Langkawi Naturally

Story and pictures by Puncak Kasih

The first rays of the Sun is just breaking through the dense canopy and I begin to hear excited whispers among my group members that we were going to see Gatwick and Heathrow. I instantly thought my ears must be playing tricks on me as the last time I checked the Berjaya Langkawi Beach & Spa Resort at Teluk Burau was no where near the British Isles at all. As such, I sauntered closer to renowned Langkawi naturalist, Mohd Firdaus Dev Abdullah to learn more.

He gladly revealed that both names were given to two of the tallest trees in the premises where countless flying lemurs (Cynocepahllus variagatus) would emerge during dusk to climb up the trees and take turns to glide gracefully down in their search for food.

“It is indeed a sight to behold and gives one an illusion of aeroplanes taking off, hence the nicknames,” added Dev as I listen in total amazement. During the day, these shy nocturnal mammals hide in the safety of crevices found in the tree trunks.

The rocky shore at the resort offers guests an opportunity to study the littoral community up close and personal during low tide.

This 2km nature walk which is conducted within the resort’s lush compound is only one of the many exciting activities that guests can participate in their quest to learn more about Langkawi’s diverse natural beauty. More than half of the island is still covered by tropical rainforest where a multitude of flora and fauna call home. Dev also explained that the walk is conducted just before dawn breaks as that is the time when the animals are most active. “They emerge from their hiding places in search of food and that will be the best time for us to study and learn more about them.” The walk usually takes less than an hour and Dev is even willing to take guests out when it rains. He told me that the surroundings are totally transformed when it showers. “It’s like stepping into a totally different realm where there are different things to see. After all, the rain sustains life in the forest and we should welcome it with open arms,” he added with a warm twinkle in his eyes. Throughout the walk, participants were told of the dire consequences if the ecosystem’s fragile balance is disturbed by Man’s folly. Taking the lack of mosquitoes during our walk as a case in point, Dev said that the presence of numerous insectivorous bats managed to check the mosquito population and bring down their numbers. He warned that the place will be swarming with these insects should we decide to do away with their natural predators. All of us who joined the walk that morning came away with the presence of mind that the ecosystem is important and it must be protected at all cost. We became aware that the dusky leaf monkeys, colourful blooms and different types of unique plants that we saw would not be there anymore should we continue with our destructive ways and blatantly pollute our environment.

Berjaya Langkawi Beach & Spa Resort recently launched its Premier Chalets on Water which consists of 23 exclusive sea-facing water bungalows that represent the epitome of luxury resort living in Langkawi. What better way to spend your vacation than to have your accommodation right above the shimmering waters of Burau Bay and yet have the pristine Langkawi forests right at your doorstep. For more information call: Berjaya Langkawi Beach & Spa Resort, Burau Bay, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia. Tel: +604-959 1888 Fax: +604-959 1886 Website: www.berjayahotels-resorts.com E-mail: reservation@b-langkawi.com.my

Dev showing a participant how some plants use different coloured foliage to attract the attention of pollinating insects to their rather small inflorescences.