ASAI GAMUDA COVE MARKS ASAI’S DEBUT IN MALAYSIA

(left to right) Jess Teng, Gamuda Land Chief Operating Officer; Wong Siew Lee, Gamuda Land Chief Operating Officer; Her Excellency Lada Phumas, Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia; Aloysius Michael, Dusit International Vice President of Operational Excellence, Optimisation and Special Projects; Ling Fui Ken, Dusit International Vice President of Hotel Finance; and Bob Yusof, ASAI Gamuda Cove General Manager

The recent grand opening of ASAI Gamuda Cove scores several firsts: it’s Dusit International’s largest ASAI property to date, and Gamuda Land’s first hotel development.

Inspired by the Thai word meaning “to live”, the 280-room ASAI embraces its “Live Local” philosophy by encouraging guests to connect with the destination through authentic local experiences, meaningful social connections and a thoughtful approach to hospitality. ASAI Gamuda Cove also exemplifies Dusit’s expanded “ASAI Tropical” model, developed for nature-led destinations.

Officiated by Her Excellency Lada Phumas, Ambassador of Thailand to Malaysia, the hotel’s grand opening included a plaque-signing and ribbon-cutting ceremony. Celebrations then continued with a rousing lion dance performance.

Among those present at the Grand Opening of ASAI were Jess Teng and Wong Siew Lee, both Chief Operating Officers from Gamuda Land; Aloysius Michael, Vice President of Operational Excellence, Optimisation and Special Projects and Ling Fui Ken, Vice President of Hotel Finance, both from Dusit International; and Bob Yusof, General Manager of ASAI Gamuda Cove.

Located within the 1,866-acre township and approximately 20 minutes from Kuala Lumpur International Airport, ASAI Gamuda Cove brings the “Live Local” philosophy into a nature-centric setting, where nearby wetlands, outdoor experiences and the wider destination become part of the stay.

Bob Yusof, General Manager of ASAI Gamuda Cove said: “ASAI Gamuda Cove allows us to offer something distinctly different from our urban properties while retaining the approachable, social and experience-driven character at the heart of ASAI.”

According to Wong Siew Lee, Chief Operating Officer of Gamuda Land, “As Gamuda Cove continues to grow as a destination, ASAI gives visitors the opportunity to stay and experience the township from within. As Gamuda Land’s first hotel development, it complements our nature and leisure offerings while connecting naturally with the wider experience we have been building, from the wetlands and recreational attractions to dining, commercial offerings and our e-tram network. These reasons induce our guests to stay longer, explore more and experience different aspects of Gamuda Cove.” 

STAY EXPERIENCE

Upon our arrival, check-in was smooth and seamless at reception. Large batik-style artworks grace the reception area. More subtle batik and woven textile motifs are incorporated into the neutral tone decor.  

Our Biggy Bunk King room comfortably accommodates my family of 3 as the room features a king-size bed and two upper bunk beds. A multi-purpose table with a banquette seat next to the window is useful for in-room dining or work purpose.

Thumbs up to the bed with firm mattress which ensures a good night’s sleep. The smart LED TV makes it easy to connect to our fave cable streaming platforms.

I revelled in the spacious walk-in shower whilst the shower offers strong water flow coupled with nice amenities. My only wish is for a small shelf to place face towel or specs. More hooks for hanging clothes wouldn’t go remiss either. Other conveniences include a mini fridge, coffee/tea making facility, safety box, universal plug points and complimentary WiFi. 

ASAI guests can explore the 1,111-acre Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands, a nature reserve and wildlife sanctuary managed by Gamuda Land under a tripartite agreement with the federal and Selangor state governments.

Nearby attractions include a 90-acre Wetlands Arboretum, SplashMania Waterpark and Discovery Park; a composition of nature, recreation and family experiences.

The Wetlands Arboretum features a fresh herb garden and a gallery where visitors can learn about the wetlands eco-system. We had a cooking class, learning how to prepare an appetiser using locally grown herbs, a Temuan (orang asal) communal speciality, an herbal drink and a dessert. Overall, it was a most enlightening and enjoyable experience.

Within walking distance of the hotel is the upcoming Kelab Tani clubhouse where ASAI guests will enjoy additional leisure and recreational experiences. Gamuda Cove’s electric tram network provides a convenient link to selected nature, recreational and commercial destinations across the township for hotel guests.

We like the elongated infinity pool overlooking the wetlands. Fitness buffs will enjoy working out at the fitness centre, or mix business with pleasure at the various co-working areas, flexible meeting spaces and three dining venues.

Malaysian, Thai and Western flavours take pride of place at Nasi & Khao all-day dining restaurant’s buffet spreads. Variety is aplenty with delicious offerings such as roast chicken, baung masak tempoyak, tom yum soup, mee rebus, chicken roulade, spicy seafood salad and a fresh salad bar beckon. The Tea Shop and Pool Bar are welcoming spaces for guests to unwind, connect and gather.

