In a world coming to terms with the huge problems associated with climate change, one resort in Malaysia is showing us the way forward for sustainable tourism. To stay in this hotel, designed by visionary architect Kerry Hill, is to experience a rainforest paradise like no other. The undulating curves and variety of patterns that adorn the building pay homage to the ancient Chinese and Indian heritage interwoven in the history of this area of the world.
Experts on Hand
This island is the perfect spot to end an escorted tour of Malaysia. The resort’s world-class services come complete with a resident expert naturalist. Mobarak and his team of marine biologists are available upon request to educate any interested guests on the rich diversity of the island’s wildlife. An escorted tour takes place daily starting with a pre-breakfast stroll around the Datai flora and fauna.
Binoculars to the Ready
Machinchang is Southeast Asia’s oldest mountain and with age has come a beautiful maturity of wildlife. The spectacular Long-Tailed Macaque monkey is a common site on the island and is never shy to pop its head out from the canopy to check on the latest visitors. The slightly less well-known Dusky Langur monkey is easily spottable with its distinctive facial markings. This little monkey is more than it looks, however, managing to eat a whopping two kilograms of food per day!
Keep your eyes peeled during your escorted tour for magnificent Great Hornbills, as the resort is home to its very own nesting pair. These tropical birds will have the pigeons in your local park put to shame. Their distinctive orange bills and patterned feathers are a sight to behold and if you’re lucky enough will make a brilliant photo for your screen saver when you’re back home. In the evening relax to the chorus of the rainforest. If you are lucky you may be able to spot a cute Common Tree Frog perched on the hotel’s lily pond.
The Next Attenborough
After a relaxing morning swim in the resort’s pool, make the most of the resort’s own nature centre. This centre for all things natural is housed in an impressive bamboo longhouse of the traditional variety. When you have finished browsing the books on offer, settle down with an invigorating herbal or spice tea in the spacious lounge area. Here you can reflect on the stunning complexity of the region’s nature.
It’s Waiting for You…
The Datai Bay is a paradise waiting to be found. Here you can find yourself based next to what the National Geographic rated as one of the top ten beaches in the world. The plethora of flora and fauna is a dream for nature lovers and with experts on hand, guests can look forward to bolstering their knowledge and understanding of the region’s natural wealth. For anyone looking to take time out of the day to day hustle and bustle of life, there can be no finer sanctuary than the tropical surroundings of the Datai Bay.
John Dixon is an experienced world traveller and the Managing Director of Prestige Holidays for over 30 years. Recently his well-received escorted tour itineraries, which venture to the far corners of the globe, have been included in Prestige’s luxury holiday portfolio. John tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of his properties, and stay up-to-date about the latest local news and events. He has a taste for the finer things in life and has an interest in arts, history and culture.
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