With few beach options around Kuala Lumpur, flying to Langkawi has always been my preferred seaside holiday destination. This was confirmed recently when I flew via the most convenient route from Subang Skypark to Langkawi on Berjaya Air. I stayed in the Berjaya Langkawi Resort, where ancient rainforests adjoin Burau Bay and the Andaman Sea.
My return airfare was part of the resort’s ‘Fly Me Away – Rainforest Escape’ three-day, two-night package, which also included breakfasts and discounts on food and beverages in the resort. My upgraded accommodation option included two nights in a premium, over-the-water villa with a spacious verandah with uninterrupted sea views.
The villa
My villa also had views of the forest that extended up to Mount Machinchang. This expansive resort covers some 35 hectares, and the walk from my villa to the restaurant where breakfast was served took ten minutes. However, regular electric-powered buggies operate for those who don’t want to walk.
The villa had several distinctive parts, including the main living/sleeping space, a spacious verandah with two comfortable loungers, a large bathroom, and a sunken bathtub. The complimentary daily minibar was a pleasant surprise, as it included snacks, sodas, and beer.
The sunken bathtub has its own dedicated space with glassed-in views over the water and pulldown blinds for privacy. The tub was large enough for two, and admiring the setting change from day to night in a soaking bath was one of the most lasting memories of my holiday.
Destination dining
Food has become an increasingly important part of holidays, with some resorts being popular with diners. There are several outlets at the Berjaya property, with breakfast served in two outlets, and my favourite was the Beach Brasserie, as it overlooked the beach and was less crowded than the popular Dayang Café. Lunch and dinners in both include Western favourites, local delicacies, numerous vegetarian options, and some regional delights.
Pahn Thai offers views across the Andaman Sea towards the maritime border with Thailand. I’d recommend arriving at 6:30pm, order a beverage, and catch the 7pm sunset.
After taking essential sunset photos and posting them on social media, it was time to order dishes such as som tum (green papaya salad), broccoli and scallops, and an omelette. The restaurant’s open-air setting was most atmospheric until it rained. Sprinkle is a better term, as I was impressed with how staff quickly relocated us to a covered section.
Pahn Thai is recommended for the range of drinks on offer, including wines at duty-free prices. For wine enthusiasts, seek out a bottle of Ferraton Père & Fils Samorëns Côtes-du-Rhône to appreciate its finesse.
Soothing spa
A relaxing spa was an essential item on my activity list, so I booked a deep tissue massage at Taaras Spa, located within the rainforest. It was suggested that I arrive early to make the most of the complimentary sauna and steam room that are part of the therapy. After a most invigorating massage, I relaxed in the spa pool.
Beachside ramble
One of the biggest attractions of Berjaya Langkawi Resort is its size, and it extends from the sea, across the sand, and into the adjoining rainforest. Wanting to learn more, I joined a nature walk and was glad that I did, as our enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide located numerous animals that I would have walked past.
I had wondered why our walk was timed in the semi-darkness of dusk but realised that many animals are nocturnal. On our one-hour ramble, we saw bats, squirrels, langurs, and the rarely seen Colugo gliding in the upper storey of the forest.
Inspired, I spent more time walking to and from my villa and surprised myself with what I saw. My guide told me of the butterfly lizard that lived along the beach, so I headed off with the reptile firmly in my sights. Patience paid off, and I was able to photograph one of the ever-active lizards as it paused near me.
The beach proved to be a good nature viewing precinct, as I also saw monitor lizards, crabs, and birds like Pacific reef herons and the spectacular sight of a white-bellied sea eagle swooping down to the water and snaring a hapless fish.
As I admired the wildlife along the beach, other guests made the most of the extensive watersport activities offered at the resort.
Despite having visited Langkawi before, I was amazed at the many new things I discovered at Berjaya Langkawi Resort.
Travel file
Getting there: Berjaya Air offers exclusive turbo-prop charter flights from Subang Skypark to Langkawi.
Accommodation information: Berjaya Langkawi Resort.
David Bowden is the author of two books on Langkawi, Enchanting Langkawi and Blue Skies Travel Guide Langkawi.
Images are by author unless specified otherwise.