Reflecting ASAI’s “Live Local” philosophy, the hotel is more than just a place to stay. It’s a vibrant base for guests to stay, eat, meet and explore while discovering the unique experiences and attractions of Gamuda Cove. 

ASAI Gamuda Cove’s New Opening Adventures offer starts from RM250+ per room per night with these inclusions: 

• Daily breakfast for two adults at Nasi & Khao
• Two welcome drinks and one snack upon arrival
• Late check-out until 2pm (subject to availability)
• RM100 dining credit per room, per stay
• 15% discount on A-Shop merchandise

The offer is available for bookings until 31 December 2026. 

For more information and reservations, visit ASAI Gamuda Cove by Dusit Hotels & Resorts.

 

MILLENNIA VILLAGE REDEFINES SENIOR LIVING

Inspired by the emblematic "Hakka Tulou" (客家土楼), the central communal space to foster camaraderie and strengthen ties within traditional Hakka communities, Millennia Village is reputedly the first purpose-built senior living resort in Malaysia.

Nestled on a 32-acre lush enclave in Seremban, Millennia Village aims to redefine the lifestyle of seniors as "the start of more enriching and purposeful golden years”.

Surrounded by prolific greenery and native trees, the main building’s "Hakka Tulou" inspired design envisaged a collective community where residents converge, connect, communicate, and share life experiences.

According to John Chia, Founder of Millennia Village, "We believe seniors deserve more than just a place to stay. They should be in a community catering to their unique needs. We believe the golden years can be just as exciting and rewarding.”

Executive Director of Millennia Village, Diane Chia (right) adds, “Millennia Village is inspired by the principles of Blue Zones, focusing on healthy habits, togetherness and happiness. Those factors contribute to seniors’ longevity and well-being. We aim to enhance the quality of senior lifestyle by providing a safe, comfortable, and socially engaging environment. The tranquility of our location means pristine air quality, minimal traffic and noise along with an unparalleled level of privacy and security.”

We were assigned a 481 sqft Studio Suite room. Clad in white and neutral earth tones with clean, minimalist approach, the glass doors lead outside to a balcony with soothing views of the granite rock wall covered with trees and shrubbery.

Bathroom handrails, a panic button and a wall-mounted fold-up stool are found in the shower and toilet. The door is wide enough for wheelchair access although it would be nice to have a more accessible shelf for toiletries, bath sponge and spectacles.

The current recess space beside the shower cubicle seemed odd and not user-friendly. Also, the empty space in-between means water splashing out of the shower area is inevitable even though the curtain is fully drawn.

Our room layout is nice and practical featuring a long kitchen counter equipped with an induction stove top, microwave oven, electric kettle and sink. Furnishings include a couch with a coffee table, a dining table, a floor-to-ceiling closet and wooden sideboard.

Electrical appliances provided are a fridge, an induction cooker with hood, an electric kettle and a microwave oven. There’s aslo a flatscreen TV and a working desk. Fans, an air-conditioning unit and Wi-Fi access are par for the course.

Currently, breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at Saffron all-day dining restaurant. There’s plenty of natural daylight within the space. A private room is also available for group dining.

One floor above is Kopitiam which will be serving simple, local fare and snack items. Plans are afoot for a grab & go bakery cum convenience store of sorts.

Located at the 9th Floor of Block B, The Rooftop is ideal for lounging around with friends for drinks and conversation. The balcony seating accords panoramic vista of the nearby surroundings.

We love the saltwater infinity swimming pool where aquarobics classes can be held. Nearby is a walking trail with various fitness equipment for those who desire working out in the open.

More walking paths with a 2-acre nursery for eco-farming and zero waste practices e.g. growing organic produce and composting food waste are also available. Avid gardeners will like pottering around the raised garden beds and elevated planters. Built using permaculture principles, the fertile farm garden aims to provide edible herbs and vegetables for a farm-to-table experience.

Serene strolls along trails purpose-built by the Orang Asli wends through a regenerated forest covering 8 acres of prime land amidst the stunning vistas of a majestic rugged granite rock face.

Planned group fitness activities: tai chi, line dancing, senior yoga, physiotherapy, and stretching exercises to arts and craft and even a community kitchen should keep senior residents occupied and fulfilled. A gym, a multi-purpose studio, an airy and spacious library, a games room, a theatre and event space accommodating up to 200 persons are found onsite.

The first phase of 344 units features one- and two-bedroom units tailored for independent senior living whilst the second phase will comprise 75 units for seniors requiring assisted care. Phase three will offer larger units for independent senior living.

Millennia Village offers medium and long-term tenancies of 1 month to 3 years, with pricing depending on the stay duration. For a limited time only, Millennia Village is offering a long stay promotion at RM5,500 per month for two persons.

A trial stay of 3D/2N is also available from RM1,200 for two persons. All room packages include a fully furnished unit, housekeeping, Wi-Fi, free access to all facilities, daily breakfast and dinner. The offers are valid until 31 August 2024 and are subject to prevailing taxes.

For more information about Millennia Village, please call 06-7609677, email: dianechia@milenniavillage.com or visit www.millenniavillage.com.