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 Thailands 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.

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