TOURISM BOOST for LANGKAWI

TOURISM BOOST for
LANGKAWI

By Kamila Delart

While the number of arrivals tends to be presented by the authorities in a very positive light, those involved in tourism business have another story to tell. And that despite a currency exchange rate that should make Malaysia a top desti-nation for foreigners while simultaneously discouraging domestic travelers from booking trips abroad.

Considering that nearly 80 % of the island’s population relies on tourism as a main source of income - a development that impacts us all!

While the majority is simply hoping for the best, some feel compelled to take action. Determined to boost not only their own business but to benefit the whole island!Targeting German travelers, known as enthusiastic nature lovers with high disposable income, the new owner of DEV’S ADVENTURE TOURS pulled all the strings to get a full Langkawi feature aired on the leading German TV channel, ARD. Revolving around eight German couples who travel on a superyacht to discover the world’s most fascinating destinations, the show ‘Lust auf Meer’ is widely popular. So just the kind of exposure we need!

A Langkawi resident for 23 years now, CLAUDIA MUELLER knows the island by heart. So the itinerary she put together covered the most captivating experiences our island has to offer. While two TV production crews accompanied four travelers as they lazed on the beach, enjoyed a ride with the Cable Car and had some fun at ‘The Art in Paradise’, Malaysia’s largest 3D Museum, the third crew guided by Claudia joined a bicycle tour to experience Langkawi just as the locals do.

Pedaling along tiny roads that honeycomb the countryside, they got to experience the sleepy atmosphere of local fishermen villages, watch herds of buffalos relish a mud-bath in the paddy fields, and observe a local artisans working on a traditional batik piece.

Of course, their experience wouldn’t be complete without a stop at a small local eatery and the delicious taste of roti canai accompanied by tea tarek.

The explorers’ final stop?
Chef Shuk’s charming house that captures the spirit of traditional Malay architecture while boasting the island’s most famous rumah dapur (kitchen).

A rather symbolic choice then to truly appreciate the local culture, one has to explore all her flavours. And no one knows more about indigenous herbs and traditional spices than our Shukri!

The Langkawi Feature should air on one of the most watched German TV channels at the beginning of next year. So if you are a local business owner - time to start practicing a few welcoming phrases in German 
A traveler eager to experience the real life of Langkawi? Follow in the footsteps of the German explorers by joining the Nature Cycling Trip with Dev’s Adventure Tours.
A captivating experience you don’t want to miss!

http://www.langkawi-gazette.com/

Recreational Activities

RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Explore the hidden side of Langkawi

RAINFOREST NIGHT DISCOVERY – A totally unique tour of the Mat Chinchang rainforest after nightfall. Become one of the lucky few to see and experience the incredible jungle ecosystem that emerges after sunset.

· Day : Every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday & Friday

· Time : 1800 hour

· Duration : Approximately 3 hours

· Attire : Long-sleeved T-shirt, long loose pants, trekking or sport shoes.

Insect repellent & drinking water are also recommended.

· Rates : RM190 - including transfer

· Limitations : 3 people

MAT CHINCHANG ADVENTURE EXPEDITION – This is a 6-hour uphill hike to the top of Mount. Mat Chinchang ( 713m ) and back. But if you are a die-hard adventure seeker who loves tough treks through unnamed wilderness, this could be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Learn about the amazing Mat Chinchang rainforest along the way.

· Day : Every Monday & Wednesday

· Time : 0830 hour

· Duration : Approximately 6 hours

· Attire : Long-sleeved T-shirt, long loose pants, trekking or sport shoes.

Insect repellent & drinking water are also recommended.

· Rates : RM240 - including transfer

· Limitations : 3 people

CULTURAL TOURS – For those who seek the real story on the people of Langkawi, we offer a choice of 2 amazing tour packages led by our cultural expert. This Lifestyle Tour will take you to meet local people in plantations, farm and villages for an intimate look at the daily life of Langkawians. The History & Heritage tour takes you to historical sites & attempts to explain the facts behind every myths & legends in Langkawi’s rich & mysterious past.

· Day : Every Tuesday &Thursday for Lifestyle Tour

Every Friday & Sunday for History & Heritage Tour.

