LANGKAWI has many intersting attractions, such as Kuah, Pantai Cenang and Padang Matsirat. But one often left-out spot is Pulau Tuba.
It is a hidden oasis of peace and serenity, where nature and traditional crafts take centre stage.
ADVENTURE ON TWO-WHEELS
Its proximity to the main island ensures that tourists can explore the best of Pulau Tuba and return at the end of the day to enjoy all the luxuries accorded by many world-class resorts on Langkawi.
The best way to explore Pulau Tuba is by motorcycle. This cheap and versatile transport mode allows easy access to even the most remote locations, where roads are reduced to mere jungle tracks.
Upon reaching these isolated spots, what awaits visitors are breathtaking views and magnificent geological rock formations that make those on the main Langkawi Island appear pale in comparison.
You can park the bike just about anywhere without having to worry about theft. The only crime said to have happened on the island last year was a missing buffalo and even that was just a simple case of misadventure.
Apparently, the securing rope came loose and it happily ventured into the nearby jungle only to be reunited with its owner the next day.
NATURAL WONDERS
The interesting rock formations at Wang Buloh soon give way to captivating detrital layers at Tanjung Peluru Geotrail.
Exposed to the waves and costal erosion, the massive 450-million-year-old ridge forms a cape with several distinct shorelines adjacent to each other.
Upon crossing paths with a Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) survey team, I am told that Tanjung Peluru Geotrail is a true wonder of nature as there is nowhere else in Malaysia where sandy, cobbled and rocky beaches are found within metres of each other.
Dr Azmil Munif Mohd Bukhari points out the rich flora diversity of Tanjung Peluru, with smaller shrubs proliferating within the coastal zone while the remaining parts of the ridge is overgrown with towering dipterocarp forests.
"The fauna supported by these vibrant and diverse habitats contribute significantly to Pulau Tuba's biodiversity," says the LADA tourism division manager before providing a long list of initiatives to promote the place and other geological sites on the island.
He says stringent measures are in place to prevent overdevelopment and preserve ancient Langkawi's legacy.
ANCIENT FORMATIONS
Azmil allows me to tag along on his survey, and leads me further inland towards Bukit Kechil, where an ancient formation by the side of a small hill provides proof that Langkawi was likely prone to regular tectonic plate movements millions of years ago.
Exposed to natural erosion, the interesting rock folds not only have high educational value to students and researchers, but also possess natural artistic elements that will inspire public interest and imagination.
Following visits to the Batu Puyoh graptolite fossil and Teluk Berembang coastal formation sites, the survey terminates at the Teluk Tuba area.
Saving the best for last, Azmil highlights the unique sil geosite, which came into existence during the Triassic period after granite intrusions caused molten magma to penetrate deep into rock beddings and cracks.
Apart from these rare geological phenomena, this scenic spot gained national prominence in 2011 when it was featured in the 2011 hit movie 'Ombak Rindu' starring Aaron Aziz and Maya Karin.
After savouring the famous 'mee udang' and other delectable local dishes at nearby Kampung Tepi Laut, we spend the afternoon admiring the picturesque surroundings of Pulau Tuba's stunning natural heritage.
Together with friendly locals and an abundance of local culture to experience, the sky is the limit when it comes to promising tourism potential here in the near future.
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