A Trip to Langkawi Completes The Holiday Season

By Wan Shahara Ahmad Ghazali KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- It is another long weekend ahead. After a four day stretch of public holiday in conjunction with Hari Raya from 18 to 21 Aug, the following week provided another extended weekend break from 31 Aug to 2 Sept in conjunction with Independence (Merdeka) Day. And the coming weekend is going to be another holiday in conjunction with Malaysia Day, which falls on 16 Sept. The Aidilfitri celebration is synonymous with the 'balik kampung' routine and gatherings at the family home to renew bonds with friends and relatives, apart from preparing the traditional dishes ketupat, lemang, dodol and rendang. The Hari Raya Open House events were extended to the Merdeka weekend. So this long weekend offers the best opportunity to take a break at many of the domestic vacation destinations that offer value for money along with a holiday experience. As for the writer, Langkawi, an archipelago of 104 islands lying in the north western coast of Peninsular Malaysia, is the choice as it is easily accessible by air and sea and has everything that a holidaymaker wants. SANDY BEACHES If beautiful beaches are what you are looking for, then you are definitely spoilt for choice in Langkawi as there are numerous beaches available to unwind and enjoy the view of the rising or setting sun. One of the popular beaches is Chenang Beach, which also offers night time activities. As for those who appreciate tranquil and panoramic beaches that evoke a romantic atmosphere, then Tanjung Rhu Beach is the choice. For others who want to swim, Pasir Tengkorak Beach, with its shallow waters sheltered from strong currents, makes this beach safe and private. Plus, here visitors will be greeted by the view of paddy fields, hills and natural lakes. APPRECIATING NATURE Langkawi is still very much pristine and offers nature lovers 360 degree views of its natural heritage from two mountains, Mount Mat Cincang, where the peak can be accessed with a cable car or from Mount Raya, where there is a road to the top. Mount Raya is the home for the world's largest hornbill, Kenyalang or ‘The Great Hornbill’(Buceros bicornis), with most people remaining unaware of its presence there. The bird, also known as 'Enggang Papan' or 'Rangkong', has a wing span of 1.5 metres when extended and its body weight can reach 4 kilogrammes. This is why the bird does not fly far and appears to jump onto branches as it glides from tree to tree. Langkawi is also the home of the UNESCO-recognised geoparks. SHOPPING Langkawi is a duty free island and therefore it is a shopping haven, as well. Shopping in Kuah Town offers an unlimited choice of chocolates, cutleries, batik and many more. And don't forget Langkawi's anchovies and the cottage belacan, known for its taste and quality, and they are even savoured by the nation's statesmen, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. And speaking of food, the island linked to the Mashuri legend has lots to offer. Other than the laksa and cendol available along the beaches, there are many other local fares - 'gulai kawah' in Kuala Triang or the renowned fishing village menu available in Bukit Malut Road or at the night markets on different days. Additionally, choose restaurants that offer international menus - Siamese, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, Chinese, Mediterranean - all located around Perdana Quay near Pantai Kok. The Kok Beach offers a beautiful panorama. Also known as 'Telaga'(Well) Harbour, it has a marina where sailing yachts from all over the world dock. One of the activities recommended is cycling with rented bicycles from this writer's favourite place to stay - Mutiara Burau Bay Beach Resort (MBBR). After watching the birds at Kok Beach in the evening, adjourn to The Loaf, a cafe, and enjoy the view of 'Telaga' Harbour at dusk while sipping iced coffee. ACCOMODATION CHOICES The island offers numerous places to stay that suits different budgets, as those who love the outdoors can camp while others who want to be pampered have the choice of five star resorts. MBBR, rated three stars, is the writer's choice due to the unique ambiance and its location, surrounded by two white sandy beaches. This location is highly strategic, for apart from Kok Beach, the resort also borders another private beach, The Burau Beach, providing guests the best of both beaches. Burau Beach is an open beach suitable for swimming or water based activities, while Kok Beach is sheltered and best for those who want to relax in private. As for visitors who want more, they can cross the rock bridge to visit the Anak Burau Island or the Oriental Village, which serves as the gateway to the Langkawi cable car located close by. ENVIRONMENT THE GREATEST ASSET MBBR has won numerous awards in the hospitality industry, including the Malaysian Hotel Services Excellent Award 2005-2006 in the three star category. Nonetheless, the resort's true catch is its light-hearted atmosphere and the privacy offered at night, along with the delicious food served by its restaurant. For instance, enjoy dinner at the Seashell Café in a romantic atmosphere, while watching the sun set slowly over the horizon or laze under the sun shade umbrella, while sipping tropical fruit juice from the Oyster Bar & Lounge after a day of activities at the beach. For visitors who arrive in large groups, MBBR offers dinner with themes such as ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’, 'Trekking the tropical jungle' or a special BBQ. They also provide activities, such as Mini Explorace Mutiara, with participants divided into four small groups and carrying out tasks based upon the tips provided across the beaches. It is an interesting activity and puts to test the participant's abilities, such as doing the mini Sudoku, catapulting cans, rowing kayaks, printing batiks, dehusk and desiccate coconut and net fishing. Though exhilarating, this can prove to be tiring after two hours, as some of the activities lead to the challenging 'Telaga Tujuh' waterfalls. However, guests can also propose to the organisers to arrange a final stop that better suits them. So what are you waiting for? Lets go to Langkawi! -– BERNAMA