BRITISH WILDLIFE EXPERT JOINS FORCES WITH THE DATAI LANGKAWI'S RESIDENT NATURALIST

TV's Nigel Marven teams up with Irshad Mobarak to lead exclusive nature excursions and talks at Malaysia's premier resort from 16 to 23 November 2016

London, October 14, 2016 - Renowned for its stunning setting and commitment to preserving its exotic environment, The Datai Langkawi is proud to be hosting British naturalist and TV adventurer Nigel Marven from the 16 to the 23 November. Accompanied by the resort's resident naturalist Irshad Mobarak, Nigel will host a series of educational and enjoyable talks and nature excursions in The Datai's rainforest, offering guests an unbeatable opportunity to engage with the two experts and explore the resort's rural splendour. The 8am 'Forest awakening' and 7pm 'Rainforest after dark' nature walks that will be on offer during Nigel's residency will enable attendees to see the rainforest in two very different lights and learn all about its wealth of wildlife. The three 'Jungle Voices' talks that Nigel will host on the resort's beach will focus on his fascinating career.

Nigel's talks will cover a range of topics in depth, including his filming adventures for shows that have been popular around the world, especially in Asia, such as Time Travelling with Dinosaurs in Prehistoric Park, tracking Pandas in Untamed China and handling Cobras and kraits in his current series 10 Deadliest Snakes.  He will also share anecdotes about his stint as a producer in the world famous Natural History Unit, producing shows with National treasure Sir David Attenborough.  At The Datai, Nigel will give tips on film making, how to have a career with wildlife, as well as how to get up close and personal with all sorts of creatures, from spiders to squirrels.

Having travelled extensively, filming in over 100 countries on every continent, Nigel has successfully captured an array of different animals on camera, including one of the world's most endangered species, the Indian one-horned rhinoceros, which he says was an exciting privilege and the defining moment of his career.

Known for his passionate and daring presenting style, Nigel Marven is sure to be a captivating guide and speaker. Looking ahead to his time at The Datai, he says: “I can't wait to get lost in The Datai's magical surroundings and work with Irshad. He is such an expert in the local wildlife and has so much respect for it. It will be a real joy to help him educate guests about the natural world and speak with them about my varied career.”

Excited about this new collaboration, Irshad Mobarak says: “Nigel has such a wealth of experience and so many stories to tell about his adventures all over the world.  I love speaking with our guests about the local wildlife and it'll be so interesting to hear his perspective on it too. It will be a privilege to work with him and a real treat for our guests.”

Sublime Luxury Travel (01753 653 646, www.sublimetravel.co.uk) offers a 7-night stay at The Datai Langkawi from £3,185 in a Canopy deluxe rooms, on a bed and breakfast basis. The price is based on two people travelling together with economy international flights to Datai Langkawi.

For more information or reservations, visit www.thedatai.com

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About The Datai Langkawi

One of the world's most stunning hideaways, The Datai Langkawi is situated on the northwest tip of Malaysia's Langkawi island. Located in a 10 million year old rainforest teeming with wildlife, and overlooking the tranquil Datai Bay, one of National Geographic's 'Top 10 Beaches in the World' - the iconic property enchants with mesmerising nature, visionary architecture and bespoke service.

The Datai Langkawi's 54 well-appointed rooms, 42 rainforest villas, 12 suites and 14 beach villas offer breathtaking views of the surrounding nature. Elevated among treetops, set in the very heart of the rainforest or located directly on the coastline, the award-winning dining venues pay homage to the exotic flavours and culinary tradition of the region. Leisure facilities include two swimming pools, an award-winning spa and Els Club Teluk Datai - the most scenic golf course in Southeast Asia designed by the golf legend, Ernie Els.

The Datai Langkawi is a member of Leading Hotels of the World, managed by Datai Hotels and Resorts, a niche player in luxury hotel management.

For further press information, please contact:

Zoe Slater (zoe@bacall.net), Charlotte Lowe (charlotte@bacall.net) or Flora Gandolfo (flora@bacall.net) at Bacall Associates, tel: 020 7630 2880