THERE is something surreal about an abandoned housing project. The lack of inhabitants, and the dilapidated state of things create a haunting yet fascinating world that parallels our own.
It is an adventure in the waiting, but not for the faint-hearted. Recently, a foreign man, most likely a tourist, came to attention on the cyberspace for his video documenting the abandoned Strawberry Resort Kijai in Terengganu.
Huge apartment-like structures could be seen partially submerged in the emerald water. The entrance had been reclaimed by nature and a spooky silence hung about the place. Snapshots from the video further showed a cave-like entrance descending into total darkness.
Strawberry Awana Kijal resort in Terengganu. pic.twitter.com/VRzd8Vcnh7
— ًِ (@bckupacc99) July 12, 2025
It is hard to imagine a time when this resort was at its peak, filled with tourists and bustling with activities. But what happened to the Strawberry Resort Kijai?
According to youtuber FlyingAyam, the resort with at least 200 hotel rooms was developed around 2005 but never fully operated due to unknown issues.
According to him, only the grand hall and the apartments were opened to tourists and visitors. Later on, a few units of the apartments were sold to individuals and the resort was officially closed down in 2010 after the state government acquired the entire land.
However, there is good news too. The Terengganu government in a statement stated that the abandoned resort is set to be transformed into a five-star resort following the signing of a development agreement.
The Chief Minister, Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, stated that the project will commence in the first quarter of 2024 and is expected to be completed by 2026.
“The rebranding of the resort facilities, which span more than eight hectares, is being carried out by the state government through Terengganu Inc, in collaboration with the landowner, the Terengganu State Heritage Trust Board (LTAWNT)” he said, back in 2023.
“This RM250 million project will be developed by property and hotel development company iKHASAS Land Sdn Bhd, while resort operations will be managed by Courtyard by Marriott,” he added. —July 13, 2025
Main image: @bckupacc99 (X)
