Blissful Escape at Berjaya Langkawi

WHAT’S YOUR PERFECT weekend? Just you, a good look and the clear azure sea at a beach resort or partaking on a nature cruise to explore the wonderment of Mother Nature? I know a place where you can experience both. I can still hear the waves crashing on the shore as I type this narration of my recent two-day escape at the Berjaya Langkawi Beach and Spa Resort.

Nestled in an oasis on Burau Bay, the Berjaya Langkawi Resort features the only private water chalets to be found on this northern jewel. There are five different categories of water chalets offering a tranquil and relaxing ambience, namely 23 Premier Chalets, 10 Junior Chalets, 10 Executive Suites, five presidential suites and the Langkawi Villa. The Deluxe and Premier Chalets on land also offer one the serene ambience of sleeping under the stars.

It’s quite amazing how this 70-acre piece of land in a lush tropical rainforest now houses the 502-room resort. Featuring a combination of picturesque Malay-style chalets built on stilts over water and on the hills, the Berjaya Resort provides a spectacular view of the Andaman Sea and verdant greenery. As you touch down at the Langkawi airport, it’s only a 20-minute drive away to the resort.

After settling in at the Premier Chalet on water the bright afternoon sun beckoned us to slip on our flip-flops and hit the beach. Slathered with sun-block, the choices of ways to enjoy the afternoon were abundant. It was either lounging by the pool and jacuzzi (if you’re feeling peckish after a swim there is the Sunken Pool Bar), trying various watersports or taking in some rays at the white sandy beach. We decided to walk to the edge of the floating 50-metre long pontoon to enjoy the Andaman Sea at our disposal. It serves as a take-off stage for activities such as parasailing and windsurfing. Sitting on the edge of the pontoon, we were amazed at the schools of colourful fish darting past us in the turquoise water.

As evening approached, it was time to time head back and wash up for dinner. We didn’t want to leave the room as the majestic view of the sea was awe-inspiring. However you will be spoilt for choice at Berjaya Resort as it offers a multitude of food and beverage outlets, catering to  the most discerning visitor. Dial ‘1’ on the telephone and the resort shuttle will swing by to take you anywhere around the resort. Our destination for dinner? The Pahn-Thai restaurant, built on stilts over water, is the place for an exceptional dining experience under the stars. Featuring authentic Thai cuisine helmed by a native chef, the restaurant commands an unsurpassed panoramic view of the Andaman Sea. It is also the perfect place to witness an enchanting sunset.

Morning crept tenderly the next day as the sun’s rays cascaded through the window panes, urging one to wake up and embrace nature. After a hearty breakfast at the 24-hour Dayang Café, we embarked on a two-kilometre 45-minute nature walk along the resort to catch a glimpse of the flora and fauna of the island. Next was a four-hour mangrove boat trip along the Kilim River which covers the coast of Langkawi’s many islands. Organised by Dev’s Adventure Tours, one can see limestone stacks, bat caves, a cottage industry based on charcoal from mangrove wood and if you’re lucky, monkeys, snakes, eagles, otters and various species of birds. The tour also includes lunch at a floating restaurant which serves local food.

After spending the rest of the afternoon and evening fishing, swimming and enjoying the beach, we realised two days was just not enough. I would definitely return again just for the view.