CHARACTER
REBECCA WILKINSON
Eco-tourism & Cultural Entrepreneur TEXT: JASON KWONG PORTRAIT: SHAWN LOR / BLINK STUDIO
Tiger Rock
Resort harbours no pretentions of a five-star retreat, despite upscale trappings like bungalow residences, plush bed linens, infinity pool and impeccable hospitality. A jungle hideaway in Pulau Pangkor, it represents Malaysia’s gold-standard for eco-tourism; an untouched tropical paradise for travellers seeking solace. Owner Rebecca Wilkinson, however, sees Tiger Resort a bit differently – once a family home, it is also a personal tribute to her country’s naturalistic and cultural splendour. “Tiger Rock represents the way of life we wanted for our children,” says the 47-year-old, who founded the resort with her husband David in 1995 to “escape from the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur”. The couple plotted the landscape and houses – modelled after tea plantation quarters and Kenyan architecture – and engaged the local community to build the resort using locally sourced materials. When the Wilkinsons relocated to Penang in 1999, the couple relinquished the daily operations of Tiger Rock to their local staff. But moving to the city hasn’t diminished Rebecca’s role as a torchbearer of local culture.
A torchbearer of cultural heritage, Rebecca Wilkinson recreates the magic of olden Malaysia through nature and architecture restoration A Penang Heritage Trust council member, Rebecca remains deeply engaged in cultural preservation. A project she is renowned for is Penang’s Tropical Spice Garden, an abandoned rubber plantation that David and her transformed into an award-winning ecotourism destination. Her most recent project is China Tiger, a boutique guesthouse in George Town, which opened in July. Comprising two previously derelict shophouses, China Tiger lets guests experience old Penang through nostalgic architecture and decor. Housing two suites and two self-contained private apartments, both units have been lovingly restored – one of which a late 19th century Chinese merchant shophouse with large courtyards, and the other a 1940s swift house with handsome terrazzo exterior. “My passion lies in design that incorporates textures and patterns inspired by nature and tradition,” Rebecca explains. China Tiger will probably be a commercial success, flagged by travellers seeking exotic experiences. For Rebecca, however, who has made it her personal mission to recreate the magic and memories of home, China Tiger means more than that – it is another cultural jewel in a long line of many waiting to be unearthed.