Langkawi Hotel: Casa Del Mar Langkawi, Luxurious Accommodation In Langkawi Resort Malaysia

Local time: 5:40 AM, Saturday, Sep 11th 2010

Features & Activities

Natural Highlights
Whilst many of our guests come to relax on the beach to work on their tan, Langkawi's natural beauty and amazing flora and fauna are the major draw cards and therefore important assets to the region. Guests are welcomed to the area to experience its beauty but are encouraged to assist in maintaining the land through sustainable tourism.

Langkawi has been awarded UNESCO Geopark status for its beautiful geo‐heritage features dating back 500 million years. Our island is blessed with amazing flora and fauna, below are some points that you may find interesting.

Langkawi has 242 species of birds and 354 recorded species of butterfly
While certain studies of lowland tropical rainforest in Malaysia have revealed many tree species, the forests of Langkawi are not as species rich but they also contain large numbers of species.
Langkawi is home to an unusual flying mammal called a colugo or flying lemur. The island is also the habitat of squirrels, dusky‐leaf monkey and long‐tailed macaque.
In terms of marine life, over the course of the year, three whale species visit the island, along with the whale shark which is found year round, four species of dolphins and sea otters can also be spotted.
The monitor lizard also calls Langkawi home, and it can grow up to 2.3m long which is a similar lengths as the Komodo dragon.
The mangroves are simply beautiful and we highly recommend that you take the opportunity to explore them. If you are feeling up to a little exercise, definitely consider the sea kayak through the mangroves.
The Langkawi Cable Car is a, deservedly, award winning and popular tourist attraction. It has the longest single span and is the steepest in the world.

Beaches
Langkawi's beaches are what draw thousands of visitors to Langkawi every year. They are renowned for their bright white colour and fine softness. They are mostly clean and safe and have the added benefit of not being over‐run with hawkers disturbing those relaxing on the beach. Most beaches are accessible to the public and have food outlets nearby.

The waters around Langkawi can be slightly cloudy due to the sand base and shallow waters but are warm and relatively safe. There are only mild currents, though generally no surf and in the area and only small numbers of unpleasant sea creatures. However there are some things to be aware of for your safety and the conservation of the natural environment?

We do not recommend picking up and removing shells from the beach. Without these shells we will not have a beach and hermit crabs will not have homes.
Depending on the time of year and prevailing tides we sometimes have jellyfish close to shore. This period is generally from January to March and it is believed that these are not life threatening but you may receive a painful sting. There are over 2,000 species of jellyfish worldwide and approximately 80% of these have no effect on humans. For protection in these periods, we recommend you swim in safely nets or use jellyfish protective suites.
On some islands coral reefs are forming and it is recommended that you avoid standing on the coral as it can give you a nasty cut. Avoid sea urchins (black spiky creatures) as they have a painful sting.
Be aware of tides and currents and keep an eye on your distance from the beach at all times.
Check that your jet skis and parasailing operator is licensed with appropriate insurance cover.

Cruising on Casa del Mar's Capricorn II
The beauty of Langkawi is best experienced either by boat or by walking through one of the many natural features.

Day Cruise & Island Hoping on Capricorn II is a relaxing cruise though the Islands of Langkawi with a touch of class.

You will depart Casa del Mar and cruise though some of the 99 Islands of Langkawi viewing the dramatic limestone cliffs. You may choose to stop in at the lake of the pregnant maiden and to learn about this mysterious legend. Your crew will drop anchor in a tranquil bay where you can have a swim, try your hand and fishing or lay back and relax under the sun.

A cold buffet lunch with inclusive sparkling wine, white and red wine, basic spirits, cold beers, juices and soft drinks will be served throughout the day.

The boat departs at 11am and returns at 5pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays with a maximum of 10 guests and minimum of 2.

Your day cruise aboard Capricorn II exclusive to Casa del Mar guests and includes boat and crew for the day, lunch and snacks & selected beverages and is priced at RM 350 per person.

Charters can be arranged or private sunset cruises for two.

Water Sports at Casa del Mar

Island hoping on our speed boat
Visiting two islands and cruising around some of the 99 islands of Pulau Langkawi. This 4 to 5 hours adventure allows you to see the dramatic limestone cliffs, visit the Lake of the pregnant maiden and learn about this mysterious legend.

You will also get a chance to stop off at two Islands and have an opportunity to swim, go for a walk along a deserted beach, a spot of bird watching, watch a few monkeys and to have a light picnic lunch on the beach. We have variety of different island packages to choose from.

Castaway Picnic
A romantic dream comes true.

Your crew will pick you up and take you to a beach on a remote island with a picturesque tent with flowing nets and comfortable cushions. Right beside you is a gourmet picnic (and hopefully the person of your dreams) and mini bar of your choice. Swim, sunbathe, sleep and enjoy a day together.

Sailing
If you are a sailor, you can take out our 16 foot Hobie Cat for a cruise around the Cenang Bay area.

Sea Kayaks
We have two tandem canoes fitted with comfortable seatbacks and watertight compartments in which we can pack you a picnic to be enjoyed on a nearby island.

