dare you?

Gunung Macincang/Machinchang/Mat Cincang (same ya) is the second highest peak on Langkawi and is part of UNESCO Global Geo- Park. It is recognized as Malaysia’s oldest rock formations. I am not going to contribute to the confusion of how many hundred million years old they are… so many figures in so many websites! It houses the cable car that climbs to the very top… talk about fear of height… do you dare the ride?? You must! For what awaits you at the top is something that you should experience. A climb made easy, at most 15 minutes.. ya ok! hanging on a cable… so what?? No matter, you can only fall down.

At least 700 metres up… the trick is, don’t look down! A car seats six maximum. It is safe eh. This mountain has it’s fable too. You’ll find it in my post titled Langkawi.

 a collection of photos taken at the base of Langkawi Cable Car… shops, cafes, restaurants… spend at least half-a-day just lazing around is something I should do if ever I go again.

 

top: a view from the car

bottom: a view from point A… it’s not the top yet!

To quote Darulaman Travel on the project; “Controlled and unobtrusive access to Gunung Machinchang is the objective of this geo-eco tourism project, to enable visitors to partake in the glories of nature; those of: geology, fauna, flora, spectacular sunsets and other weather formations, without damaging the natural equilibrium. Hence, careful planning went into all facets of the project, from cable car selection (electrically powered system, powered from the bottom station), route alignment (fewest towers possible), to architecture (unobtrusive, light and organic; mountain stations are powered by solar/diesel hybrid energy), construction (using a working cable and helicopter to carry all the building material up to the mountain, only felling trees absolutely necessary) as well as to the choice of walkways (natural timber boardwalks that are elevated so as not to incise in the ground).” …and that is what it is!

now, this is from the peak… and the bottom is the hanging bridge which I did not go. Stamina is one that I do not have (so sad). It is also a must to walk this suspension bridge… It is of steel structure and is something of an engineering marvel. A 125-metre curved pedestrian crossing  which stood at 687 metres above sea level. The overall steel structure is supported by a single pylon measuring at a height of 82 metres from the deep gully down below.

another reason to go back to Langkawi eh! Build my stamina first!!

Google Tags: Gunung Machinchang, Cable car, Langkawi, Geoforest Park, hanging bridge

Reaching for the sky

Gunung Raya

No plans to actually climb to the mountain top, just a random drive through according to the map in hand. A finding that was worth every moment. At 890 meters Gunung Raya is Langkawi’s highest peak where you are able to see some of the most panoramic and spectacular views of the island. It is part of Gunung Raya Forest Reserve, with a total area of over 5000 hectares of pristine rainforest making this the largest nature reserve on Langkawi.

far end is Tanjung Rhu which can be clearly seen during a clear day. I can see the entire island from here, giving me a better bearing of what is where!

                                              

It is home to most of our wildlife including the largest birds in Langkawi the Great Hornbills, Wreathed Hornbills, many eagles like the magnificent Mountain Hawk Eagles, the very secretive Orange Breasted Trogon, Dusky Leaf Monkeys, Macaque Monkeys, Eurasian Wild Pigs, Giant squirrels, and many others. I didn’t get to see any, one because I was driving… long and winded, taking my eyes of the road is really not advisable eh! Focus! Focus!

It is easy to drive up Gunung Raya. You should plan at least one hour. There is a restaurant and a small resort up there and you can take a lift to go to the peak. The view is breathtaking, one should not miss. A good alternative to the Cable Car for those who need to ‘touch ground’ to reach the top.

When I was at the top, I could hardly see anything, not even five metres ahead of me. The fog was so heavy because it rained earlier. However, with a little bit of wind, I was lucky to see it change within few minutes. I was told on a clear day, even mainland can be seen.

bottom: one in the cluster of islands visible is Tasik Dayang Bunting. I can see the entire island and the figure of the resting pregnant woman very clearly from here.

there’s a resort up there! used to be only for the high rank government officials when they have meetings… now open to public. Wanna sleep where the PMs used to?? Try the resort then!

At the peak of Gunung Raya, beside the resort towers the MEASAT Satellite Control Centre.

facing west, the sunset was stunning!

 

 

Google Tags: Langkawi, Gunung Raya, MEASAT, Satellite Control Centre, D'Coconut, Hill Resort, The Peak

Long-tailed Macaque

Macaque monkeys are just about everywhere in Langkawi -- sitting by the roadside in forests, on roof-tops, around temples and shrines, and unfortunately, picnic areas and parks where they have become accustomed to hand-outs.  Please Do Not Feed Them.  Human food is not a natural part of their diet, and they can become aggressive towards people.  A monkey bite can easily become infected or give the recipient rabies. 

It was at Pulau Dayang Bunting where I was surprised!  So many!! greeting you as soon as you climb out of the boat. I wasn’t prepared and had no idea. NEVER carry plastics and always zip your bag!! They tend to think there’s food and grab what they can.  Shocking to many, can be dangerous if bitten. It’s a long way to the nearest hospital.

  However, walk and stay calm if confronted and better to stay in groups. They are living things too… as much as we fear, so do they. Just that they are trained to survive! For me… as much as my heart was pounding, I was excited, and intrigued and became stupidly brave. Enjoy the pics… I enjoyed taking them.

 

“FOCUS HERE!!!!???”  what do you think?  

 

 

 

 

Google Tags: Langkawi, Pulau Dayang Bunting, monkey, crab-eating, long-tailed, macaque

The eagle

The common, but stunningly attractive Brahminy Kite Haliastur Indus with its contrasting white head and breast and brown wings lends Langkawi part of its name. Local folklore has it that Langkawi derived its name from the eagle or "helang" as it is known in the Malay language. "Lang" for short and in old Malay, "kawi" denotes reddish brown; hence, Langkawi simply means reddish brown eagle.

@ The Eagle Square, Kuah Town.

 Dataran Lang (Eagle Square) is Langkawi's most prominent landmark for visitors arriving by sea.

 The 12 metres tall statue of the bird about to take flight can be seen clearly from air or sea.

Much local literature has been written based on the legends of Langkawi. The Hikayat Merong Mahawanga tells a story about Garuda (a giant eagle taking a half-human form) and a princess from China. One variation of this tale involves the emperors of Rome and China who planned to marry off their children. Garuda felt that this union would threaten the smaller kingdoms and his power over the islands, so he flew to China, kidnapped the Chinese princess and her maid and hid them in a cave believed to be Gua Cerita. In a battle against Garuda, the Roman prince was swept ashore on Langkawi and finally reunited with the Chinese princess. When Garuda learnt the truth he disappeared, never to return.

@ Pulau Singa Besar

The boatman or tour guide will first switch off the motor of the speedboat and throw pieces of chicken to the middle of the sea during the eagle feeding session.

White-bellied Fish Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster (top).

Brahminy Kite Haliastur Indus (bottom).

Being my first time, I was just too fascinated by the birds to realize that the boat was soon speeding away before I started snapping photos. The sea water splashing, the boat jumping up and down breaking the waves made it even more difficult. It was not like the eagles was staying put for us to capture the moments. I shall always remember it. The boatmen were racing away too. There’s really no way to be standing like that when it’s moving. One might end up swimming instead!

For me, it was the safety of the camera that I fear most..

 

Google Tags: Langkawi, eagles, Pulau Singa Besar, Eagle Square, White-bellied, Fish Eagle, Haliaeetus leucogaster, Brahminy Kite Haliastur Indus.