Published July 17, 2008 on December 23, 2018

99° East Golf Club – Langkawi’s Latest Golfing Playground

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Langkawi Island has a new attraction for avid golfers in the recently launched 99° East Golf Club. The former Langkawi Golf Club has acquired a massive facelift together with a new name. Renowned Australia golf architect Ross Watson has completely renovated the layout into an exciting playground for both the locals and tourists to enjoy.

The current 9-hole layout feature long wild grasses with reeds dominating the out-of-play area together with the signature rice terraces. This 7,330-yard championship integrates native forest, wetlands and an orchard valley, with views both over the ocean and across the entire island to the west.

The multiple tee-boxes will test the advanced player while allowing the average players to still enjoy the challenging zeon zoysia-covered fairways and Tifeagle-turfed greens. Five of the current nine holes play up to the highest point of the course. The 6th par 5 offers views across the island to Mat Cincang in the West and Kuah Bay in the East. The sequencing of the holes will change once the second-nine is completed in end 2019.

According to Simon Price, a Director of 99° East who takes care of the day-to-day operations at the golf club, the small cosy clubhouse will be built within the year. Currently, golfers can enjoy a meal or drink at the Fat Frog restaurant nearby the first tee. There is also a pro shop at The Fat Frog for anyone who wants to rent or buy clubs. Full membership will also be offered once 18 holes are completed. Green fee is priced at RM220 for the weekend and RM150 for weekdays with buggy for RM50 (9-holes) and RM75 (18-holes).

Developed by 99° East Langkawi Sdn Bhd, a joint venture between a group of international investors and Menteri Besar Incorporated (MBI), a state-owned listed company, the  Ross Watson-designed golf course is part of an integrated resort community offering world-class services and infrastructure as part of its efforts to catapult the legendary island to global standards.

The vision for 99° East is to create a superior, sustainable resort development that embodies Langkawi’s UNESCO Geopark status while celebrating the island’s outstanding natural beauty by integrating its environment into a series of complementary communities and recreational areas. This vision is in-line with the state’s commitment to the development and preservation of Langkawi.

“We wanted to be able to showcase as much of what Langkawi has to offer in one development – its hospitality, beautiful landscapes, and the culture. At the same time, we wanted to be able to bring the island to greater heights by offering a new type of tourism that truly integrates the locals into the tourism industry. And with the support of the state through MBI, we are confident that we will be able to achieve this,” explained Rohan Cavaliero, Director of 99° East.

Menteri Besar of Kedah, Dato’ Seri Mukhriz Mahathir who officially launched 99° East Langkawi, spoke about how the vision for 99 East underscores the state’s commitment to elevate Langkawi’s global standing as a holiday destination, focusing on the need for sustainable development aimed at preserving the island’s natural beauty and its rural, Malay heritage. He recalled visiting the island as a child with his father when there were just four cars and one set of traffic lights. “My father put Langkawi on the map. It’s now our duty to maintain and deliver upon that vision”.

The first phase of 99° East comprises an 18-hole championship golf course, Istana Bukit Malut, built as the Langkawi residence for the late Sultan of Kedah, and a Forest Estate of 58 landed villa lots, sea view apartment complex and a hotel. Phase 1 of the development covers an area of over 250 acres, offering an incredibly low density throughout the estate. Large land lots allow for the preservation of native woodland and for each house to have its own tropical gardens and the privacy that affords.

The 45-acre residential Forest Estate is situated in native woodland, offering a range of luxury villas, each built with the long-term preservation of the environment in mind. The estate features just 58 landed villa lots.

The result is a low-density residential community, affording owners a woodland setting, stunning views and absolute privacy. Modern house designs take references from traditional Malaysian and tropical architectural styles, with each maximising their own individual site conditions and view lines, many of which extend to the ocean and the golf course. The integration of indoor and outdoor spaces allows for seamless transition, natural ventilation, and integration with the natural surroundings.

99° East is already in advanced discussions to bring in additional activities, including an international school, a fine arts museum and more. Discussions are also advanced to develop an Equestrian and international polo centre, designed to host international polo events and other equestrian events and to further cement Langkawi’s global reputation.

For more information on 99° East, visit www.99east.com, or check out the Facebook page: www.fb.com/99eastlangkawi. For tee times, please call +604 952 3012 or email bookings@99east.com.