· Time : Lifestyle Tour– 1000hour

History & Heritage Tour – 1600hour

· Duration : Approximately 4 hours

· Attire : Casual

· Rates : Adult :RM210 Children : RM120

· Limitations : 3 people

· Private tour : 2 people @ RM540

JUNGLE TREKKING – This trip is a moderate 3-hour trek into the tropical rainforest that gives you the perfect opportunity to explore parts of the Langkawi’s nature. The late afternoon trek is focused on chances of spotting the flying lemur, flying squirrel (red giant or pygmy & other nocturnal wildlife.

· Day : Daily

· Time : 0930hour and 1630hour

· Duration : Approximately 4 hour

· Attire : Long-sleeved T-shirt, long loose pants, trekking or sport shoes.

Insect repellent & drinking water are also recommended.

· Rates : Adult : RM120, Children : RM100(5-12) including transfer

· Limitations : 2 people

BIRD WATCHING TOUR – During this 4-5 hour trip, it may be posibble to spot about 30-40 species of the more than 230 species of birds in Langkawi’s jungle, rice fields & river. During the entire journey we will try to spot mountain birds, forest & lowland/paddyfield birds.

· Day : Daily

· Time : 0730hour

· Duration : Approximately 4-5 hour

· Attire : Long-sleeved T-shirt, long loose pants, trekking or sport shoes.

Insect repellent & drinking water are also recommended.

· ( please inform if you don’t have your own binocular )

· Rates : Adult : RM200 - including transferS

· Limitations : 2 people

MANGROVE GEOPARK KAYAK TRIP – Enjoy the mangrove forest of Langkawi for a taste of adventure and exercise during the 5 hour trip, focusing on it’s rich array of flora & fauna.

· Day : Daily

· Time : Depending on the tide time

· Duration : Approximately 6-7 hours

· Attire : Hats, tees, wetsuit, sun protection, towels, shorts & sandals.

Drinking water & a change of clothes are advised. Be prepared to get wet!

· Rates : Adult : RM220 - including transfers

· Limitations : 2 people

NATURE CYCLING TRIP – Ride a bycycle through river banks, paddy fields and forest in this 3-hour trip. You will experience Langkawi from a completely different point of view and you will be surprised at what you will meet on the way and during various stops.

· Day : Daily except Friday

· Time : 0800hour

· Duration : Approximately 4 hour

· Attire : T-shirt, hats, sandals, sun protection, trekking or sport shoes. Insect repellent and drinking water are also recommended.

· Rates : RM120 - Including transfers

· Limitations : 2 people

MANGROVE GEOPARK TRIP BY LONG BOAT – Get close to the amazing mangrove with a comfortable boat ride of 4-5 hour with an experience guide, lunch on a floating restaurant, a visit to the Bat Cave, fish farm, eagle feeding areas, fossil location, charcoal factory and swimming stop.

· Day : Daily

· Time : 0900hour, 1300hour, 1500hour

· Duration : Approximately 5-6 hour

· Attire : Hats, tees, wetsuit, sun protection, towels, shorts & sandals.

Drinking water & a change of clothes are advised. Be prepared to get wet!

· Rates : Adult : RM180 Children : RM140 (5-12) - including transfers

· Limitations : 2 people

ISLAND HOPPING - Highlights are the visit to The Lake of The Pregnant Maiden (Tasik Dayang Bunting), this legendary setting is actually a beautiful freshwater lake located at the center of limestone rock hills, surrounded by the rainforest. You can paddle or swim in the lake or alternatively relax on the nearby beaches. Legend tells that should any married lady, who would like to have a baby but cannot conceive, will become pregnant after bathing in the lake.

Eagle feeding-The rare experience of feeding eagles in its habitat sets the highlight of the trip.

Beras Basah Island -With the crystal clear water and pure white sandy beaches, this in an ideal place to get away from it all.

· Day : Daily

· Time : 0840hour or 1340hour,

· Duration : Approximately 3-4 hours

· Attire : Hats, tees, wetsuit, sun protection, towels, shorts & sandals.

Drinking water & a change of clothes are advised. Be prepared to get wet!

· Rates : Adult : RM65 Children : RM45 (5-12) - Excluding Transfers

· Limitations : Sharing

FISHING WITH LOCAL FISHERMEN – As Langkawi is an island surrounded with marine-rich seas, fishing is a great activity to be done. We offer fishing trips openly to any angler or group that wishes to test their prowess by going for the big games or just to fulfill their time.

