Forest of fantasy
Magical storytelling and thrilling technology come together to create a compelling world of light at the Lost World Of Tambun theme park in Perak. More than just a visual treat, the attraction might even teach visitors a thing or two about the environment
DROPS of rain from the night sky furiously slap the thin raincoat that is my sole shield from the cold weather. In the background, the beating of drums from the surrounding lush vegetation grows louder with each step taken.
“HALT!” someone at the front of the crowd shouts out through the darkness, prompting our group of nervous travel writers to stop dead in our tracks. “Watch your step, we will be crossing the Bridge of Luminosa now.”
I peer through the transparent plastic of my raincoat and catch the sight of a wooden archway decorated with peculiar indigenous-like symbols and patterns that glow in the dark. Above the arch, two words shine mysteriously: “Luminous Forest”.
It looks like we are about to enter an enchanted tribal village. The reality is I’m within the grounds of a theme park – the Lost World Of Tambun in Sunway City Ipoh, to be exact.
This latest attraction in Perak is certainly a great idea for a school holiday trip. Other family-friendly activities nearby include mural spotting in Ipoh’s old town or exploring cave temples such as the Sam Poh Tong Temple and Kek Lok Tong.
Outside of Perak, some cool family-friendly places to check out are the Tabin Wildlife Reserve in Sabah, Tropical Spice Garden in Penang and Petrosains in Kuala Lumpur.
The Tabin Wildlife Reserve is home to endangered species such as the Borneo pygmy elephant and Sumatran rhinoceros. Meanwhile, the Tropical Spice Garden offers some relaxing trails. As for Petrosains, it’s a great place for kids to discover awesome stuff focused on science and technology.
Wonderful science
Talking about science, the Luminous Forest employs some scientific method to bring the attraction to life. Each of the steps within the elevated attraction is meticulously painted with complex patterns using a water-based UV paint.
Walking deeper into the “jungle”, visitors will be greeted by several illuminated fibre optic light installations that vaguely resemble jellyfish tendrils.
Closer to the entrance, guests will discover Mother Sophea, an automated talking tree not unlike Grandmother Willow from Disney’s Pocahontas.
Elsewhere, the bioluminescent landscape is populated by carefully curated lights and shining installations that lend an ethereal vibe to the attraction.
The utilisation of state-of-the-art devices here are nothing short of impressive. But science and technology is only part of the equation when it comes to bringing the venue to life.
Wrapped in fantasy
The magic of Luminous Forest can also be attributed to the fantasy that’s articulated through the impeccable storytelling incorporated in the guided tour.
Mother Sophea, we’re told, is a 400-year-old tree that has a magical connection with all living creatures. The story goes that the Malayana tribe who dwells in the forest believes that the tree