MALACCA: Fancy sailing aboard a luxury yacht and experiencing five-star dining on the high seas in the Straits of Malacca?

Then check in at the "floating hotel" in the form of the 76m-long yacht Lili Marleen, which belongs to the Halim Mazmin group.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, who visited the yacht moored near the Malacca port yesterday, said he believed the floating hotel would be the next big tourism product to attract more tourists to the state.

"I consider this ship as a reward for Malacca being successfully listed (as a Unesco World Heritage Site).

"Anchored off Malacca town's waterfront, the Lili Marleen can accommodate up to 150 passengers. It offers world class facilities such as deluxe cabins, restaurants, a lounge with bar and a sunbathing deck.
"It is a versatile platform for a variety of social, leisure and business functions. From now on, off-site seminars, conferences and meetings, luxury cruises and sail training can be arranged by the Lili Marleen crew."

Mohd Ali along with hoteliers, travel agents and members of the Malacca Tourism Department and the media, were treated to a cruise along the Straits of Malacca yesterday.

Meanwhile, Halim Mazmin group chief executive officer Tan Sri Halim Mohammad said the crew members were prepared to sail all the way to Penang and Langkawi.

"The Lili Marleen is 15 years old. She was purchased for E 6.5 million (RM33 million), and we are proud to own this one-of-a-kind ship in the Asia Pacific."

"Our concept is very simple -- for the guests to rest, relax and unwind.

"If the response is promising, then we are willing to add another vessel to meet the demand.

"We accept bookings for events such as wedding receptions. All you have to do is to inform us. We will plan the rest."