This article is the fourth part of my 2016 Langkawi Trip series. Click here for the first, second and third parts.
The sun has risen quite a bit by the time I wake up. Last night, I checked in at Temple Tree, an upscale resort somewhere between Cenang Beach (Pantai Cenang) and Langkawi International Airport.
Temple Tree is named after an old temple within its compound. An oversized tree has grown inside the original temple.
This luxurious resort comprises of 8 villas with unique designs. They are built using old timbers from abandoned houses across the country. My unit is one-half of Penang House. This building is modeled after a mansion on Gurney Drive (Persiaran Gurney) in George Town, Penang.
Between nostalgic elements are modern amenities such as air-conditioning, water heater and television. There is also a wooden bathtub should guests need to relax themselves. Bath salts are provided.
Next to Temple Tree is Bon Ton Resort – both resorts are under the same management. In fact, this is the very same team which also manages China House in George Town. Bon Ton Resort features 8 units of traditional kampung (Malay village) houses.
Returning to Kuah, I take an early lunch at Langkawi Hainanese Chicken Rice (浮罗交怡海南鸡饭). The owner hails from Malacca and his mother used to operate a chicken rice stall at Jonker Street (Jalan Hang Jebat).
Langkawi Hainanese Chicken Rice serves deboned chicken because, quoting the proprietor, “bones are not meant for people to eat”. The chicken’s flesh is reasonably tender but I feel that the soy sauce is too salty for comfort. Nevertheless, it is worthwhile to check out this shop if you need to kill time in Kuah.
Dataran Lang (Eagle Square) is located next to Kuah’s jetty. It is Langkawi’s most recognizable landmark and is often the first place people visit when they arrive at Langkawi. In contrast, I am saving this attraction for the last.
Admission to Dataran Lang is free. The square provides scenic view of the bay around Kuah town. It is fortunate that the waters around Kuah are not polluted. Given the sorry state of Langkawi’s public beaches, I can only pray that Kuah does not suffer the same faith.
At the center of Dataran Lang is a gigantic statue of an eagle. Perched on a rock pedestal, the eagle extends its wings as if it is poised to take flight. What a symbol of splendor and grace!
The eagle’s wings appear longer when viewed from certain angles. I think this optical illusion is deliberately integrated into the statue’s design.
By the way, the word “Langkawi” means “Red Eagle”. The name of this island predates this eagle statue because the latter was only constructed in 1996.
As I board my return ferry, I take one more glimpse at the charming island of Langkawi. It should be a smooth journey back to Kuala Kedah.
Click here to return to the first part of this article.
