A celebration of paradise

The Malay island of Langkawi has built a reputation for its stunning scenery and romantic getaways. But as one New Year reveler discovered, it's also a great place for a party.

Langkawi island, in northern Malaysia, boasts spectacular landscapes and, for anyone in search of some top-notch serenity, it provides an ideal getaway. It's also popular as a romantic destination for honeymooners and couples, who delight in frolicking at the many idyllic beaches.

But those who don't fit into any of the above categories - namely those traveling with friends and in search of some adventure and lots of fun - may be surprised by how this island can be a great place to visit for a party, even - and perhaps especially - for New Year's.

Indeed, if you're in the mood, there is such a wide variety of attractions and activities to check out that you should be prepared for a memorable holiday experience.

A couple of months ago, my friends and I visited Langkawi for a few days before the New Year. We stayed at a villa located within the Sheraton Beach Resort's 36 acres of lush greenery. Our villa, to our wonder and delight, fronted the beautiful Pantai Kok (Kok Beach).

The resort, a 40-minute drive from the Langkawi International Airport, has such facilities such as a private beach, an outdoor pool (complete with a poolside bar), spa, restaurant and bar lounge.

Having freshened up, we left the resort and headed to a Malay restaurant at Pantai Cenang for lunch. Located on Langkawi's southwestern tip, the white-sand Pantai Cenang is the place to go to take advantage of a stretch of bars, cafes and restaurants that are packed with locals and foreign visitors on most days.

The restaurants here serve local and foreign cuisine, and certainly offer the best to those who can afford to splurge on seafood (which is Langkawi's specialty), among other culinary delights. Those on a budget can order less pricy dishes such as burgers, fried rice or noodles.

After enjoying our meal, we took a leisurely stroll along the 2-kilometer long beach, idyllically lined with coconuts and casuarinas. Talk about living the high life!

Thus refreshed, we headed to the Oriental Village and took a 2.2-kilometer-long cable car ride up to Mt. Mat Cincang. At 708 meters above sea level, this mountain is the second highest peak in Langkawi.

The several viewing stations at the top offer breathtaking views of the nearby mountains, blue seas and even neighboring Thailand.

On one side of the viewing stations is a sky bridge suspended across Gunung Mat Cincang. You can stroll along the bridge to soak up the sights, but it's definitely not recommended for those who are afraid of heights.

Our next stop was Telaga Tujuh (Seven Lakes), a 10-minute drive from Oriental Village. Telaga Tujuh, a picturesque waterfall spot, is thus named because its gushing water stream is broken by a series of seven natural pools. The water glides delightfully from one pool to another before cascading 90 meters down into the seventh pool. It's a pleasure to look at, although be careful when treading on the sharp rock surfaces.

According to legend, fairies could not resist the charms of beautiful Telaga Tujuh, and decided to make it their bathing place. In fact, it is said these same fairies created the waterfall's surrounding greenery.

It's definitely a place to which you should come prepared with a bathing suit but be careful of your belongings, as packs of mischievous long-tailed macaque monkeys are known to loiter here and forage for food.

The next day, we embarked on a river tour that began at the Tanjung Rhu fishing village and took us pass coastal mangrove forests fringed by limestone caves and hidden canyons. Keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife that gathers along the coastal waters; you could spot kingfishers, monitor lizards, monkeys and mud crabs.

We also enjoyed the spectacular sight of protected white-headed sea eagles swooping down as caretakers feed them fish. This is definitely a sight to behold, and make sure you take some pictures.

But the fun doesn't stop here.

You can also visit a local fish farm, which has a makeshift jetty, and participate in a guided tour that provides interesting insights into all kinds of marine life.

Hey, you'll even be given the opportunity to feed the stingrays and watch the fishery workers feed such species as the dart fish, a unique saltwater species that squirts water fast enough to dislodge the food. They then quickly propel their bodies forward to grab the food as soon as it hits the water.

The tour's final stop is at a cave that is home to millions of bats. On the trip back to Tanjung Rhu, you'll pass the scenic coastal areas of the northern islands.

For details about the tour, you can check with the front desk at most hotels and resorts.

Countdown to a New Year

Many visitors come to Langkawi to take advantage of its duty-free status. Imported alcohol, chocolates and cigarettes are sold at affordable prices. For instance, a can of beer costs RM3, and a bottle of Swedish vodka sells for RM45.

Yes, I confess, my friends and I bought copious amount of alcohol and every evening, we threw our own parties in the comfort of our villa.

While confessions are flowing like the booze, yes, we drank ourselves silly!

One evening, fuelled by alcohol, we took on the bold challenge of skinny dipping in the sea. This is definitely an amusing and exhilarating experience - surely something everyone should try at least once in their lives!

Other ways of counting down to the New Year included the many parties at some hotels and resorts around Langkawi.

One of the most popular parties, as we discovered, was the one held at Sheraton Resort. Unfortunately, you have to pay an expensive cover (more than RM100 per person) to participate in the merry-making.

Otherwise, head to Pantai Cenang (Cenang Beach), also renowned for its nightlife. Nightbirds can claim a seat in any of the bars or cafes and party till the wee hours. However, my friends and I decided to partake in less frenzied activity by enjoying rounds of drinks back at our villa.

We began the New Year by relaxing and enjoying a swim in the pool. In the evening, we feasted on a seafood dinner, including steamed ginger fish and fried butter prawns, at a Chinese restaurant in Pantai Cenang.

Halfway through our dinner, we were greeted by an elaborate fireworks display nearby. The spectacular sight added to the merriment of Pantai Cenang's thriving nightlife, and it was helluva way to start the New Year - with a bang!

Source : The Jakarta Post