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.

 

IMMERSIVE "ONE DAY IN TAIWAN" EXPERIENCE

A fun hands-on afternoon featuring DIY Xiao Long Bao (Taiwanese dumpling) making and oil-paper umbrella painting gave us media folks and some Malaysian artists, YouTubers, and travel trade attendees an immersive “One Day in Taiwan” experience.

Taiwan Visitors Association hosted the workshop together with Taiwan’s related tourism organisations, to promote the island’s diverse tourism attractions including Taiwanese cuisine, popular destinations and diverse culture activities.

Taiwan Visitors Association Kuala Lumpur Office Director, Abe Chou urged Malaysians to visit and discover Taiwan before those present dived into making chocolate-filled Xiao Long Bao.

 

 

 

A master of traditional oiled-paper umbrella painting then guided us on how to paint our own oiled-paper brolly – an interactive way to educate us on the Hakka craftsmanship from Meinong District in southern Taiwan’s Kaohsiung City.

A form of customary wedding gift, the Hakka words of “oiled paper” and “have son” are auspicious homonyms. Also, the Chinese character of “umbrella” also represents a blessing for newlyweds to have children and grandchildren.

 Refreshments include Taiwan’s famed Bubble Tea, baked mini pineapple cakes and taro pastries. Adding to the afternoon’s lively pace are informative and fast-paced online quiz and bingo games incorporating interesting facts and different attractions in Taiwan.

 

I nearly won one of the return KL-Taipei flight tickets but sadly, Lady Luck wasn’t on my side that day. A case of so near yet so far. Still, it was an afternoon well spent and credit must go to the organisers for upping the ante in making it such a memorable event.

 

Packed with a myriad of travel resources, Taiwan is listed eighth in 2019 Top 10 Travel Destinations by Globe Spots. Booking.com also ranked Taiwan as the world’s friendliest country in 2018 while Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) cited Taiwan as the 3^rd most attractive country for international Muslim travellers.