Colmar Tropicale
A French village in the middle of the jungle
The “Colmar Tropicale” was built in the middle of the rainforest.
© fiz_zero/Shutterstock.com
What looks like a French village is actually in the middle of the jungle. But what does it mean?
The town of Colmar in Alsace, France, is known for its charming half-timbered houses and narrow streets. However, the special flair can not only be found on the German border, but also in the middle of a jungle. Because in Malaysia, near the capital Kuala Lumpur, there is a replica of the romantic town.
A theme park in the jungle
The “Colmar Tropicale” was built in the middle of the rainforest. The project can be traced back to former Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohamad (97), who fell in love with the small French village after a trip to Europe. In the 1990s, contractor Vincent Tan (71) got involved and funded the construction of the Colmar Doubles in the Berjaya Hills.
The French architect Jean Cassou planned the area. It ended up being a kind of theme park that opened in 2000. Among other things, restaurants, cafes and a hotel have been built in Colmar Tropicale. Not far away is the Alsatian Haut-Koenigsbourg – even if the original is not in Colmar, but near Sélestat.
Ancient villages were brought to Malaysia
“Opened in 2000, Colmar Tropicale is modeled after the 16th-century city of Colmar in northeastern Alsace, France, and also incorporates architectural designs and elements of the surrounding ancient villages of Riquewihr, Turckheim and Kaysersberg,” it says on the website. The houses, streets and restaurants come very close to the original – if you ignore the jungle around them.
Fountains, cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses immerse you in French culture – or at least the illusion of it. Many activities are offered to guests: from horseback riding to golf and paintball. Also weddings are possible in the copy of the French place.