It may be secluded but Vivanta By Taj in Langkawi offers lots of activities, both on and off its premises, writes Khairul Ashraf Kammed
ALTHOUGH I have visited Langkawi Island on many occasions in the last decade, the legendary holiday destination has never ceased to amaze me, thanks to the many attractions it has to offer.
The scenery, sunset, cable car ride, Underwater World, padi fields, buffaloes, homestays, wonderful delicacies, and of course the duty-free shopping are just some of the highlights that continue to draw me back.
However, I initially had doubts whether my maiden trip to Vivanta By Taj (formerly known as Rebak Island Resort) on Rebak Island, one of 99 isles that make up Langkawi, would be worth the while.
“Will boredom strike in the next few days?” I wondered of the private island resort managed by Taj Group, one of India’s leading hospitality chains.
Without my wife and child tagging along this time, it means I will have to keep myself entertained with activities planned by the resort management for our entourage of Malaysian and Indian Press members.
GRAND WELCOME
It is a 15-minute boat ride to the resort from Port Langkasuka jetty, a short drive from the airport.
My face lights up when I see yachts bearing flags of various international countries docked at Vivanta’s marina. It is a different sight from the stressful view of city roads congested with vehicles.
“If I have the means, I will buy a boat and set sail around the globe like Sinbad,” I tell myself while closing my eyes to imagine the scene.
But my fantasy is cut short as already, an employee of the resort is waiting to greet us upon our arrival at the wooden pontoon.
From the marina, we are shuttled to the lobby in eco-friendly buggies like those used in golf courses, but these electric cars are much longer and can accommodate more than two passengers at one time.
As we drive up to the main lobby, we hear the beating of the kompang and watch the hotel employees perform a dance. Some of them hold bunga manggar, creating an atmosphere like that of a typical Malay wedding reception.
The men are clad in light green baju Melayu teluk belanga complete with pink kain sampin and songkok while the women wear green translucent tops and long orange skirts.
They present each of us with a seashell necklace instead of the usual floral garland
We freshen up with a cold towel and with a glass of air beyh, a herbal drink made famous by Johor royalty.
With such a welcome, my doubts disappear and I am sure that there will be more surprises in store throughout our stay in this secluded haven.
RUSTIC CHARM AND MODERN VILLAS
The choice of white and brown colours for the villas is simply perfect as these complement well the lush flora and tropical forest in the background.
The resort has a beautiful garden landscape with rain trees and palms giving shade to the timbered rooms while bougainvillea, ixora, local herbs and fruit trees like ciku enhance the rustic ambience.
It almost feels like a kampung blessed with nature’s gifts. Add some chickens and ducks into the picture and it will be complete.
Guests are given an option to plant trees at four places on the island.
At one of the walkways leading to the Mangrove Pavilion, I notice a small stone structure with some writing on it. It marks the spot of a time capsule containing the wish list of every employee since the resort was rebranded earlier this year. This is something unique to the Vivanta brand indeed.
While most of the rooms have clear views of the Senari Straits bordering the Andaman Sea and the secluded beach, mine is located next to the pool. Only a wall prevents me from jumping into the pool from the balcony.
My spacious suite has a living room complete with a sofa set, LCD TV, and on the dining table are a platter of fruit, an assortment of nuts and Vivanta’s signature chocolates. Very classy.
The bedroom is impressive too. Another LCD TV sits in front of the bed, near a work desk. Hanging on the wall above the headboard of the king-sized bed is a miniature gong which I hope will stay in place.
In the bathroom, I notice that some of the toiletries like shampoo, hair conditioner and soap have labels indicating that they are manufactured in India, true to the resort ownership.
At night, it is really quiet in the room. Occasionally the pin-drop silence is broken by the sound of footsteps as guests walk on the wooden floor of the upper level.
But that does not prevent a good night’s sleep after a great Malay themed dinner at the Seafood Shack by the sea.
EDUCATIONAL AND FUN
The day begins with a brief nature walk with the resort naturalist Selva around the 158ha forested island.
What makes the walk interesting is that we learn about some of the common trees that we often take for granted but which have medical benefits. Chromolaena orodata for instance, can be used for a snakebite.
Once in a while, Selva will crack a joke in his thick Northern Malay accent.
In the afternoon, we return to the main island for a mangrove tour at Langkawi Geopark in Kilim with tour operator Naam.
From Tanjung Rhu, where Naam’s beach headquarters is located, we board jet boats to go to various points of interest.
But unfortunately, it is raining heavily and we can only spot a few brahminy kites hunting fish.
We pass Gorilla Hill and stop to take pictures near another mountainous rock formation with the Langkawi Geopark signage.
One of the main highlights is the visit to Hole In The Wall, a pioneer floating fish farm that also operates a restaurant.
Visitors can feed a huge stingray and this is something that you shouldn’t miss out on. Just pick a small fish and put your hands near the water. Eventually the stingray will swim to the surface and eat it from your hands. Don’t worry about getting bitten as stingrays are toothless.
Moving on, we skip entering the Bat Cave as the tide is high, almost reaching its ceiling.
Back at Naam’s headquarters, a scrumptious barbecue lunch awaits us. But I have to make sure that I do not overeat so that my next activity will run smoothly.
After the delicious meal, we fall in line to weigh ourselves and we are divided into groups of three for parasailing.
I am a little nervous. After all, this is my first time. “Rileks bro, paling kurang pon jatuh dalam ayaq ja (relax, brother, the worst case scenario is that you fall into the water),” said one of the Naam workers.
Securely strapped, I firmly grip the harness extension attached to a parachute and start praying. From a sitting position at the back of the boat, our bodies are lifted slowly as the wire rope is uncoiled.
In less than 10 seconds, the three of us are gliding in the air. My nervousness disappear and a calm settle over me. From the sky we get a bird’s eye view of Langkawi and it is really breathtaking.
I find myself wondering what my wife and son are doing. How I wish they are with me. I vow to come back again, with them.