To honour the surrounding ancient rainforest and breathtaking Datai Bay, legendary Malaysian resort The Datai Langkawi has dedicated Chapter 3 of its 30th Anniversary festivities to ‘Celebrating our Nature’. From 22 September to 1 October 2023, the iconic rainforest resort will present sessions and excursions led by social enterprises, NGOs, and charities, as well as a wildlife photography exhibition and charity auction.
Celebrated Malaysian naturalist and chief advisor to The Datai Pledge, Irshad Mobarak (pic.), will impart his wisdom on Langkawi’s rich biodiversity through bird-watching sessions, forest tours*, and talks on the ‘Great Hornbills of Datai’, creating unique opportunities for guests to discover this natural world.
Famed wildlife photographer and environmental advocate, Peter Ong, will be showcasing the flora and fauna of Southeast Asia through a captivating photography exhibition from 20 September – 1 October. Guests with a keen interest in wildlife and photography can join Peter for specially curated jungle walks and photography workshops.
During the Chapter 3 celebrations, guests can also enrich their knowledge through sessions led by Malaysia’s only NGO dedicated to marine mammal conservation MareCet, which conducts research in the biodiverse waters of Langkawi. Those who want to take a dive into Malaysia’s underwater world can enjoy a ‘Day Out with Dolphins and Dolphin Researchers’ and interactive learning sessions at the ‘Marine Mammal Lab’ or attend talks like ‘Marine Mammals & Underwater Sound’. Younger guests can learn more through ‘Storytelling with MareCet’, ‘Fintastic Marine Mammal Activity Book’, or ‘Paint a Batik Dolphin’* sessions.
Closing the penultimate chapter of the year-long celebrations will be a fundraising gala on 29 September, with an exceptional charity auction taking centre-stage. Interested parties can bid online from now to 27 September, or in-person at the gala itself. With all proceeds going to conservation programmes for the critically endangered Malayan Tiger through Save Wild Tigers Malaysia, RIMAU Malaysia, and Habitat Foundation Malaysia; people from around the world and at the gala event can make a difference to the biodiversity of Malaysia.
On auction is an array of holiday adventures such as a tropical escape to The Datai Langkawi, a city getaway at The RuMa Hotel & Residences in Kuala Lumpur, and an unforgettable three-night journey on the luxury Eastern and Oriental Express. Exquisite craft and artwork lots, including an exclusive print of a Malayan Tiger by award-winning photographer Sanjitpaal Singh; and a handcrafted Lotus Arts de Vivre duo comprising a bowl embellished with a Sterling Silver tiger claw and a chopping board, create opportunities to take art home while helping to conserve the magnificent creatures that inspired them.
Those favouring contemporary pieces can raise their paddle for a shimmering, sequin-encrusted Roberto Cavalli dress; a photograph collage print by British artist Piers Bourke that reimagines the Federated Malay State 1901 postal stamp depicting the Malayan tiger; and an ethereal portrait of a tiger by Penang-born artist Christine Das. Malaysian singer and former West End actor Sean Ghazi and self-dubbed “Kebaya Jazz Queen” Ida Mariana will entertain that evening; while Chef Lewis Barker, who helms the Michelin-starred restaurant ‘Sommer’ in Singapore, will deliver a gastronomic adventure with a six-course dinner.
For its 30th Anniversary, Malaysia’s legendary The Datai Langkawi is sharing its story through four ‘Chapters’. Each chapter consists of events and residencies honouring community, culture, and nature, before concluding with a ‘30 Years of The Datai’ Finale. The second and most recent chapter from 23 June to 2 July was a successful series of workshops, pop-ups, and exhibitions by renowned Malaysian artisans, culminating in a fashion show and six-hand dinner at The Beach Club, with the entire chapter celebrating the arts and crafts of Malaysia.
