Tanjong Jara, Malaysia: In keeping with the YTL Hotels ethos, Tanjong Jara Resort has continually aspired to embrace a proactive role in preserving the beauty of its natural environment, better protect the local wildlife and raise awareness for sustainable seafood choices. In an exclusive partnership with Lang Tengah Turtle Watch, a new conservation unit and turtle hatchery will be unveiled on 2 July 2016 with the launch marked by the release of hatchlings at 9pm. The turtle hatchery, located on the beach fronting Tanjong Jara Resort, will offer guests the opportunity to discover more about these magnificent creatures, learn about the dangers they face and the conservation efforts made to protect their hatchlings from poachers, and return them to their natural habitat in the sea. A nest adoption programme will also be available, where guests' pledges will save a nest from poachers preventing them from being sold as food at the marketplace.

Founded three years ago, Lang Tengah Turtle Watch exemplifies what can be achieved when enterprising private owners and corporations use their independence to take control of a conservation issue on their own property, yet are open to multifaceted external resources; welcoming others in collaboration – and thereby drawing in experience, knowledge, ecological expertise and finance. Having released over 8,000 turtle hatchlings since its inception, 300 of which were critically endangered Hawksbill Turtles, Lang Tengah Turtle Watch is now expanding its operations to the mainland of Terengganu in a joint initiative with YTL Hotels' award-winning Tanjong Jara Resort. The unveiling of a new conservation unit and turtle hatchery named 'Lang Tengah Turtle Watch at Tanjong Jara Resort' will be held on July 2, 2016 with the launch marked by the release of hatchlings at 9:00pm. The turtle hatchery, constructed using a simple wooden trellis, allow guests a view of the nests whilst keeping predators at bay. Guests will have an opportunity to discover more about the lives of these majestic creatures and, if fortunate, to witness the emergence of hatchlings by night. To date, this new project has seen the release of 693 hatchlings from nine out of the current 24 nests, with many more to come!Guests will also be able to subscribe to a nest adoption programme, whereby a pledge of either MYR300 for a clutch of 50-99 turtle eggs or MYR500 for 100-150 turtle eggs, will save a nest from being sold as food to the marketplace. Guests that are part of this programme will receive regular email updates with photographic progress reports and an invitation to return to the resort to witness the hatching of their nest.

YTL Hotels has constantly been in support of conservation initiatives through its luxury properties with Resident Naturalists and a Marine Biologist helming the ecological endeavours. Lang Tengah Turtle Watch, which strives to protect the magnificent sea turtles by monitoring turtle landings and saving their eggs from poachers, is delighted to be working with Tanjong Jara Resort, as both recognise that tourism, if properly implemented, can play a large role in the conservation of these endangered sea turtles from supporting eco-friendly initiatives to spreading environmental awareness.

About Lang Tengah Turtle Watch
Lang Tengah Turtle Watch exemplifies what can be achieved when enterprising private land owners use their independence to take control of a conservation issue on their own property, yet are open to multi-faceted external resources; welcoming others in collaboration – and thereby drawing in experience, knowledge, ecological expertise and finance. In doing so, this Malaysian-based wildlife conservation organisation offers a truly intimate and profound experience to guests and volunteers alike on their island project. Working alongside communities, corporations and living close to nature, it demonstrates the beauty and viability of a sympathetic bridging between the arts, natural sciences and tourism. www.langtengahturtlewatch.org |Instagram | FacebookAbout Tanjong Jara Resort

Tanjong Jara Resort is a sanctuary of luxury and wellbeing steeped in age-old Malay traditions and culture. Located along Malaysia's pristine east coast, its architecture brings back all the elegance and grandeur of 17th century Malay palaces, garnering the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture. Breezes from the South China Sea fan inland past the resort's crescent-shaped golden beach to one of the world's great spas that focuses on the traditional Malay healing arts. Tanjong Jara Resort is anchored in Sucimurni, the ancient Malay way of life that embraces tranquillity and purity through wholesome living, offering an authentic taste of the region's spirit and an enduring embodiment of the gentle Malay arts of service and hospitality.www.tanjongjararesort.com | Instagram | Facebook