Malaysia, Thailand Cooperate on Cross-Border Island Tourism
The islands of the Tarutao National Park, an unspoiled natural paradise previously closed 6 months a year, can now be enjoyed all year with a new ferry service from Langkawi in Malaysia. Famous for azure seas and white beaches, the islands which include Ko Lipe and Ko Adang offer great scuba diving, big game fishing and wildlife. All year access from Langkawi will boost the local economy, create jobs, and add to Langkawi's tourism offerings.
(PRWEB) July 19, 2005 -- A new spirit of cooperation between the governments
of Thailand and Malaysia on promoting cross-border tourism resulted in the
recent opening of a Thai Consulate on the Malaysian island of Langkawi, which
has opened up new tourism opportunities for islands on both sides of the
border.
Langkawi island in Malaysia is known to travel insiders as a
natural paradise with million year old rainforest, hornbills, wildlife, great
hotels and beaches popular as a honeymoon destination. The new initiative by the
two governments will enable visitors to Langkawi to enjoy the outstanding
natural beauty of Thailand’s nearby Ko Lipe and Ko Adang islands which are famed
for world class diving and snorkeling.
The islands of the Tarutao National
Park, including Ko Adang, Ko Rawi and the unspoiled natural paradise of Ko Lipe
are favorite destinations with year round azure seas with excellent scuba
diving, big game fishing and wildlife. At present they are only open from
November to May each year due to heavy seas during other months from the Thai
port of Satun.
A new ferry service from Langkawi island will change that,
allowing year-round access to the Thai islands. Langkawi has excellent
infrastructure with an international airport and world class hotels. The one
hour ferry trip will allow Langkawi visitors to enjoy the crystal azure seas
with white beaches, famed dive spots, miles of stunning coral and spectacular
underwater life that the Thai islands are famous for.
"This is a win-win
opportunity for both countries," said Thai honorary consul at Langkawi, Dato
Shazryl Eskay Abdullah. "Langkawi gains world class snorkeling and diving
opportunities for it tourists, and the influx of visitors from Langkawi will
bring much needed income to island residents which have until now had no tourism
income for six months each year."
The trips have been facilitated by both
governments in a spirit of cooperation to jointly develop the border areas for
tourism, and on the strict understanding that the cross border trips will
conform to high standards of sustainable ecotourism.
The ferry trip leaves
from Telaga Harbour Park on northern Langkawi and takes just one hour to reach
Ko Adang, from where visitors are taken by speedboat to different islands for
scuba diving, snorkeling, game fishing and ecotourism tours being offered by
leading naturalists.
More information & photos at www.top-lah.com
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/7/prweb262840.htm