Palau Payar Snorkelling and Scuba Diving
East Marine offers guided, full‐day snorkelling and diving trips to Palau Payar Marine Park. Each trip starts with a hotel transfer to the jetty where you will board a boat for the one‐hour trip to Payar Island. Lunch is included in the package. It should be pointed out that Palau Payar is used by visitors from both Langkawi and Penang and generally it is better to go mid week. Because of this, the area used for snorkeling can sometimes get crowded. The visibility can also vary and so it may be worthwhile inquiring at the time of booking. The southern Thai Island of Koh Lipe can also be accessed for day snorkeling and diving trips from November through to April.

Golfing in Langkawi

Datai Bay Golf Course
Nestled between the northern foothills of Gunung Machincang and Datai Bay, the 6,000m long course is made up of fairways of Bermuda grass and greens of tifdwarf grass. The course undulates in all directions and a lost ball is probably….lost. You will see monkeys in the trees and hornbills in the air so it's a bit of an eco experience as well. It is a 30‐minute taxi ride from Pantai Cenang to the course. Uniquely, this course has a 19th hole that is not a bar! To finish you will need to clear 160m stretch over the sea, a rocky shore and a bunker. The club house is well serviced with a pro shop, restaurant and full buggy facility.

Gunung Raya Golf Course
As the name suggests, the club lies in the foothills of Mount Raya. It is the most popular course on the island, being less expensive than the Datai and easier to play. The 6,377m course is turf with Zoysia Matrella grass ending with superb greens of Tifdwarf Bermuda. You will see an abundance of wildlife on your way around this stunning setting of mountains and mangroves. The first nine holes are deceptively forgiving lulling you into a false sense of security before you reach the 13th, 14th and 15th where the trees, lakes and bunkers are ball magnets. Facilities include an open driving range and pro shop, club house, café and changing rooms. Buggies are essential and these are plentiful.

99 Degrees East Golf Course
Langkawi may soon host international golf events with the development of two 18 whole world class golf courses. The plan is a part of a RM2.8 Billion township, resorts and golf club located in Ulu Melaka near Kuah. The first nine holes should be playable by June 2009 and the following 9 holes by January 2010.

Langkawi Cable Car
Panorama Langkawi Cable Car covers a total distance of 2.2km linking the base station at the foothill of Machincang to the top station where commanding views of Langkawi, the southern islands, 7 wells waterfalls and telaga harbour are possible. It is truly a feat of engineering and well worth a visit, tough maybe if you are not particularly keen on heights.

Also featured is a sky bridge which is approximately 200 meter from the top station. The view from the bridge is simply amazing and the valley below is said never to be walk by humans.

The Mangrove Tours
Set in a craggy, almost magical setting of limestone outcroppings that rise sharply out of the calm Andaman Sea, Langkawi's mangrove forest is really an intricate network of streams and hidden coves that are home to hundreds of endemic jungle species of wildlife. See a variety of birds, butterflies, mangrove monitor lizards, an array of marine life, caves with bats and so much more. This is nature at its purest and best. Definitely one of Langkawi's gems!

Mangrove Kayak Adventure
Kayaks being more maneuverable and narrower can go where noisier outboards cannot. With less noise there is more chance of seeing more of the wilderness. Tours start mainly from the Kilim River jetty but also operate in other areas.

Mangrove Boat Trips
These highly recommended guided tours take you through the ecologically important mangroves of Langkawi. As above this tour is teeming with life see birds, butterflies, and monitor lizards.

Langkawi Canopy Adventure
Jorgen Zimmerman, apart from being a hypnotist who can help you give up smoking and an Iron man participant and trainer, is another of the islands' passionate environmentalists who also runs a number of adventure and eco tours. The Canopy Adventure is based upon the concept used in the film “Medicine Man”. Essentially you will go through sections of the islands rain forest on wires approximately 30 feet off the ground in the tree canopy itself, finishing off with a flying fox run. It is exhilarating and requires a moderate level of fitness and a sense of adventure.

Self Drive
Driving around the island of Langkawi at your own pace is definitely the way to go for those that dislike being herded around by tour operators. Cars can be hired through the hotel and we use a reputable and licensed operator. You might find that down the road that they are available for significantly less price however they are more than likely to be unofficial licensed operators and this is something we cannot recommend.

So you have Hired a car, what to do?
Enjoy the island under your own steam. Roads are in good condition and are well signposted. Just a hint BERHENTI means STOP!

Ask Guest Services for a map and then a good day out is;

The Cable Car and Oriental Village
Telaga Tujuh – Seven Wells
Coffee at The Datai overlooking Datai Bay
Check out the Ibrahim Hussein Gallery
Tanjung Rhu Beach for some sunbathing
Long Lunch at Four Seasons
Durian Perangin Waterfall
Gunung Raya Mountain in the afternoon to hopefully see some Dusky Leaf Monkeys.
Back to your Home by the Sea

Horse Riding
Island Horses run a stable of well kept horses for treks into the jungle and along the beach at the foot trails of Mount Mat Cincang, near the cable car. The rides cater for all levels of experience from non riders to Olympic Games' participants.

There are various rided available with beach rise, rainforest though all offer quite spectacular scenery with professional riding guides.

Shopping
Langkawi is a duty free port meaning that all goods purchased in Langkawi are tax free. While the Island is not a shopping Mecca by any means, there is some very good bargains to be found and unique pieces of home wares, jewellery, art, crystal & glass as well as very good value electrical items such as cameras. There are interesting night markets every evening in different locations throughout the island where you can check out the local cultures, smells and tastes.

Other activities
Langkawi offers a diverse are: