerejak’s are riding a global boom. In just a few years, the number of such spas and spa visitors have increased exponentially, and “spa” is now a common household name.

Spa Finders, the New York City-based vendor of spa trips and visits which represents some 500 spas throughout the world, works with 30,000 travel agencies, and alone books some 75,000 room nights annually, estimates the total revenue generated in the industry to be US$ 12 billion (RM 45.6 billion).

Annual growth rate is between 20 to 25 percent and trends are indicating that the spa industry will continue to grow. The industry alone had larger revenues than amusement/theme parks and box office gross receipts in 2001, according to a 2002 study conducted by the International Spa Association (ISPA).

The spa at Pulau Jerejak Resort & Spa holds the key to its transformation into an exotic resort destination on the back of the explosive growth predicted for the spa industry. However, the greatest threat to the resort could be in becoming a victim of its own success.

As resort and real estate development proliferates on Pulau Jerejak, the people behind the vision will have to balance the inevitable pressure between the demands of development and the need to preserve the ecological purity that draws resort and spa visitors in the first place.