On the northern coast of Langkawi Island in Malaysia, a secluded holiday spot attracts patronage of the rich and the famous. Nestled in the lush vegetation of one thousand one hundred acres of Tanjung Rhu, stands the solitary Tanjung Rhu Resort - a resort breathtakingly pristine and stylish in its quiet elegance.

Opened in December 1995, the 138-room deluxe resort is contoured around shady casuarina trees and fronts 2.5km of sandy beach leading to the Andaman Sea. Located about 30 minutes by car from Langkawi International Airport, the ride to the resort is an experience in itself as the journey through quiet village roads and miles of green padi fields, lead to the stunning views of the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea approaching the resort.

Tanjung Rhu is home to one of Malaysia's unusual eco-sytems because within it is found the mangrove, lowland, coastal and limestone - all within of 1,100 acres. This landscape is found independently throughout the country, but it is rare to find it all within one area as in Tanjung Rhu.

With 80 per cent of its area remaining under lush vegetation, Tanjung Rhu's fascinating landscape of mangroves, waterways, limestone crags and sandy beaches present the visitor with a kaleidoscope of fauna and flora. Guides from the Tanjung Rhu Resort - trained by a naturalist - provide fascinating insight into the wildlife to be found in the area.

Tanjung Rhu Resort general manager IZ Melvin said the resort is positioned as an exclusive hideaway for top executives. "It is a place for them to re-centre themselves," he explains. "We're looking at people like CEOs and other senior executives as well as the honeymoon/anniversary market."

Room rates at the Tanjung Rhu Resort begin at RM770.00 (US$ 203.00) per night and go up to RM1,940.00 (US$ 510.50).


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Guardian of the Rhu

In keeping with its role as guardian of the area, the resort practices a green policy that encompasses all its activities - from operations to guest services and facilities. The owners have been the driving force to maintain, develop and enhance the rare environmental majesty of Tanjung Rhu because the area encapsulates the country's four primary eco-systems.

The variety of vegetation and wildlife of the area is an integral part of our promotions of Tanjung Rhu as a destination, and activities for guests and the community are designed to create greater awareness of this natural green heritage.

The owners of Tanjung Rhu Resort have appointed an Environmental Consultant - via Natura - which conducted an intensive 8-month documentation of the eco-system and wildlife in Tanjung Rhu.

Today, this document serves as a priceless insight into the environmental patterns of the area. It is the first comprehensive blueprint of the species of wildlife and vegetation that make Tanjung Rhu their home. Information in the document is used as a guide for environmental and educational activities by Tanjung Rhu Resort - be it staff training, public relations, promotions and marketing, and community education.

The consultant also provides an in-house naturalist who continuously documents the area's environmental patterns, provides recommendations on environmental activities as well as educates management and staff on Tanjung Rhu's wildlife and vegetation, so they can provide this information to guests. Our consultants provide recommendations for environmental protection for the area, as well as keeping us advised of environmental legislation.

Where operations are concerned, our stationery is printed on recycled paper and within the administrative offices, paper is recycled. Also, plastic drinking cups and plastic cutlery are not used.

Furthermore, all guest toiletries are sourced from a eco-friendly range of products, and daily newspapers are delivered in linen bags which are re-usable. We do not have any motorised vehicles for water activities; rather catamarans, windsurfers, sea kayaks and the hydro bikes are used.

Tanjung Rhu Resort is also increasingly a source of media interest where eco-tourism and environmental issues are discussed. It has gained a reputation among the media - both nationally and internationally - for investing in tangible ways - both financial and otherwise - in safeguarding the land on which it sits for the enjoyment and appreciation of visitors for many more generations to come.

Furthermore, our Public Relations consultant monitors media reports (print, broadcast and the Internet) on the environment and keeps us advised on developments locally and worldwide. The General Manager is a frequent participant in eco-tourism seminars to develop his knowledge of how best to promote an eco-tourism destination while safeguarding its environment.