Reef & Rainforest Expeditions at The Andaman, A Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi

The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, is located in the idyllic tropical island of Langkawi. Tucked away between a 10 million year-old rainforest and an 8,000 year-old fringing coral reef, the resort is set on the 9th Best Beach in the world (as per National Geographic).

The Andaman has created a unique opportunity for guests to be part of meaningful eco-projects led by an accredited scientific and conservation team. The 7day/7night Reef & Rainforest Expedition (R&R Expedition) is designed for nature and science enthusiasts. Participants of this expedition will do hands-on scientific study projects that will “make a difference”. 16 participants will work in two groups of 8 led by a team of “eco-experts” on projects to help preserve the nature of Langkawi.

“R&R Expedition guests will get muddy and dirty” said Anne Scott, the beautiful General Manager of The Andaman. “Guests will finish each day exhausted and exhilarated having completed focused eco-projects and tasks. As they enjoy 5 star luxury at end of the day, guests will know that they have earned their rain-shower, delicious dinner and 300 thread count bed linen”

Not many places in the world can offer a tropical rainforest and a coral reef within 100 meters of each other. The Andaman, most certainly can. The resort combines an abundance of rare wildlife and exotic flora, with the luxurious trimmings of a five star resort.

Through the years, The Andaman has always been actively involved in green initiatives. All this is evidenced by the numerous awards and accolades. The resort was one of only ten Malaysian hotels recognized as an ASEAN Green Hotel, a prestigious award by Malaysia's Ministry of Tourism in 2009 and 2012. In 2011 the resort was recognized as the Best Sustainable Hotel (Malaysia) by International Hotel Awards, in association with Bloomberg TV.

Set in a pristine rainforest, The Andaman is blessed with an abundance of plant-life and wildlife. The lush foliage around the hotel is home to fascinating wildlife including the great hornbill, the dusky leaf monkey, the rare colugo (flying lemur of South East Asia), crab-eating macaques and over 300 species of butterflies. Such rich natural diversity makes The Andaman a unique destination in itself and this magnificent reservoir of wildlife led National Geographic to select The Andaman as the location for a documentary shoot entitled “Snakes That Fly” which was aired globally in early 2011.

And, the ocean at the resort is special too. About 250 million years ago, the supercontinent Pangea tore itself in half, creating the land masses that are today's northern and southern hemispheres. In the process, the new Tethys Ocean was formed and it circled the globe at the equator and became the origin of today's modern tropical fish and corals. The Tethys Ocean was eventually squashed by Africa and India as they collided with Asia. All that is left of the Tethys Ocean are the waters of Indonesia and the Malacca Straits. So when guests are enjoying a swim in the sea at The Andaman, they can reflect on the fact that these waters gave ‘birth' to most of the world's marine life. It is no wonder that this beach is National Geographic's 9th best beach in the world.

As Langkawi today has become one of Malaysia's premier tourist destinations, the great pace of human development in recent times has been beneficial for the local economy but damaging to its natural heritage. Due to this, Langkawi has lost portions of its natural habitat and there is an urgent need to manage and maintain the remaining forests and underwater lives. Through the R&R Expedition, participants will help develop the necessary conservation strategies to protect this valuable natural resource.

The R&R Expedition will consist of documenting the territories of the rainforest's habitats and regular population census within each habitat. Participants will also help map and grow The Andaman's Coral Reef, so it becomes healthy and vibrant.
Upon completion of the expedition, with assistance from the industry experts, gathered results will be published in appropriate scientific journals and the study will be continued in the next expedition. Eventually, the aim is to use these results in assisting to monitor the health of the reef and rainforest in the future.
The Industry Experts

Dr Gerry Goeden, resort's consultant Marine Biologist leads the Coral Reef Expedition. Originally from the United States, his involvement with the National Geographic Mangrove Expedition brought him to Australia where he earned his doctorate in Marine Sciences and did extensive work on the Great Barrier Reef.

A self-taught naturalist and outdoor buff, Irshad Mobarak is The Andaman's well loved resident Naturalist.
Over a 20-year career, Irshad has appeared in many documentaries including Mysteries of the Malaysian Rainforest on National Geographic Channel. He also hosted the renowned Ian Wright from Globe Trekker for one of its episodes. With his wide range of experience and love for nature, it is no wonder that when this project came up, Irshad volunteered to run the show for the Rainforest Expedition.

Every expedition requires expert supervision and support to ensure everything runs smoothly. From choice of location to the gear and equipments used to complete the expedition, the project team has put all safety aspects into consideration. Mark Lawrence, a British born former soldier has been an expedition supervisor for many years. An adventurer and an outdoors-man, he has lead expeditions in diverse environments including the Sahara Deserts and the Arctic Circle. With his passion for people to experience various environments in their natural state Mark designs and oversees the fun and thrilling aspects of this expedition.

An Expedition Amidst Luxury

Taking place within the vicinity of The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi, participants of this expedition will be able to come back home to luxury after days of research and study on the historic reef and rainforest.

The 186 exquisite rooms and magnificently appointed suites at The Andaman reflect a contemporary Malaysian style, with sweeping views of the beckoning Andaman Sea and the ancient rainforest. Participants will enjoy the enchanting scenery from their exquisitely designed rooms while sipping on a cup of coffee or catching a movie on the 32-inch LCD flat screen television with DVD player and cable channels - or connect with friends and family using the complimentary Wi-Fi.

The V Botanical Spa perched on a verdant hillside is a perfect sanctuary for a pampering bliss after a long day at work. Nestled amid the serenity of an ancient rainforest, it offers unique treatments and experiences, such as the signature Kahuna Wave Massage as well as yoga and meditation classes. Additionally, this is the first spa in Southeast Asia to offer 100% certified-organic food-grade products. Whilst here, keen participants are able to indulge in the many luxurious offerings at their own convenience before retiring for the day.

The Andaman will run the R&R Expedition from 14 - 20 April 2013, at USD5, 495 per person or USD9, 495 for two persons. Participants who sign up for the expedition will be invited to do their bit for Mother Nature and come home to luxury in a Deluxe Rainforest Room. This expedition package includes a bountiful eco-themed welcome dinner for the participants, daily breakfast and lunch, to keep you going through the day and a team recognition dinner on the last night.

Limited to 16 persons per expedition, the booking channels for this expedition closes on 7 April 2013.

The R&R Expedition at The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi offers you the opportunity to get in touch with Mother Nature in the comfort of luxurious amenities and facilities and yet, do your bid to preserve the natural habitat and heritage of a 10 million year-old rain forest and an 8000 year-old coral reef.

For more information on the expedition itinerary visit us at www.theandaman.com
About: The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort