Chartered Cruise A Big Hit With Tourists In Malaysia's Langkawi

By Zulkafli Ibrahim LANGKAWI (Kedah, Malaysia), July 27 (Bernama) -- Langkawi's popularity as a tourist destination is undeniable, with local and foreign tourists flocking to the legendary island year in and year out. Besides basking in the sun by the beach, indulge in duty-free shopping and soaking up the natural scenic beauty, tourists could also charter short cruises while enjoying the islands around Langkawi. For those who want to experience a beautiful sunset from onboard the boat, Tropical Charters Langkawi offers enticing packages to suit any holidaymaker. Package prices range from about US$67 (RM275) per person, including meals, and will take tourists on a cruise to see the small islands surrounding Langkawi before settling down for a view of the sunset on a catamaran. The two-storey sailboat measuring 17 metres long and nine metres wide can ferry 65 passengers at a time. ACTIVITIES ONBOARD A cool breeze accompanies participants of the cruise as they feast their eyes on the breathtaking views from the top of the deck, making sure to enjoy every second of the three-hour ride which started at 5.00pm from the Resort World Langkawi marina jetty. Along the way passengers can partake in a variety of activities before stopping for the sun to set, just make sure to bring along a swim suit, towel, sunblock and camera. Passengers can opt to relax in the salt water jacuzzi net as the sailboat moves along the water or dive from the deck and into the sea, followed by swim experts from the company's crew. If one is up for it, one can also re-enact the 'I'm flying' scene from Titanic as the day gets darker. Some also choose to loiter around sipping cocktails and mocktails casually while the music blasts from the boat. A barbeque dinner awaits cruise participants with a luscious selection of prawns, chicken, beef, satay, salad and more as they wait for the cruise to finish off with a magnificent sunset. Such an experience will be an everlasting memory for years to come. CRUISE EXPERIENCE Local holidaymaker Wan Nur Asyikin Wan Azemim, 24, said her first cruise experience was something she would never forget. "Watching the sun set before my own eyes was such an awesome experience and I would definitely come again," she said excitedly. Meanwhile, Tropical Charters Group chief executive officer and executive chairman Alexander Isaac said his charter operations have received overwhelming response from tourists since it was offered in 2009. "Seven years into operations and people are still coming back for the cruise," he said. He added that they always give attention to the packages offered to ensure they still appeal to domestic and international tourists. So far the company has six boats operating to cater to clients. The cruise, he said, was one of the many tourism products available on Langkawi besides the island's places of attractions and shopping. -- BERNAMA