The creators of the world’s longest water slide, ESCAPE Penang, has launched the world’s longest zip coaster. The 1,135 metre ride has been entered into the Guinness World Records.
The launch has made ESCAPE Penang the first and only themed destination in Malaysia to have two standing Guinness World Records, putting Penang prominently on the world tourism map.
The zip coaster was unveiled in a ceremony officiated by the head of state of Penang, Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak. Also present at the ceremony was Sim Choo Kheng, founder and Chief Executive of Sim Leisure Group, owner and operator of the ESCAPE brand of themed attractions; Pravin Patel, Guinness World Records adjudicator; who presented the Guinness World Records certificate; Dato’ Seri Lee Kah Choon, chairman of Federal Oats Mills Sdn Bhd, presenting partner of the world’s longest zip coaster; as well as Mary Punitha, general manager of Travelodge hotels.
Tun Ahmad Fuzi said: “I firmly believe that innovations spurred by a global mindset are key to the next quantum leap in Penang’s economic development. It is my sincere hope that Penang-based companies and organisations step forward and follow in the example of Sim Leisure Group, to lead the state and the country in developing world-class attractions not only for the advancement of Penang, but Malaysia as a whole.”
The zip coaster fuses the free-flying sensation of a zip line with ups, downs, and turns on a steel track attached to the tree line, meandering through the tree tops, giving riders the ultimate thrill of flying. In creating the zip coaster, Sim emphasised that every effort was made to preserve the natural environment in which ESCAPE Penang is located, amidst lush trees and foliage.
Tun Ahmad Fuzi added: “It certainly wasn’t easy making a zip coaster that is more than a kilometre long. However, those who know me can attest to the fact that I like to accomplish the impossible. So, we set out to make this a reality. With sustainability at our core, one big priority for us was not to affect the natural greenery and nature within and around ESCAPE Penang, as part of our commitment to preserve this beautiful natural environment, allowing our visitors to reconnect with nature. This was also the case when we built the world’s longest slide.”
“Rest assured, we will continue to raise the bar, not only in ESCAPE Penang, but in all our establishments under the ESCAPE brand. This is a place where visitors can truly expect the unexpected as we invent and innovate to keep things fresh and exciting for many more years to come.”
In conjunction with the launch of the world’s longest zip coaster, ESCAPE Penang has partnered with two notable brands. The first is Captain Oats, a Penang-born brand that has made its mark around the world, much like Sim Leisure Group and the ESCAPE brand. Visitors to ESCAPE Penang can attempt the monthly Captain Oats Energy Run to compete for prizes, Captain Oats promotions and activities where they stand a chance to win free tickets for the family to ESCAPE Penang.
Meanwhile, ESCAPE Penang has also partnered with Travelodge, which has been named the official hotel partner of the zip coaster launch. Visitors will be entitled to purchase special accommodation rates in Travelodge Georgetown and Ipoh, with nightly rates ranging from RM150 to RM220.
