Zipping through the lush rainforest on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is an exhilarating experience like none other. While exploring the natural beauty of Langkawi's Pulau Rebak on the easily manoeuvrable four-wheeler, I call to mind a friend's comments after being told about this private getaway on one of the larger islands that dot the Langkawi archipelago.
Fortunately, his remarks could not be more off the mark as there is so much to do and see here.
Gaining unfettered access to this exclusive place as one of Rebak Island Resort & Marina's many privileged guests, I make the best of my brief visit by signing up for the ATV tour, which boasts trails that weave through pristine rainforests and scenic coastal fringes that lead to secluded beaches.
JOURNEY BEGINS
After a comprehensive briefing that includes safety helmet fitting and vehicle handling pointers, the tour gets underway as I join local and foreign guests on a trip of a lifetime. Sweeping past countless yachts at the nearby marina, we head out towards Long Beach and Rocky Beach on the far end of the island.
Regular stops along the way give an opportunity to get a closer look at the local flora and fauna, like rare pitcher plants, raucous pied hornbills and colourful kingfishers. The experienced guides are friendly and willing to impart their knowledge on interesting anecdotes, especially on edible herbs found in the vicinity while highlighting their prized medicinal attributes.
Reaching the coastal area puts our beach skills to the test, where the soft sand requires driving the ATV at a slower speed with a firm grip of the handle bars. After a quick swim in the sea, we head off towards Freshwater Beach, where Telaga Keriang awaits.
This picturesque coastal area serves as a timely reminder of Pulau Rebak's early history. The unique freshwater well right by the sea first provided Tok Musang and his family with sufficient water after they arrived on the island to establish a settlement in the late 1960s. Although abandoned today, Telaga Keriang continues to provide refreshing thirst-quenching water to tourists who visit Freshwater Beach.
Our exhilarating journey comes to an end after riding past a disused crystal factory that operated in the '90s. Long suffering from a dearth of skilled labour, it finally shuttered when the Asian Financial Crisis struck in 1997.
TRADITIONAL CUISINE
Working up an appetite, I head to Rebak Island Resort & Marina's Senari Restaurant for lunch. Spoilt for choice by the signature House of Rendang selections, which come in the form of rendang Kedah, rendang minang, rendang tok and rendang daging, I eventually settle for the first local option. After all, Langkawi is located in Kedah.
During the meal, I meet up with resort manager Hafiz Hashim, who reveals that rendang Kedah is a dish for special occasions. He says the dish is extra special because of its unique-tasting kerisik, which is made of freshly pounded coconut shreds that have been dry toasted until fragrant. This tasty component complements rendang Kedah's deliciously tender spice-infused beef perfectly.
After lunch, I take Hafiz's suggestion to check out Red Rock Beach, which is only accessible on foot. While cautioning that the trail has several challenging sections, he reveals that Pulau Rebak's best-kept secret will be well worth the effort as I will arrive there in time to witness the stunning sunset, besides exploring a mysterious cave at low tide.
Poles apart from the fast ATV ride, the slow-paced hike gives an opportunity to better appreciate nature. Fortunate to have an experienced resort naturalist for company, I learnt to spot hibernating lemurs and identify bird calls and some butterfly species. Pulau Rebak's biodiversity is simply astounding.
ANCIENT ROCKS
After successfully negotiating several gentle slopes, the dense rainforest makes way for a stunning beach with powdery sand and gentle lapping waves. Conspicuously visible even from a distance, the vermilion coloured mudstones dotting the beach from end to end must have been reason enough for people to call this place Red Rock Beach.
Apart from their external allure, something more interesting can be found below the surface of these geological formations. These come in the form of ancient fossils that date as far back as 300 million years ago.
Moving closer to get a better look, I stand in awe as these rocks have been around since the dawn of time, and Indian seafarers of yore must have caught sight of their striking colours on their way to Lembah Bujang and Melaka centuries ago!
As the tide recedes further, Red Rock Beach reveals its most stunning attraction — a natural cave carved out by erosion from relentless wave action since the Jurassic period, when dinosaurs reigned supreme. After witnessing the mesmerising sunset, my fear of making the return journey in darkness turns to sheer relief when the guide gleefully reveals a shortcut that leads back to the resort in time for dinner.
With yoga and batik painting lessons lined up tomorrow morning and a mangrove excursion complete with stingray feeding sessions later in the afternoon, there is definitely never a dull moment here at Rebak Island Resort & Marina.
FAST FACTS
Rebak Island
Resort & Marina
07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
Tel: +604-966 5566
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.rebakislandresort.com
