travel: June 2007

Friday, June 29, 2007

Black Sand Beach

You can also check out whether tha remains from the great battle between Grauda and Jentayu still existed (as some still believe), at Pantai Pasir Hitam Langkawi.

The peaceful Langkawi beach is stained with black sand - you'll find that not the whole beach is black but it's more like a mixture of black sand and normal sand. Unlike other black-sand beaches, this sand isn't volcanic in nature - iron oxide is believed to be the cause of this phenomenon. While you are walking at Pantai Pasir Hitam, don't forget to take some snaps at the ancient fishing jetty with its sense of history nearby. You can also check out whether the remains from the great battle between Grauda and Jentayu still existed (as some still believe), at Pantai Pasir Hitam Langkawi.

Some people also believe that the black sand beach is caused by the the burnt soil from the rice fields that were burnt during the Siamese war. The burnt soil flowed to the sea got washed up on to this beach creating the black sand beach.

Driving to Pantai Pasir Hitam is really easy since there's only one road leading to it. It is just down the road from the Craft Cultural Complex.

While you are walking at Pantai Pasir Hitam, don't forget to take some snaps at the ancient fishing jetty with its sense of history nearby.

Tanjung Rhu Beach

Tanjung Rhu lies in the northernmost tip of the island. It's a quiet and pretty enclave, shaded by whispering casuarina trees and fringed by centuries-old limestone caves and uninhabited islands. Scenic and untouched, Tanjung Rhu is home to one of Malaysia's most unusual ecosystems. Mangroves, waterways, limestone crags and sandy beaches make it a nature lover's paradise.

Seven Wells Waterfall

The Seven Wells Waterfall is locally known as Telaga tujuh and is indeed a geological marvel.

It is a spot where freshwater streams plunges from seven pools into this majestic waterfall creating an awe-inspiring sight. Although the uphill trek to the top is less than a mile, the trip is quite strenuous, and you'd be well advised to take water with you.

Visiting the pools, especially the top one, will definitely bring excitement besides seeing greenery and enjoying cooling surroundings. Adding a mystical touch to the natural splendor is the lush green forest that surrounds it. Legend has it that fairies used to come down to frolic and bathe.

Durian Perangin Waterfall

"Durian Perangin River's attractive 14-tier waterfall and unique rock formation are the main attractions at this picnic spot next to Gunung Raya."

The main attraction of Durian Perangin river is the attractive 14-tier waterfall that cascades down from the slopes of nearby Gunung Raya. The unique rock formation found around this area makes the place suitable for picnics and relaxing dips in the cool, clear water. Every tier of the waterfall has its own natural attributes which makes these natural pools unique.

The Durian Perangin area houses a wide variety of flora and fauna in the surrounding lowland dipterocarp forest. The main plant species are rengas, merapoh, periang, melunak, meranti temak, meranti jerit, rattans and palms. A 5km track leads to Gunung Raya Peak which, incidentally, is the highest spot in Langkawi. Another 5km of continuous track will take you to nearby Malaysia Book Village in Lubuk Semilang.

Temurun Waterfall

Located at the north-western part of the island, on the way to Datai Bay, Temurun Waterfall is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. The spectacular waterfall is normally at its best from June till December, when rainfall is most frequent and reliable. To reach the peak, you will need to endure an eight-minute climb up the stairs provided. Although a bit strenuous, it is worth the effort to behold the breathtaking view from the top.