Malaysia's 99 Island Eco-Paradise by Cynthia Rosenfeld
Featured Hotel in Langkawi
The Andaman Langkawi
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Once a secret hideaway for pirates, Langkawi is actually an archipelago of ninety-nine islands separated from peninsula Malaysia by the Straits of Malacca. These Andaman Sea outcroppings, only three of which are inhabited, will remind many Filipinos of the limestone landscape of Palawan.
Ripe with legends from the days when Chinese, Indian and Arab traders plied these emerald waters, the serene scene that is modern Langkawi offers some of Malaysia’s most pristine ecology and wildlife plus plenty of superb accommodations to suit most any budget and a few worthy souvenirs to collect along the way.
By far the biggest recent news here is Langkawi’s designation by UNESCO as a Geopark, one of only fifty around the world and the only one in Southeast Asia. While the accolade may sound unfamiliar to many, even those who seek out other United Nation sanctioned spots like the World Heritage list, a geopark is identified as an “outstanding geological landscape.”
While geology buffs will appreciate knowing these land formations have the most complete Paleozoic sedimentary sequence in Malaysia dating to the Cambrian to Permian periods, most eco-tourists will be simply blown away after a day’s exploration by boat among the soaring rocky cliff faces painted pink, white and black in surrealist strokes by time and erosion.
Three geo-forests within the park make especially worthy excursions for those seeking out nature’s most significant wonders: Manchinchang Cambrian which dates back 450-550 million years hosts the oldest rocks in Malaysia plus scenic waterfalls and beautiful beaches, Kilim Karst in the eastern end of the main Langkawi Island offers dramatic limestone pinnacles and the Brahminy Kite bird from which the name ‘Langkawi’ is derived, and Dayang Bunting Marble which showcases some of the world’s finest marble formations, dating from the Triassic age 220 million years ago.
Boat trips here typically cruise past the mangrove forest hillsides that create topography resembling a pregnant woman before reaching Tasik Dayang Bunting, or Lake of the Pregnant Maiden, a freshwater body believed to have the magical powers to enhance the fertility of those who dive in.
Outdoor enthusiasts will delight in the cave explorations, trekking, parasailing and snorkeling throughout the geopark while those who prefer the indoor activity of shopping will find their needs met at the world’s only geopark with duty free status! Langkawi is known for its tax free bargains especially among Malaysians who flock here to purchase everything luxury from cigarettes to sports cars at Langkawi’s modern shopping malls.
Tourists with handicrafts on their shopping list should head to Atma Alam art village near the international airport where batik artists paint colorful masterpieces in the outdoor workshop hung with recently finished pieces available for purchase. More tropical theme prints can be found inside the air conditioned emporium, along with pewter, ceramics, indigenous jewelry designs and stylish batik clothing for men, women and children.
Glass blowing is another local expertise, this one offering live entertainment for visitors of all ages who congregate around the kiln at Faizy Crystal to watch experts mold fiery blobs into extravagant vases, delicate perfume bottles and festive Christmas ornaments. Tiny takeaways like colorful starfish and the animals of the Zodiac make shiny souvenirs without fear of in transit breakage.
Those who want to continue browsing until lunch arrives on the table can place their order for a scrumptious Nyonya Platter at Nam restaurant inside Bon Ton Resort, featuring Malay & Chinese cuisine dating back to the spice trade era. Shop for sparkly jewelry, beaded belts and even fine wines in the resort’s bijou boutique while the affable chef prepares nine classic dishes served on a banana leaf including fresh caught prawns in pandan leaf, tamarind fish, ladies finger sambal, pineapple acar, plus mango-cashew rice.
Linger in the breezy open air dining room overlooking rice paddies and the hotel’s swimming pool. After Langkawi’s best lattes, ask to take a look at one of the 19th-century Malay houses that serve as this inn’s eight individual accommodations. Four poster beds, antique bathtubs, time polished teakwood floors make this eclectic village the overnight option of choice for travelers seeking good value, charming service and timeless style.
Days here end at Chin Chin Lounge Bar housed in a 90 year old shophouse where the party rocks on until early morning hours. The Australian owner is not only an oenophile, she’s also a committed animal lover who provides refuge to stray cats (and a few pups) on her verdant grounds. Guests appreciate that their room rates help give these creatures a good life and many contribute directly to the Langkawi Animal Shelter and Sanctuary Foundation (LASSie) during their stay.
By far the most exquisite of Langkawi’s properties, the Four Seasons Resort Lankawi was designed by leading Thai architect Lek Bunnag. The Moorish inspired beachfront retreat boasts 91 guestrooms including twenty spectacular 2,300 square feet waterfront palaces featuring soaring ceilings, private beach facing plunge pools, outdoor showers and an indoor bathtub suitable for two.
En suite double massage rooms mean pampered guests need not trek between treatment and the signature sheepskin overlay king size bed. Skipping the spa however would be a mistake, as the six expansive treatment pavilions nestled around dramatic limestone cliffs are some of Asia’s most indulgent. All therapists here train in Reiki, which allows them to channel balancing energy while working strong hands along the body’s medians to unlock tension at the root.
Walk the resort’s mile long stretch of sand in search of sun bleached sundial and spiral murex seashells that are Mother Nature’s souvenirs from this geological gem. Monitor lizards roam the 48 acre forest covered resort, another ancient attraction, as do langer monkeys while hornbills fly overhead.
No one knows Langkawi’s pristine waters and its geological secrets better than Four Season’s only naturalist, Aidi Abdullah, who takes vacationing eco-enthusiasts in search of Langkawi’s 500 butterfly species, by private charter to limestone and sandstone islands around the resort where schools of sergeant major fish swarm or further afield to deserted beaches with memorable monikers like Wet Rice Island where he’ll drop happy couples, only to pick them up again a few hours later in an even more blissful state.