Issue 3, Volume 2. Sept 2005

Birdman of Langkawi.
Dev Mahaendran has been a happy captive of the Langkawi wilderness for 18 years now. When not glued to a pair of binoculars, identifying the bird species of the island, he delights in taking visitors up the Kilim river to introduce them to the wonders and mysteries of the mangrove system, unveiling its hidden wildlife treasures. Every Tuesday Dev joins the team and me by the pool bar to meet hotel guests and talk about their favourite pars of Langkawi. Make a date to see Dev and discover a part of Langkawi that too many miss.

A transparent Business.
We do look for opportunities to support the local economy wherever possible. A good example of this is the work carried out by Kamarul Faizy who owns a small glass blowing business on the island. We commissioned several original pieces including the popular table oil lamps (pictured) Faizy has now gone on to supply many of the other hotels on the island to the point that we have to now wait in line to submit our orders. Oil lamps can be purchased at the hotel shop in the Spa.

'The Kettle's on'.
The best scones on this side of Devon are certainly the focus of the afternoon high tea introduced to complement our new look reading room. The scones are also accompanied by smoked salmon pinwheels, cucumber sandwiches, an almost illegal chocolate cake and a fruit chocolate fondue. Choose from an ample selection of loose leaf teas and herbal infusions. For a touch of afternoon decadent delight, champagne by the glass is also available.

Better than Sox
Malaysia enjoys not one festive season but four so when it comes to buying gifts, we really do have to get organized early. It begins with Hari Raya / Aidil Fitri at the end of Ramadan then goes on to Deepavali before Christmas and then Chinese New year in early 2006. We can arrange for a Casa del Mar gift package to be sent directly to the recipient or to you so you enjoy the giving of a gift much better than a box of socks. Call us for more information.

Birdman of Langkawi II
Francois Walter, a Belgian guest, was traveling the island taking photographs for a coffee table book to be published later this year. Anyone who has been to Eagle square will know how this one was done.

APOLOGY. In our last postcard, credit for the dramatic photo of lightning over Pulau Tepor should have gone to Mark Print of Scotland who stayed with us in 2003. Sorry Mark, a cold beer or two will be waiting for you on your next visit! Thank you for all the photos you have sent so far. We are working on a guests' gallery and would welcome more contributions.