Archipelago of dazzling beauty
You know what they say about losing things. If it comes back to you, it is yours; otherwise, it was never yours. Well, on my trip to Langkawi, I managed to lose my camera. On the last day, to boot. I don’t know if I was lucky or it was just plain old Langkawi magic, but the camera did find its way back to me. And I lived to tell this tale.
It was a special trip on many accounts. It was the first trip my husband and I were taking with my sister and brother-in-law and the li’l tyrant — my nephew. The flight to Singapore was only three hours long, but there was a five-hour break before we finally flew out to Langkawi. Needless to add, all five hours were spent keeping the little one out of harm’s way.
Langkawi is an archipelago with 99 islands (missing its century by one) dotted with innumerable resorts. We were staying at one such resort island, 30 minutes away from the mainland.
The ferry ride was as exciting as it was scary. The ferry didn’t seem all that covered or sturdy as it cut through the turquoise waters at breakneck speed. Within minutes, all the occupants of the boat tugged on the hitherto ignored life jackets. On the way, the captain pointed to some remote place in the distance and said, “Shah Rukh Khan’s Don was shot over there.” Boy, Bollywood has a fan following everywhere!
On arrival, we were greeted by a smiling hotel staff who deposited us and our luggage in golf carts and off we went. All I could bring myself to do that afternoon was lounge. Come evening, I decided to go kayaking with my sister. As we donned the bright orange life vests, we looked like we meant business. But the minute we touched oar to water…let’s just say, the adventurous firangs had a field day laughing at our futile attempts to tame the kayak. It seemed to have a mind of its own and no amount of cajoling it would make it head in the intended direction. Dejected, we gave up.
Second day brought a lot of excitement. We had booked a half-day excursion. So the first half was spent marvelling at the sights and sounds of this quaint Malaysian island. First stop, the Underwater World, home to over 5,000 species of marine life. Next stop, Atma Alam. This was a charming Malaysian Art Village that had on display a dazzling variety of batik creations. Never ones to say no to shopping, my sister and I indulged in retail therapy and setting us back by a few hundred ringgits.
Day three was kept aside for the cable car ride. The day saw us taking all modes of transport, ferry to the mainland, cab to the Oriental Village, followed by the cable car ride, and then back to the resort. We cycled around for a bit. Firmly ensconced in the cable car, we took in the picturesque landscape.
Last stop, Eagle Square. This is Langkawi’s most prominent landmark and understandably, the square was teeming with tourists. We joined the chorus of camera clicks and captured the beauty of the proud bird of prey from all possible directions.
Lush rainforests, green hills, clear blue skies.... We brought back wonderful memories of Langkawi.
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