Vivanta Langkawi Rebak Island

Text & Images by MUHAMMAD HASIF MOHD JELANI

It was raining a bit late that evening. Our plan was to catch the glorious sunset view from Vivanta Langkawi Rebak Island’s signature Moon Deck, where we were supposed to have dinner, seemed dashed. Now that I mentioned it, I guess we also had to give that dinner a miss since it is an outdoor dining area that only fit’s twosomes. I spent a couple of hours waiting at our suite’s balcony, hoping that the rain would stop to the point I almost gave up. But then the rain finally stopped! God must have answered my prayers. Besides, we were also blessed with one of the most glorious sunset views we had ever witnessed…

Vivanta Langkawi Rebak Island sits above 390 acres of land on Rebak Island. To reach this very private and secluded haven, travellers board a quick seven-minute speedboat ride from Port Cenang on Langkawi main island.

As our speedboat arrived at the jetty, we were stunned to see countless yachts from all over the world docking at its marina. It is worth noting that this marina on Rebak Island, managed by Vivanta Langkawi Rebak Island, is the only fully equipped marina in Malaysia with a dry dock facility too.

After getting our body temperature checked at the jetty as part of the standard operating procedure (SOP), we were whisked to the lobby on a buggy, passing by half of the property’s grounds, including the mangroves and vast landscaped greenery. The sky was quite gloomy therefore we were protected from direct sunlight, but then if it were to be a clear and blazing hot day, it would not have been much different because the towering trees would have shaded us along the way.

After checking in and welcomed with a glass of drink, we were straight away ushered to our accommodation, which we have been looking forward to.

The unit where we stayed at Vivanta Langkawi Rebak Island is a luxury two-bedroom garden view suite, one of the 94 accommodation units constructed using Chengal timber, a highly sturdy tropical hardwood often used in traditional Malay architecture. This 103-metre squared suite can cater up to six guests.

As we entered the suite, we could not help but admire its spacious living area complete with a comfortable sofa set and coffee table plus LCD television above a wooden cabinet that conceals a mini fridge, as well as complimentary tea- and coffee-making facility. A few steps from the living area is the outdoor balcony where guests can breathe in the oxygenrich, umbrageous garden. Since the balcony is furnished with two chairs and a coffee table, it definitely becomes our most favourite spot inside the suite to relax while reading a book and sipping coffee.

The master bedroom is exceptionally large. It has one king-sized bed with a long dressing table and a wardrobe containing robes, safety deposit box, room slippers and iron set, including en-suite bathroom with a bathtub. The space in the other bedroom is also generous and kitted with two single beds. Though this bedroom has no en-suite bathroom, whoever sleeps in this room can conveniently utilise the bathroom located at the hallway, close to the living area.

Since the emergence of the alarming COVID-19 pandemic, Vivanta Langkawi Rebak Island has been implementing heightened hygiene and safety procedures without compromising traveller’s comfort and peace of mind in accordance to the guidelines by World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Malaysian government.

This includes the resort’s initiative to lessen human contact by introducing the ROOMIE App (available on iOS App Store and Android Play Store), which allows travellers to browse the resort’s additional services, menu available at the restaurant and free blockbuster movies simply from guests’ own handheld devices. Minibar has been removed but fret not, refreshments can still be ordered through in-room dining service. Safety and hygiene kits are thoughtfully provided in all rooms too.

At the time of writing, there is only one food and beverage outlet operating in the resort called Senari, an all-day dining establishment that serves up a long list of Malay, Indian, Chinese, and international options. The name is derived from the Senari Straits located between Rebak Island and Rebak Kecil. In a span of three days, we had the pleasant experience in trying out different menu during each meal and we finally decided that the restaurant’s Malaysian satay, ikan asam pedas (fish cooked in spicy sour curry) and chicken rendang dishes are our favourites and worth recommending.

For couples, a stay at Vivanta Langkawi Rebak Island is more fulfilling when they experience a romantic beach dinner. Imagine having your meals while being soothed by the sound of waves and calming view of the Andaman Sea – that moment deserves to be etched in memory for a long time. The theme for the evening when we had our beach dinner was Western Cuisine, which showcased thymescented mushroom soup, rosemary-scented roasted chicken and gremolata crusted barramundi fish fillet as part of the scrumptious menu.

For a more extraordinary experience, we suggest that guests should dine at the Moon Deck, which stretches out from the near end of the beach and is specially designed to seat only two persons. Being secluded, this could be the most romantic spot on the island, ideal for couples to enjoy an intimate moment together. As a matter of fact, we consider the Moon Deck as iconic and encapsulates what Vivanta Langkawi Rebak Island is all about. The night is made even more unforgettable thanks to the copacetic Indian-themed fare such as tamatar dal dhania shorba (tomato and lentil soup with coriander), lamb biryani (lamb cooked with fragrant basmati rice and mild spices) and vegetable makhanwala (melange of vegetables in velvety tomato gravy). On top of that, the majestic view of the sunset totally elevates the setting.

Vivanta Langkawi Rebak Island even provides scheduled boat transfer service for travellers who wish to have an excursion to Langkawi main island. The service is complimentary unless requested off the stated schedule.

We opted not to leave Rebak Island until the last day because there are various things to do at the resort to occupy our time. For instance, during high tide, travellers can go kayaking at no extra cost. We also spent time exploring the property by bike, which can be rented at a minimum charge. Other activities include archery, badminton, squash, tennis, volleyball, batik kit-painting, fishing, tree-planting and playing indoor games. The resort has its own large swimming pool too, including a pool for the younger ones, ideal for family-bonding time.

Vivanta Langkawi Rebak Island has a few nature trails too, whereby some can be explored by guests on their own. Otherwise, guests can request for a guide at the front desk. If jogging is not enough, travellers who wish to keep to their fitness regime can work out at the resort’s gymnasium.

Lying next to it is the spa that offers treatments such as massage, pedicure and manicure. We experienced the spa’s signature head and shoulder massage for 30 minutes, which was totally relaxing that we almost fell asleep during the session!

Food lovers should join the resort’s cooking class. Due to the SOPs, guests are not allowed to do the cooking themselves but are still able to learn the recipes from a certified chef. In our case, Chef Kamal Prasath, the resort’s sous chef with 15 years of experience, showed us how to cook phad thai (traditional Thai rice noodles) and Thai basil chicken (minced chicken cooked with Thai spices, herbs and basil).

In short, staying at Vivanta Langkawi Rebak Island is downright rewarding because it lives up to its promise as an enchanting, private retreat. Due to its distance away from urban bustle, we not only indulged in a relaxing solitude, but an enjoyable one too. It is a haven where doing nothing is therapeutic and doing everything can be equally invigorating, especially together with your partner…

For more information on Vivanta Langkawi Rebak Island, browse https://www.vivantahotels.com/en-in/vivanta-langkawirebak-island/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Local&utm_ campaign=vivanta-rebak-island-langkawi