Langkawi lullaby - unedited

Pulau Langkawi is the sort of idyllic beach getaway for travellers on a shoe-string.

Pristine beaches to rival that of more expensive locales like the Maldives; rustic country living that doesn’t cost you a bomb and marvellous sights galore – Langkawi is an island that is not yet tainted by rapid urbanisation and offers the jaded salaryman an opportunity to relax and recharge in the arms of nature.

During the bumpy taxi ride to Pantai Cenang’s Sunset Beach Resort where we were lodging, the sight of cattle grazing on lush padi fields, children playing along the roadside and corrugated-roofed shops selling tourist souvenirs unrolled like a scroll of calligraphy. The idyll of country living is something which we will never experience in the brick-and-mortar bustle of Singapore, and we sucked in the sights like gasps of fresh air.

What’s a beach holiday without getting a nice shiny bronze on your skin? Sadly, my female travelling partners were “sunlight-phobic”, and my best friend was just content to lounge about on the sun chair. That left me and a few other Caucasian tourists lying around haphazardly like beached whales on the soft, cushion-y sand, taking in the caress of March’s sunlight.

The sunset at Pantai Cenang beach was breathtaking and the entire Andaman Sea seemed to be bathed in a film of gold, as day slowly surrendered to night. It was a great occasion for friends to sit around a picnic mat, sip drinks and chat about life. Conversely, it would make a nice backdrop for a beer commercial with a bikini-clad model. Tiger Beer, anyone?

The highlight of our short trip was the cable car ride to the summit of Mat Cincang Mountain, Langkawi’s second highest peak. We boarded the cable car at the Oriental Village, a theme park, located in the northwestern part of Langkawi. As the cable car steadily climbed higher and higher, we had an unobstructed view of a palette of green rainforest below us.

On reaching the peak, we ascended via a tiring series of stairs that cut through a thin forest, to the observatory deck. This offered us a stunning view of Langkawi with its many surrounding islands and beautiful skyline. Photography enthusiasts would have a field day snapping shots of the wonderful backdrop of azure, looming mountains and sparkling blue sea specked with vessels and islets.

Life’s clock-like precision can numb most souls, and if you have the opportunity for that one holiday and cost’s a consideration; why not give Langkawi a shot?

Be dazed and amazed.