Largest Floating Kolam at Golden Sands Resort

Largest Floating Kolam in Malaysia (10 October 2017)


Shangri-La's Golden Sands Resort, Penang, entered the Malaysia Book of Records for the first time on 10 October, 2017, by hosting the largest floating kolam கோலம் in Malaysia. This is in conjunction with the 2017 Deepavali celebrations.

Although Deepavali is a festival observed by those of the Hindu faith, creating this largest floating kolam involved the contribution of volunteers from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities. They include members of the Penang Hindu Association as well as employees of Golden Sands Resort.

The kolam is made by pasting dried coconut flakes and flowers onto styrofoam. Great care had to be taken to ensure that the coloured flakes do not get into contact with the water of the pool, as this will cause smearing. The use of coconut flakes instead of rice is because it is a disposed material that is much cheaper to source. Nonetheless, the total material cost came up to around RM25,000.

Assembling the kolam was like putting together a giant jigsaw puzzle. Unlike most traditional kolams, which are circular, this kolam is made to depict a beautiful peacock with a resplendant tail fanning out. Bobbling on the surface of the pool are some 15 lotus flowers in full bloom, in addition to some 5,000 bulbs of fresh flowers.

A total of one hundred volunteers laboured for 10 consecutive days to assemble the kolam, which covers an area of 638 square meters. According to Golden Sands Resort hotel manager, Mr Noel D'Couto, "The project would not be possible without the support and crucial help from voluntary groups such as members of the Penang Hindu Association and hotel staff."



Largest Floating Kolam in Malaysia (10 October 2017)


Largest Floating Kolam in Malaysia (10 October 2017)


The kolam is so big that it is difficult to see it in its entirety. (10 October 2017)


Members of the Penang Hindu Association, along with employees of Golden Sands Resort, assembling the kolam. (10 October 2017)


Guests at the officiating of the largest floating kolam. (10 October 2017)


Here I am with the largest floating kolam in the country. (10 October 2017)