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Watching Dolphins by the Andaman

At the heart of Padang Matsirat lies Langkawi's newest resort, the Langkawi Lagoon Resort.

Sitting on crystal clear emerald waters, dolphins are a regular sighting. Facing the calm waters of Andaman Sea, the recently-opened resort complements other attractions on the island. Protected against the waters off Port Langkasuka by the RM200 million breakwater, this resort is developed by Tema Teladan Sdn Bhd and operated by Pujaan Pasifik Sdn Bhd, both companies of MK Land. MK Land executive chairman Tan Sri Mustapha Kamal Abu Bakar says the resort is the company's way of contributing to the development of Langkawi island and the people. He explains: "For example, fishermen used to depend solely on selling their catch. But with us in the picture, they can supply fish directly to our Rajawali Seafood Restaurant and take resort guests on fishing expeditions.

"We also have two massage huts operated by locals. Masseurs from the island can give traditional massage to guests. "If guests want to see how mat weaving is done and want to purchase a few mats, that can be arranged. For water-based activities like snorkelling, sailing, diving, jet-skiing, local lads will also be involved. Then, adds Mustapha, the Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) stands to gain because the resort will be promoting the Kuala Melaka River Park and other tourist destinations to its guests from elsewhere in the country and abroad.

Some foreign markets earmarked for aggressive promotion are South Korea, the Middle East and Scandinavia. Within walking distance is the RM28 million Kuala Melaka River Park, a fisherman's wharf of sorts where local fishermen bring in their catch to be sold to middlemen, retailers and the casual buyer. The park boasts walking, jogging and cycling tracks and in the pipeline are plans to have sepak takraw, top spinning and regular performances by local artistes.

"We are also planning to buy boats for river cruises and fishing trips," says Mustapha. Lada general manager Datuk Zainal Karib Abdul Karim says the timing couldn't be better as both resort and park are ready at about the same time and complement each other in many ways. For starters, the resort and Lada can organise events at the park and this can become regular weekend attractions.

While many resorts and hotels on the island expect Langkawi Lagoon to be a new kid on the block novelty, Mustapha says nobody should worry unnecessarily because the resort is merely another choice for visitors. "If Langkawi wants repeat visitors, resort owners and hoteliers should understand that tourists appreciate variety," he explains. Langkawi Lagoon is the third MK Land resort the first being the Bukit Merah Lake Town Resort completed some five years ago and the Taiping Golf and Country Club. Phase One of the 23.75 ha resort project costs some RM60 million comprising 96 hotel suites, 96 villas and 42 bungalows. Currently, 92 suites and 12 villas on the water are ready and open for business.

Guests staying at the villas or enjoying strolls on the wooden walkways have a great view, including fish swimming in the shimmering clear waters. Hotel suites are priced from RM290,000, d'villas from RM450,000 and d'bungalows from RM1.3 million for buyers. This project is expected to be fully completed in 10 years at a cost of RM600 million. There will be more studio units and bungalows being built on the sea.

Mustapha also plans for the resort to extend as far as one kilometre into the sea and wants to have a marina for yachts to berth. IN the west coast of Langkawi, the resort in Padang Matsirat is a three- minute drive from Langkawi International Airport. There are frequent flights and ferries daily to Langkawi, an island 50km from Kuala Kedah or 30km from Kuala Perlis. From Kuala Lumpur to Alor Star or Arau, there are frequent express coaches. National railway KTM operates the Langkawi Express.

Langkawi 15/08/2004