Langkawi- the island to explore and play!

As a forty-nine year old Asian female of Chinese-Indian heritage, I was the target of curiosity when I backpacked through India and Nepal for two years. Even now well-meaning folk have exclaimed, “You are travelling by yourself…but all alone?”This question was asked while I was on an island hopping tour from the lush tropical island of Langkawi,Malaysia.

On several occasions I have felt insecure.This was when I walked on the shore and bypassed a bunch of friends splashing cheerfully.When I saw a happy family with their child shouting into the wind with glee, and the couple quietly strolling on the beach hand-in hand.

While walking on the long stretch of sand in my frequently worn paisley printed sundress, frolicking in the warm foamy waters and picking sea-shells, it dawned on me, how lucky I am. To be able to travel so freely without any demands or schedules.I have started to truly appreciate all that I have. I experience joy in being surrounded by forests, mountains, lakes and waterfalls.To be in the healing embrace of nature is to be extremely fortunate. Yes, a big contrast to who I was fifteen years ago, living in the city, working so that I could buy more and more, trying to blend in and be socially acceptable. Mesmerized by the power of money and craving fashionable items.

Today while I was buying an assortment of fried snacks and colorful layered cakes sold on the sidewalk , I managed to help out a fellow cake buyer who happened to speak only Hokkien, a Chinese dialect which I know a little of. Something almost insignificant to anyone else, hammered home the message.Gratitude for who I am, even for the mistakes that I’ve made,the “wrong paths” I have taken.With exploration comes greater understanding, empathy and compassion, both for ourselves and others.Independence is about the freedom of choice to do things on my own and also the opportunity to befriend a stranger for a shared journey of experiences.

Langkawi has calm and pretty beaches for meditation, relaxation and watching sunsets. I was enthusiastic about capturing the moments of the sun “going to bed”.The sea, in that light resembled numerous pieces of blue- green ribbons, twisting and turning. Jungle trekking and floating in clear waters with high salinity, off a pristine beach are some of the activities that you can enjoy here.

I had an incredibly fun and creative time taking photographs at the world’s second largest 3D art museum. It my first time with such enticing and interactive art. Akin to the scenery in Langkawi, the lavender woods and the ocean murals were exquisite. I fulfilled many young girls favorite role play of being a mermaid, with a huge yellow tail.Another painting that fascinated me was the one where I could be a wood nymph entering a world filled with magic and lovely pastel hues. My German travel buddies, Marike and Lena whom I was visiting Art in Paradise with,located in the Oriental village,loved it as much as I did!

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