Field Notes by Sri Sari | Published February 2011 February in Langkawi marks the beginning of a spectacular natural phenomenon. As the dry season takes hold, the island's avian residents begin their elaborate courtship rituals. From the high canopies of ...[ read more ]
JOBS OF JOY — THE NATURALIST’S CALLING
Originally published in The Star – 16 June 2007 | By C.Y. Lee For Irshad Mobarak, the path to becoming Langkawi’s most prominent naturalist was paved with a radical shift in perspective. Once a corporate banker, Irshad left the financial ...[ read more ]
ALL WALKS OF LIFE — AN INTERVIEW WITH IRSHAD MOBARAK
Conservation as a Calling in the Langkawi Rainforest The journey of a naturalist often begins with a simple spark of curiosity. For Irshad Mobarak, growing up in Seremban provided the initial contact with the outdoors, further fueled by the legendary ...[ read more ]
A WALK TO REMEMBER — THE RISING STAR OF SOUTHEAST ASIA
Originally published in The Guardian – 14 May 2005 | By Andrew Catchpole "Langkawi is one of the most ravishing places in southeast Asia and is already being talked of as a rising star, yet it is still a hideaway ...[ read more ]
Gunung Jerai | 3Days 2Nights
Discover Kedah’s ancient heritage and natural beauty on a 3-day, 2-night journey based at the scenic Jerai Hill Resort. Begin your experience with a peaceful mangrove cruise, sunset views over the lowlands, and a restful night in the cool mountain ...[ read more ]
The Plight of Sea Eagle
Memories of the holiday we took in February have to jogged by some out of focus snaps, souvenirs skulking in drawers, having never found a suitable shelf or wall to display them on. The guilt is gone for never having ...[ read more ]
Naturalist Par Excellence
For the past 12 years, he has presided as resident Naturalist at The Datai. This is Langkawi's most exclusive hotel, renowned for its architectural design which merges the built and natural environments so seamlessly it is difficult to know where ...[ read more ]
Steering Langkawi
NATURE guide Irshad Mobarak pointed out a plant growing on a limestone rock by the mangrove river in Langkawi, as we cruised by in a speed boat. “This is an ancient species that’s endemic to the limestone formations between Langkawi ...[ read more ]
The Arden Naturalist
If changing the cat litter is the closest encounter you've had with animals, head for Langkawi. More specifically, head for the northern tip of the island where you are likely to find Irshad Mobarak. A big, broad-shouldered naturalist, Irshad works ...[ read more ]
Banking on Eco Tourism
Owners, and executives of the resort, located near the Gunung Matchinchang range, which offers one of the worlds oldest rock fossils and the much hyped tropical rainforest, are confident that the nature theme sells since it is also eco friendly. ...[ read more ]
Forest Trump
He said he'd just had his best ever holiday there, and advised me to stay at the Datai on Pulau Langkawi: "As a rest cure for the jaded it's a sure fire winner." We were talking in Hong Kong and ...[ read more ]
Shaaban Arshad
During the flowering season he would collect wild honey to supplement his income, something that he still does till this day. His skills came to the attention of the Forest research institute and forestry department who engaged his services as ...[ read more ]