· Day : Daily

· Time : To be advised

· Duration : Approximately 4-5 hours

· Attire : Hats, tees, wetsuit, sun protection, towels, shorts & sandals.

Drinking water, snacks & a change of clothes are advised. Be prepared to get wet!

· Rates : RM450 (TROLLING @ RM550) - Excluding Transfers

· Limitations : 2-5 people

SEA SAFARI MANGROVE TOUR - The tour starts from the Kilim River where the ecosystem consists of old limestone rock formations, caves & mudflats, each with its own unique vegetation. The Kilim-Kisap-Air Hangat Mangrove remains the most extensive wetland network throughout the island archipelago.

1 hour trip

· Bat Cave

· Mangrove swamp

· Eagle feeding

· Fish farm

· Open Sea (Kilim Geopark )

Long Boat Charter 8 seat Rm 250.00

12 seat Rm 350.50

2 hour trip

· Bat Cave

· Mangrove Swamp

· Eagle Feeding

· Fish Farm

· Crocodile Cave

· Open Sea & Round Shoe Island

Long Boat Charter

8 seats : RM 350

12 seats : RM 450

3-4 hour trip

· Bat Cave

· Mangrove Swamp

· Eagle Feeding

· Fish Farm

· Crocodile Cave

· Open Sea & Round Shoe Island

· Visit to Dangli Island

· Beach Drop

Long Boat Charter

8 seats : RM 450

12 seats : RM 550

· All price Excluding Transfer

Langkawi Yacht Cruise Tours

The Langkawi archipelago with its 99 tropical islands is a natural paradise many consider as unmatched anywhere else in Southeast Asia. To discover it from the seaside while cruising the Andaman Sea offers spectacular views of unique rock formations, lush green rainforest and fine lonely beaches.

There is an abundance of routes a yacht can take depending on your preferences. Since we offer only exclusive private yacht charter it's your choice where to go and where to stop for a swim or a beach exploration. Depending on whether you choose a day charter or a sunset cruise or even a few days holiday on a yacht we can help you with our knowledge of the area to find the right destination for that time. Please meet our Recreation to get more ideas about what kind of tour you want to do.

WE RECOMMEND…

· Honeymoon romance while sailing to "your" private beach with a glass of champagne in your hand.

· Birthday party with friends and family

· Barbeque your catch of the day in a hidden anchorage

· Experience being the skipper on "your" boat and learn to sail

· Speed around the islands in a luxury motor yacht

· Impress friends and business partners with "your" yacht

· Just let your kids get the feeling of pure untouched nature or feel like a pirate exploring a hidden lagoon

OR SHARING YATCH CRUISE

A Leisurely sail to the southern islands of Langkawi with a sumptuous BBQ cooked on board and open bar.

· Day : Daily

· Time : 1400 hour

· Duration : Approximately 6 hour

· Attire : hats,wetsuit sun protection, towel

· Rates : Adult : RM 360 Children: RM 180 - Excluding transfers

· Limitations : Sharing Cruises

YATCH CRUISES RESERVATION

· Bookings can be made through customer service at Ext 0 or 1 or you can meet our Recreation Supervisor for further details on private charter rates. Other departure times are by arrangement made in advance.

PULAU PAYAR MARINE PARK

This jewel of an island is one of Langkawi's mystical isles, legendary for its spectacularly beautiful coral gardens. You can either dive or snorkel to swim among the fishes and explore the corals. If you don't wish to get wet, the special Underwater Observatory allows you to experience a close-up view of marine life.

SNORKELLERS

· Day : Daily

· Time : 0815hour

· Duration : Approximately 8 hours

· Attire : Hats,wetsuit, sun protection, towel ( equipment & lunch will be provided )

· Rates : Adult : RM 220 Children: RM 200

· Limitations : Sharing Cruises

CERTIFIED DIVER

· Day : Daily

· Time : 0815hour

· Duration : Approximately 8 hours

· Attire : Hats,wetsuit, sun protection

· Rates : Adult : RM 320 Children: RM 320

· Limitations : Sharing Cruises

EXPERIENCE SCUBA INTRODUCTORY DIVER

· Day : Daily

· Time : 0815hour

· Duration : Approximately 8 hours

· Attire : Hats,wetsuit, sun protection

· Rates : Adult : RM 320 Children: RM 320

· Limitations : Sharing Cruises

contact person : recreation@tanjungsanctuary.com.my (04 952 0222)