 The
Coolest Spot in Langkawi
By Eric Chong
For visitors to Langkawi unaccustomed by the heat
and humidity especially during the bright sunny days, an afternoon spent
with a picnic basket at the coolest spot in Langkawi is indeed a welcome
relief. Look to the highest spot in Langkawi and you would see the place
– Gunung Raya.
It remains the coolest spot in Langkawi as it is
relatively untouched. Its towering trees provide the much needed cover and
cools the air around the hill before the monsoon winds reaches the peak to
cool it even further.
 For the new visitors and for those who’ve never
been up Gunung Raya, this is one of the areas where few tourists go for a
day of R&R. The view is outstanding. You actually see clouds rushing
up to see you during the rainy season. During the rainy season, Gunung Raya
gets the most rain. Being the highest peak in Langkawi and situated exactly
in the middle of the island, any stray cloud that passes by the island eventually
gathers and starts moving up this hill. As it moves up, it cools. Like a
chilled glass taken out from the fridge, water condenses around the glass.
When there are enough water droplets, they start dripping from the glass.
The same thing happens with the clouds. At the peak, you often feel moist
and pleasantly cooled just like the chilled glass due to the condensation
effect. This is a natural phenomena that most locals truly appreciate living
in such warm climates.
Gunung Raya is the only place you can go in a few
hours and say “Yeah, I’ve seen all of Langkawi.” You truly
get a feel of Langkawi from going up the hill. The road is actually built
somewhat spiraling around the hill. By taking a trip up, you will actually
see the whole island of Langkawi plus all the other little islands. Not only
that, you get a taste of what Langkawi’s natural state is like. The
tall majestic trees, and the wildlife – monkeys, birds and snakes being
the most common – can all be enjoyed without much sweat as this
“trek” can be made from the comfort of your vehicle. However, if
you do choose to walk, there is indeed no better way than this to get rid
of some of those extra calories. Do keep in mind that you are walking uphill
all the time. Therefore, it takes twice the amount of time to reach your
destination.
On your way up, wind down your window and drive
slowly. This will enable you to see and hear the dozens of hornbills which
live around the area. You will know when you see a hornbill. It has a horn-shaped
bill, hence its name, which makes up one third of its size. Stop your vehicle
if you see any. Get off your vehicle and listen to them fly by. They are
the only birds which make the unique whooshing sounds when they fly. The
sounds are caused by the wind flowing through their huge feathers. Also note
the 3 different species.
Half way up, you will pass a tiny waterfall. Taste
the water. It is guaranteed to be free of chemicals as there are no inhabitants
on the hill. There is also a small pool under the waterfall. Take a shower
by all means. It’ll be the coolest water you can find on the island.
From this mid-point to the top of the hill, the
road will start to spiral around the hill. This is the best place to start
walking as the temperature here starts to cool off and you will get a glimpse
of the different parts of the island at your own pace. (Please keep in mind
that your are still a good six kilometers away from the peak.) To get your
sense of bearing, look to see where the sun is unless you are one of those
who carry everything on you and you happen to have a compass.
|
