MALAYSIA’S MARINE AWARENESS MONTH 22 March- 22 April 2012

Malaysia, acclaimed as one of the world’s richest marine environments which includes coral atolls, fringing reefs and barrier reefs, is not only home to a unique marine ecosystem but also ranks among the very few countries in the world that provide wide ranging protection in terms of designated marine parks and marine sanctuaries celebrated by an annual Marine Awareness Month.

The Marine Ecology Research Centre (MERC) is dedicated to the preservation of the coral reefs that make Malaysia such a breathtaking destination for divers, snorkelers and nature lovers. Located on the doorstep of Tunku Abul Rahman Park, a marine protected area in Sabah (Malaysian Borneo), and nestled in the quiet Malohom Bay of Gaya Island, it is approximately a 20-minute boat ride from the mainland of Kota Kinabalu. MERC’s efforts are focused on two main projects: The Giant Clam (world’s biggest mollusks) and the Coral Reef Restoration Program whose results will be applauded during the Marine Awareness Month from 22 March to 22 April 2012.

MERC’s activities are supported by the luxury eco resorts Gayana Eco Resort and Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa located in the Tunku Abul Rahman Marine Park. Together they organise the Marine Awareness Month to celebrate conservation efforts in Malaysia. Highlights for 2012 include the attachment of 2-3 year old coral fragments grown under MERC’s supervision and the transfer of a thousand fully grown coral fragments onto selected reefs during the month.

Visitors can witness these important achievements, visit Tunku Abul Marine Park and its five islands and even play an active role in saving Malaysia’s marine life. The activities offered by the centre also include guided tours for visitors to witness the growth of the corals and adoption program and to impart a true sense of ownership to the sensitive marine ecosystem.

About the Marine Awareness Month: Dates: 22 March – 22 April 2012

The Marine Awareness Month will end with an event open to the public on 22 April 2012 at Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa from 9.00 am to 5.00pm including lunch, musical performances and Zumba sessions. This grand finale will be attended by the Mayor of Kota Kinabalu City, Datuk Abidin Madingkir and attended by 500 city officials, media and environmentalists as well as guests of the resorts and the general public.

Ticket prices are RM 200.00 for adults and RM 100.00 for children and include boat transfers from the ferry terminal, the Sabah Park entry fee, buffet Lunch, Zumba sessions, a MERC presentation, coral planting, entertainment and performances.

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About TheTunku Abdul Rahman Park: Comprising five islands just three to five kilometers offshore from Kota Kinabalu, the park was declared a National Park in 1974. It covers an area of 50 sqkm and includes the islands as well as surroundings reefs. Exclusive island eco-resorts in the park welcome holidaymakers who wish to spend their holidays in an eco friendly and fascinating environment.

For more information on the Marine Awareness Month program please contact: Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, Jalan Haji Saman, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. T: +6 088 380 390, Visit www.gayana-eco-resort.com

For more information on MERC please visit: www.merc-gayana.com For more information onTunku Abdul Rahman Park: For more information please visit: www.sabahparks.org.my For more information on Gayana Eco Resort and Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa please visit: http://www.bungarayaresort.com/

For more information on Malaysia, please contact:
Representation Plus
Flo Powell/Alicia Iglesias Cortes
Email:flo@representationplus.co.uk/alicia@representationplus.co.uk
Tel: 020 8877 4509/04
Visit: www.tourism.gov.my

To download the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board press pack including a full list of events and festivals please visit www.representationplus.co.uk

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