langkawi magazine
Nature SECTION
Untold Langkawi - Jewel of the North
English man Andrew. Drummond grew up in Malaysia before he returned to England to England to study hotel Management, and then had a 13 year year`s stint in Australia before he moved to Langkawi last November. It was his first time on the Island, and he loved what he saw immediately. `Development is inevitable anywhere, but Langkawi still has the hearth of Malaysia which is still agriculture.`
After tourism, agriculture and fishing are major sources of income for the locals in Langkawi. Kodak moment worthy rice fields the type Drummond is enamoured, of are omnipresent here, just like in Bali. Langkawi doesn't have the soul of Bali, but islanders are wonderfully detached from, the trappings of tourism. These farmers have not yet learnt how to spin more cash from their livelihood. You don`t see "Homes stay with artist, by rice field†signposted anywhere. You can stop your 4WD, stand by the glistering field of green to admire the setting sun and touts are unlikely to swing by with basketfuls¬ worth of fruits, demanding money for that coveted photo opportunity. When buffaloes, lizards and dogs cross the streets, traffic waits in line patiently. It`s the kind of place where a hornbill squawks, delighted, knowing children squeal and adults are appreciative of the treasure trove of wildlife just in their backyard.
In Some parts, Langkawi could be mistaken for southern Thailand. It`s the only place in Malaysia where age-old limestone outcrops rise from the sea like in Phuket. These lime stones are some of the oldest in the region. Go to a pristine stretch known as Tanjung Rhu north of the island. Langkawi is only just discovering its potential and it seems, prefer the food of `relax, lah ` attitude.
`Take it easy` is the mantra. Just look at the roads. Traffic congestion is unheard of even in Kuah, the heart of business and trade. Crime with the exceptions of occasional petty theft is unheard of. Talk to ever smiling Am (the locals always have a ready smile for everybody), a multi tasking workhorse who moved from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi 12 years ago hasn`t look back. By day he and three other companies market parasailing and jet skiing facilities at Pantai Cenang. By night the friendly dreadlocked 32 years old, shakes off the sand and moves into his bar tendering role at reggae baron the same beach. He cycle along the beach and ask you if you want to try 10 minutes of parasailing, but happy to oblige if you just want to chat. The aggressive touts that plague the other holiday`s islands don`t touch Langkawi.
SO MUCH TO DO SO LITTLE TIME
Forget those posters touting Langkawi as an unspoilt beach destination, one of emerald green waters replete with marine life. It`s not exactly an accurate portrayal and doesn`t do the island justice. Until you get there, you won`t know there`s plenty to do other than working on your tan.
LOUNGING ARROUND IN LANGKAWI
CASA DEL MAR
The 29 room, European-style boutique resort on Pantai Cenang , Langkawi most happening beach, is such a charming and romantic oasis you might think you are in Mediterranean. Luxuriate in the wine & Cigar Room, or feast on the excellent food the tapas, miso cod and warm chocolate cake will leave you hankering for more.
Langkawi 21/09/2003
