Smiles of Rebak Island

'Where in the world are you?' my friend asked in her sms text.
Rebak Island, Langkawi. I shot back a reply.
Where?? Nice? Absolutely!

Did I know Rebak Island before this? Not till my blogger friend, Ocean Girl told me about it. We were due for a holiday and my hubby wanted to experience somewhere special.

The van from the Taj Hotel picked us up.It was only a 5 minute ride from the airport to Port Langkasuka. From the jetty, across the 5 km stretch of waters that separates Rebak Island from the mainland, it was a 15 minute ride to our destination.

The sight of the boats berthed at the marina was a pleasing welcome. The sun was shining gloriously. On the Rebak jetty to greet us were the the staff, ready with buggies for us and other guests. Even the General Manager was there. How nice to land on the doorstep in a buggy without having to struggle with our suitcases. We were soon to find out the smiles of Rebak Island and the Taj Resort charmed us very much for our entire stay. Their hospitality was just superb.

From the restaurant looking out to the sea

Hey, lepak away! I could hear myself saying. Already I could feel myself slowing down. The balmy atmosphere induced it. That, to a city girl is priceless!

Wish upon sunny - hammock days!

But this city girl was not alone. On that weekend, Ocean Girl was there with her family. The next morning she invited us to her boat. Stepping on her 'hideaway', we could see it was a lovely home to sail the waters. All of 42 foot. Powered by two 420 horse power engines. It was special to meet her family and her 2 boys charmed us with their hospitality.

What a beaut!

I wish, I wish....

Rebak Island is named after the native rebak tree. The Taj resort is an unique and exclusive haven and privately owned. We didn't feel cut off from 'civilization' as the boat service ply frequently enough. Do what you want on the mainland , then retreat to the tranquillity and real comfort of what the resort has to offer. Or you can choose to lepak ( Malay for loiter) away and not leave the island and enjoy Mother nature and everything a secluded tropical paradise has to offer.

No traffic - just keep cycling!

Monitor lizard feeding time - ala chicken pieces

Our room faces the picturesque Senari Straits. In the evening, some hornbills flew above our heads. We had families of monkeys romping in the garden near our balcony in the morning. Never had I seen so many - from cute little ones to adults having fun at such a close range. They had their fun and then they were off. I guess they keep breakfast time like I do!

As you gaze, you marvel...

Pamper yourself, let whatever worries float away.

I had a Mojito and my hubby, the Taj special. Then we joined the other guests watch the opening ceremony and match of FIFA 2010 World Cup.

Waiting for the boat to ferry us for more sights of Langkawi