Living it up like the rich and famous

Living it up like the rich and famous
by David Bowden



CRUISING into the sunset, sailing to deserted islands, enjoying natural sea jacuzzi and basking in the sun with free flow of food and drinks ... sounds like a vacation for the rich and famous?

Yes, it is and no, because it can be surprisingly affordable for the average vacationers.

While most would consider yachting and sailing as something only for the affluent, take a closer look at what is on offer in Langkawi these days.

Check the recreational desk at the Mutiara Burau Bay Beach Resort, which has taken on a markedly different role over the past few years. While an extensive selection of traditional watersport activities is available, it seems yachting is becoming the really hot activity at Burau Bay and on many other parts of the island.

There has been a huge injection of capital, skill and interest to the sport in Malaysia and Langkawi is where the developments are best noted.

The Mutiara Resort has two types of sailing vessels available for charter or for simply joining in with others to enjoy the beauty and tranquility for which Langkawi is famous.

Bon Ton Cruises operates two motor yachts and both are renowned for impeccable service, the finest food and an extensive selection of drinks to make the journey more pleasurable.

The name Bon Ton is synonymous with stylish elegance and the driving force behind an enthusiastic team is Narelle McMurtrie who loves her adopted Langkawi home and is passionate about sharing it with others.

Numbers are restricted to just 12 on Bon Ton, the more modern vessel in the small fleet. This is the boat to impress friends and influence people and it has been used over the past few years to entertain the world's fashionable set. Being the professional that she is, McMurtrie is discreet about those who have graced the vessel but assures those who inquire that it includes leading politicians, those in the arts to contemporary singers.

Celebrities book Bon Ton for the same reasons that many Malaysians do. Bon Ton opens up a whole area of Langkawi that most visitors didn't think exist in the country.

Most Malaysians will be astonished to realise that what they see in the outer and unpopulated islands of Langkawi is really Malaysia.

The highlight of their popular sunset cruise is to visit a deserted inlet, called "the fjord" by the sailors that use this channel. The scene is truly stunning where steep sided limestone walls meet the green tinged waters of the Andaman Sea. The limestone rock is covered in unique vegetation that supports many plants found only in the Langkawi Archipelago.

The journey into "the fjord" is perfectly timed to coincide with the sunset, which on most days turns the sky shades of deep purple and pink. Sunsets are always a magical time of the day anywhere but Langkawi seems to have taken some degree of ownership on them in this part of the world.

After a cooling swim, Bon Ton guests are treated to a continuous flow of delicious canapes, quenching drinks and then a more substantive meal on the deck of the boat.

There is no pressure on time but eventually it's time to head back into the darkness and towards land. The total journey is about five hours and most guests alight with a big smile suggesting that they have had an exhilarating experience and at good value for money.

Stardust is a different experience in that most of the journey is done under sail on a 70-foot classic two-masted schooner. The yacht was designed and partially built by current owner Hamish Thoburn and captained by the intrepid Michael.

Together the team offers a fantastic day on the northern side of Langkawi. The journey starts in the mangrove flats that are home to many raptors like brahminy kite and white-bellied sea eagle. After a close encounter with these feeding birds, it's time to join the Stardust; home for a day's adventure and sail.

Being a sailing vessel, the Stardust experience is more hands on than Bon Ton. Hauling the rigging up takes the dedicated effort of all those on deck. Through some extensive teamwork, the boat's motors are turned off and the winds take over.

Stardust is not all hard work by any means and the big attraction on the boat is the huge boom net draped over the side. Here guests can enjoy nature's own jacuzzi and be gently massaged by the passing waters of the Andaman Sea while safely suspended in the protective net. It even appeals to non-swimmers.

Food and drinks are an integral component of the day and the quality of the food is superb and no one is going to go hungry. It's a great feeling to enjoy delicious food in the middle of nowhere on the high seas.

Other activities during the day include swimming, fishing and cave exploring. All these are washed down with some liberal doses of relaxation and some excellent scenery.

Stardust offers a whole range of cruises and charters from a few hours to a few days depending on the wishes of those who charter the vessel. The standard cruises are the Stardust Adventure Cruise from 10am to 5pm and the Evening Cruise from 5.30pm to 8pm, but there are many variations on the theme.

Overnight charters are possible on Stardust but for those on one of the standard cruises, the comforts of Mutiara Burau Bay Beach Resort will be a big attraction at the end of a day's adventure.

The resort has some of the best nightlife on Langkawi with the resident band the Sea Urchins playing in the ever popular Seashell Beach Cafe right on the beach.

As yachting develops in Langkawi, there are even more good reasons to return to the popular holiday island group. Firstly, you can enjoy an "overseas" holiday and, secondly you can impress your friends by partaking of a little yachting in the open seas.