Neoh (second from left) at the recent premium French wine gathering

By V. Sivaji reporting from Langkawi

Much travelled and experienced hotelier, Neoh Kean Boon is the new general manager at the Pelangi Resort Langkawi.

If you are looking for a “steady hand” in the hospitality industry, he is the person to look for. His calm and composed nature helps him deal with any situation. 

He took office with effect July 1, 2023.

Prior to reporting to work here, he spent more than 10 years with Dusit International  

The tenure there at the Thai resort town also helped him learn basic Thai language which will surely come in handy to greet Thai and other international guests.

Neoh had his early beginning in the hospitality industry in Penang. He had served in several Penang hotels, namely the Orchard Penang, Shangri La Penang, Equatorial Penang and later in Summit Parkview Yangon, Dusit Princess Srinakarin Bangkok and Dusit Thani Pattaya.

“Since the Pelangi Resort will be fully renovated by early 2024, we will be taking it to the next level, to a more luxury property/hotel with world-class customer service.

“The Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa Langkawi is a timeless island sanctuary nestled between award winning landscape gardens and the famed Cenang Beach, designed based on the concept of Malay Kampung village. 

“There are some 355 rooms housed in 51 wooden chalets, two swimming pools (Cascade and Horizon), two restaurants (Spice Market and Pelangi Grill), Lounge Lounge, Club Lounge, Gym, Spa, Kid’s Club and farm and a ballroom to cater for 500 persons sit down dinner and 10 meeting rooms.

“By end Sept, 2023 all guest rooms will be fully renovated and the Pelangi Grill is a new outlet which officially opened on July 1, 2023,” said Neoh to Penang Hyperlocal when met in Langkawi.

Recently, they hosted a premium French wine and champagne tasting session organised by S H Maju Sdn Bhd.

In all, guests had a choice of 20 brands of fine wine and bubblies.

In the meantime, Neoh also added that their main guests are mainly local Malaysians and Europeans mostly from the United Kingdom and Germany). 

Actually, since it is his second stint at Pelangi Resort, Neoh noted that Langkawi has not changed much for the past 15 years except for the Pantai Cenang area which is now more commercialised, hence more on weekends and public holidays. 

The hotel business however is much more competitive as there are more hotels now in Langkawi.

 On a personal note, he is an ardent jogger and loves anything to do with animals. His favourite holiday destination is Thailand and Australia.

Do drop by to say hello to Neoh if you are staying at the Pelangi Resort Langkawi.

Neoh (far right) with his guests