A Special Place Which I Have Visited

By Jimmy TC Mah

Pulau Langkawi, a tropical island paradise situated off the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, is a popular destination among local and foreign tourists. I could never imagine its splendour and beauty until I visited it with my parents during the last vacation.
Strolling along Cenang Beach, one of the famous beaches in Pulau Langkawi, my rough feet touched the smooth white sand which seemed to gleam under the sun. I was enthralled as the gentle sea breeze caressed my face and cuddled me in its warm embrace. As I ambled along the white sandy beach enjoying the serenity of nature in all its original splendour, I was greeted by the sound of the waves gently tapping the rocks, creating a sweet pleasant music. All along the famous beach were endless rows of tall coconut trees, gracefully swaying in unison, keeping in rhythm with the alternating gusts of the cool sea breeze. I was held in awe because it was a new experience for an urbanite like me. Cenang Beach is certainly an ideal place to go to if one wants to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The vastness of the sea had certainly attracted me to get nearer to discover the mystery of its unexplored depths. What a pity, for a non-swimmer like me, I could only stand and savour its beauty instead of plunging into its cool, tempting and crystal clear water which sparkled like diamonds as the crests of the gentle waves reflected the light of the tropical sun. From afar, the indigo sea and the clear blue sky, separated only by a thin and indistinct line of the horizon, seemed to blend perfectly into each other. The picturesque scene at Cenang Beach will undoubtedly captivate any man who has an eye for beauty.
As time passed by, the beach bacame more crowded and it had turned into a jostling, busy place. Picnickers, young and old, carrying straw mats, swimming floats, mini compos and home-cooked food in multi-layered containers, began to swarm the beautiful beach, rudely intruding upon its privacy. Soon the once serene beach was turned into a carnival. A myriad of different coloured canopies of beach umbrellas suddenly mushroomed all along the vast curve of the beach. The people began to crowd under the shades of their umbrellas, as if claiming their own territories.
The air, which was still and tranquil a moment ago, was filled with a jarring cacophony of discordant sounds. There was the jaunty beat of disco music, the sultry voice of Sheila Majid and the soft croon of Mariah Carey belting out her latest hit "Hero". People were soon diving into the tepid water, swimming under the radiant sunlight. From a distance, the picnickers appeared as groups of seals bathing freely in the water and the people clustering on the edge of the beach were a dense mass of colour.
Feeling hungry, I walked towards a cluster of food stalls beside the beach. The waiters were busy serving food as the customers, like packs of hungry wolves, were waiting impatiently to be served. Many types of delectable local delicacies and drinks were on sale at the stalls. The more popular ones being coconut water (served in the hexagonally-cut fruit with the top removed), "satay," roasted over roaring charcoal fire, and "koey teow," fried in a large, hot pan. The favourite among the customers was, of course, "ice kacang," a mixture of ice flake and various nuts, topped by evaporated milk and multicoloured syrup and served in shallow bowls. Tempted by these foods, I felt hungrier than before. I ordered my all-time favourite, "ice kacang" and fried "koey teow" and waited for what seemed like ages before my food was served.
Time slipped by stealthily. Looking around, I saw only silhouettes of things around me. I then realised that the sun had silently moved west and the tide was receding out to the sea. It was indeed the sight of the ball of fire, shimmering and turning the western sky into a golden hue, which reminded me that evening had arrived.
The picnickers had gone home. There were no more cries of the children, laughter of the picnickers, or music from the mini combos. Instead, what I heard was the melodious symphony of the lapping waves gently rolling up the tranquil shore. It was, doubtlessly, like the poetry of the sea. Cenang Beach is such a magnificent place that I was reluctant to return to my hotel room where my parents were waiting. I remember my mother used to tell me "All things will not last eternally." But, in my heart, I wished to stay on forever -- to listen to the symphony of the sea, to accompany the sea through the night, and most of all, I longed to see the beautiful sunrise and greet the sun as it rose in the East the next morning. It was indeed with a heavy heart (and after much contemplation) that I finally tore myself from Cenang Beach and reluctantly returned to my hotel room.
Pulau Langkawi, I now realize, is indeed a very special place whose beauty will remain engraved in my heart for all eternity.

Note:
The above essay describes the beautiful feelings and the unforgettable experience of the writer on his first visit to Pulau Langkawi, a small but enchanting island off the west coast of Malaysia. The island boasts of posh hotels, well-equipped resorts and budget chalets. The island is evergreen, unspoiled, and tourist can enjoy the slow pace of life of the local inhabitants. This island is surely worth a visit.

Comments for Jimmy TC Mah? Email him:mahtc@tm.net.my