EMKAY Group partners tour agency to jointly develop floating villas in Royal Belum rainforest

• Pulau Banding is located at Tasik Temenggor, the second-largest lake in Peninsular Malaysia, and within the Royal Belum-Temenggor forest complex. The floating villa project is expected to be completed by 2027.

PETALING JAYA (Jan 10): Property developer EMKAY Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ipoh-based travel agency Global Net Travel Sdn Bhd to develop floating villas at the Pulau Banding island in Gerik, Perak.

Pulau Banding is located at Tasik Temenggor, the second-largest lake in Peninsular Malaysia, and within the Royal Belum-Temenggor forest complex. The floating villa project is expected to be completed by 2027.

“This RM20 million investment aims to position Belum as a world-class eco-tourism destination while promoting sustainable tourism in Malaysia. The floating villas will be an architectural masterpiece that harmonises with its natural surroundings,” said EMKAY Group executive chairman Datuk Fazwinna Mustapha Kamal during her welcome speech at the MOU signing ceremony held at Menara Mustapha Kamal on Friday.

She added that the floating villas, which is still in the early stages of planning, will have 27 villa units. The floating villas will serve as an extension of the Belum Rainforest Resort, which is managed by Belum Rainforest Management Sdn Bhd (a part of EMKAY Group).

Global Net Travel will be in charge of the design and marketing of the floating villas.

Echoing similar sentiments, Global Net Travel managing director Ken Chong said the floating villas is a commitment to showcasing Malaysia’s natural treasures while fostering economic growth. “We aim to offer an experience that blends adventure, comfort and sustainability.”

Construction is expected to begin in mid- to end-2025 after the necessary approvals and clearances are secured. "Many factors, such as safety and sustainability, must be considered. As the villas are in the middle of a rainforest, the structures must also be weather- and wildlife-proof," said Fazwinna.

The MOU signing ceremony is also witnessed by Perak Tourism, Industry, Investment and Corridor Development Committee chairman Loh Sze Yee, Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) president Nigel Wong and Perak Tourism Board chief executive officer (CEO) Nurmalis Musa.

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