Langkawi village

The tropical island of Langkawi is to be the stunning setting for what is likely to be the biggest congregation of all things marine ever seen in Malaysia. In November, the doors will open on  Asia’s newest boat show – Langkawi International Boat Exhibition - LIBEX – as the Grand Finale of the Darwin-Bali-Langkawi Yacht Rally and the final leg of the Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta reach their heady conclusion in Langkawi waters.

This “Boat Fest” fits well with the Malaysian Government’s initiative to develop the marine tourism sector in the country and will act as a showcase for a number of activities related to boating, water sports, fishing, diving and more, said Travelnews.com.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Mediterranean-style Telaga Harbour on Langkawi, LIBEX will run from Nov. 24-27. Yachts, powerboats, marine equipment, lifestyle solutions and more will be on display from exhibitors from around the South East Asia region, Australia, and the Middle East.

Malaysian company SailAsia Sdn Bhd is responsible for the Malaysian leg of the Yacht Rally and is also the organiser of LIBEX.

Participation in the Yacht Rally is predicted to exceed the already high numbers for 2005, with over 120 expressions of interest and 60 confirmed entries to date. Last year, a total of 69 boats made the Rally the second largest yachting event in the Asian region after the King’s Cup in Thailand. The Rally is a collaborative effort between Sail Indonesia (managed by Yayasan Cinta Bahari Indonesia) and SailAsia Sdn Bhd, which manages the route from Indonesia and beyond.

The first leg of the Rally will be flagged off from Darwin, Australia, on July 22, after the yachts have gathered there to prepare, socialize, provision and chart their course. Once underway, the yachts pass through three other widely differing countries over a five-month period. The first stop is the bustling town of Kupang, Indonesia, on the western tip of Timor, where last year the whole town turned out to greet and treat the yachties to the first in a series of cultural experiences in Indonesia.

The friendliness of the Indonesians and the rare chance to see some of the wilder parts of Indonesia were remarked on as being very special by all who took part.

Other main stops in Indonesia include Alor, Flores, as well as Lombok, and the more well-known Bali. Other more remote places are also included on the itinerary, giving everyone involved a totally unique opportunity to experience parts of Indonesia that can only be reached by boat and that most can only dream of. A similar programme is on the cards for this year’s event, with festivities, welcome dinners and land trips planned in each main stopover location.

After Indonesia, the yachts head north once more, bound for Singapore where they make an official stopover at the award-winning Raffles Marina on the western tip of the island. After more festivities, sightseeing and shop-till-you-drop outings in Singapore, the yachties board their vessels once more and cross into Malaysian waters where they continue their journey northwards up the coast.

This year Pulau Pangkor is to be included as the last official stopover point before the final destination of Langkawi.

As all these yachts and crew arrive in Langkawi waters, participants at LIBEX will be putting the finishing touches to their exhibits. Visitors from throughout the region, as well as from Malaysia itself, are predicted to flock to the island for these events.

LIBEX will feature on-water berths, outdoor display areas, air-conditioned exhibitor pavilions, as well as demo opportunities and seminar slots, and other activities associated with an international boating event of this nature. Recognizing the attraction of Malaysia as a leisure destination, there will also be a segment for property and leisure service providers to promote the wide range of investment and lifestyle opportunities available.