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SCMP Reporter

PRINCESS Diana, who has been secretly holidaying in Indonesia thanks to Hong Kong millionaire Adrian Zecha, could have checked out last week with more than just a suntan.

  Nine people who visited Amanwana resort on Moyo island in June had to be hospitalised after contracting malaria.

  The Princess of Wales spent two days at the resort, in which Mr Zecha was believed to have a large stake, and began and ended her five-day stay in Indonesia at the tycoon's Amanusa Hotel at the Bali resort of Nu Sadua.

  Last year, Mr Zecha organised a similar secret break for Fergie, the estranged wife of Prince Andrew, the Duke of York.

  The malaria victims were staff and guests who made up one of the first parties to visit the recently-opened US$400 (HK$3,100) a night resort.

  A Hong Kong tourist, who had just returned from Amanwana, believed the tropical disease was still a threat.

  ''I was told there was something of a malaria epidemic when I was there. People were talking about it.

  ''The people I went with cancelled because of the stories we heard, but then they re-booked and we all took the correct medical precautions,'' she said.

  Amanwana Resort marketing manager, Trina Dingler Ebert, confirmed the epidemic, but said the disease had been eradicated.

  ''Five visitors and friends, and four people from the staff went to the resort early in June. They contracted malaria and had to go to hospital,'' Ms Ebert said.

  ''We are absolutely confident it is no longer a problem. We had experts, like the head of the communicable diseases centre in Singapore, come in to help us. We would not have opened if we thought there was any concern.''   She said the outbreak was traced to workers who brought it in during the construction period.

  ''Workers were removed, an accommodation hut was burned down and the area was sprayed. It is also the dry season now which is an advantage in trying to eradicate mosquitoes. We have taken every precaution.''   The threat of malaria-infected mozzies appeared not to bug Diana, whom one employee said was ''very relaxed - mixing freely with other guests and chatting to them''.

  It was a camping holiday, but Prince Charles' estranged wife was not living rough. In the middle of a wildlife reserve, the resort has luxury safari-style tented accommodation.

  The pavilions are air-conditioned, with large divans to rest on during the day, king-size beds, bathrooms with showers and vanity units, while teak flooring and fans add a colonial touch.

  The isolated island, a 50-minute flight from Bali followed by a one-hour sea cruise, is described by staff as a ''perfect hideaway''.

  It was Princess Diana's first holiday without sons William and Harry, who were at Balmoral with their father.

  A hotel spokesman said Diana left last Thursday for a mystery destination by private jet.



An Indonesian hideaway fit for a princess?