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Dip your toes in an emerald sea that is surrounded by virgin rainforest, home to rare birds.
Being a travel writer has given me many opportunities to visit some incredible beaches in the world. But when asked about my favourite, my mind instantly goes to Emerald Bay, located alongside a private island in the Malacca Strait in Malaysia. It took me two flights, a bit of road travel, and a boat ride to get to Pangkor Laut Resort—where I intended to stay and explore Emerald Bay—and boy, oh boy, the journey was worth the effort. After arriving at the resort, I was led across the expansive property to a boardwalk built over the turquoise waters. Realising that I would be staying in a house built on stilts, right on the sea, was news to my ears. I entered the Sea Villa to find large windows with unobstructed views of the blue sea. The sit-out over the water and a bathtub right by the windows was tempting, and I made a mental note to set aside a solid two hours just for a soak in the tub. The Sea Villa is priced at Rs. 30,000 per night for two people and includes breakfast (taxes extra).
But first, I had a spa appointment to get rid of the aches and twinges of the over ten hours of travel. The award-winning Spa Village offers ancient Chinese, Ayurvedic, Thai and Malay experiences. I opted for the Chinese treatment (prices start from Rs. 14,000 per person). This was not a regular spa session on the massage table. After I changed into a robe and slippers, I was led to a room where a therapist activated the pressure points on my feet with a light, rhythmic knocking. Then it was time for an exfoliating scrub in a Japanese bath, followed by a soak in an open-air Malay circulating bath, much like a jacuzzi but gentler. I closed my eyes and leaned back against the rock wall outside as birds chirped above. By this point, I was completely relaxed, but there was more. I was escorted to the massage table, where the therapist patiently worked out all the knots in my shoulders until I felt the tension drain from my body.
Now that I was rejuvenated, it was time to explore the two-million-year-old surrounding virgin rainforest. The resident naturalist guided me into the lush forest that was teeming with life. He pointed out jungle ferns, tiger orchids, and more. Only a small part of the 300-acre island houses 140 rooms and eight estate stays. The rest was wild, untamed rainforest.
The development of the island was done mindfully, taking into account the endangered species that call it home—the great hornbill, the pangolin and the Malaysian flying fox. I trekked past mammoth trees, some of them were 50 ft in height and 7 ft in diameter. Pushing past the thick foliage, the trail went downhill, and I finally emerged onto Emerald Bay. It was like discovering a hidden beach.
The shimmering Malacca Strait was in front of me, while the extraordinary rainforest was behind me. I was in tropical heaven as I clambered on one of the enormous boulders scattered across the beach and lay on it, enjoying the late afternoon sun. Feeling warm and toasty, I climbed down and waded into the water and plonked down. I sighed happily as the sun dipped into the emerald waters. This was an unforgettable moment, perfect and serene, when all was right in my world. This memory will forever be etched in my mind.
To cap off this amazing day, I headed to Chapman’s Bar, a short walk from the beach. I arrived just in time for Happy Hours. After a few delicious frozen margaritas, I hopped aboard the complimentary shuttle and headed back to my room to freshen up for dinner. Some of my dining options were the Feast Village (Malay cuisine), Fisherman's Cove (seafood) and Jamu Bar (healthy food and cocktails). It was a tough choice, but I ended up picking Uncle Lim’s Kitchen that offered traditional home-style food in a blend of Malay, Chinese and Indonesian culinary styles. The food was aromatic with mouth-watering flavours. Everything from the sweet-and-sour fish soup to the tender kung-pao calamari, not forgetting the lobster in black bean sauce, was top-notch!
The days on the island were amazing, and the nights magical. Soft lamps lit the way to the sea villas while the waves moved gently below. Some places have the power to quieten even the most hyperactive minds, and Pangkor Laut Resort is one of them. I carry back with me a tranquillity so profound it will likely stay with me for a long time.
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