REBAK ISLAND A Private Retreat

WORDS & PHOTOS BY WANA YAHAYA

Langkawi Island needs no introduction but I bet there is little light shed over the existence of a charming private island of Rebak and even more so the resort that calls it home, Vivanta by Taj – Rebak Island, Langkawi.

Vivanta by Taj – Rebak Island is the only 5-star resort off Langkawi Island, located in its own 390 acres private island, surrounded by the stretch of the Andaman Sea flirting with the secluded beach and vibrant jungle on the resort property.

HOW TO GET THERE?

The only way to get to the island is by speed boat. Vivanta by Taj – Rebak Island offers an excellent speed boat service from its main jetty in Cenang Beach (near Meritus Pelangi, Langkawi). There are boats leaving for Rebak Island roughly once every hour.

From the Cenang Jetty, the boat journey will take about 10 minutes to reach Rebak Island. Your first sight would be an extravagant marina. There will be a golf cart waiting there to take you further into the island where the lobby of the resort is. Then, the little adventure begins.

There are a lot to be expected from this private tropical paradise.

Moon Deck is perhaps one of the most romantic spot I have ever been in my whole life. Beautiful by day, magical by night, this dining deck stretched close to the smaller Rebak Island. This is the spot where you will definitely pop the question to your significant other. You will have a personal service staff – who are only present when needed and a serenading crew for an unforgettable dinner for two! I wished I was here with my significant other.

One of the main attractions, Moon Deck is undoubtedly a scenic spot, perfect for the Instagrammer kings and queens. You will be clicking up for photos faster than you are breathing.

The island offers unique nooks and corners to be experienced through their selections of alternative dinners. I experienced two of their theme dinner namely “Catches from The Andaman Sea” and “Tastes of India – A Journey Through Time”. I even got bangles from the Indian dinner. The food, needless to say were exquisite and taste bud-teasers.

If you are an early riser and well here you should be, you can take the early morning speed boat transfer to Cenang Jetty to catch the early sunrise. It was the single most memorable moment for me during the whole trip. That beautiful ball of orange rising from the distance is certainly the perfect way to start your day. When we arrived at the jetty, there were vans waiting to transfer us to Kuah Wet Market to prep for our cooking class session.

It was certainly a catch getting your seafood from this wet market. I bought two Kerapu fish priced at only RM20! Everything green and fresh can be found here and make sure you take the time to thoroughly look through the immense stretch of hawkers selling fi shes and vegetables. After all the shopping, you can walk further back where you can fi nd the best local breakfast that will definitely help you to deliciously start your day.

My team decided to cook Ikan Kerapu 3 Rasa. The line of chefs at Vivanta by Taj – Rebak Island, Langkawi would be more than willing to show you how to cook anything the professional way, in this case, a 5-star resort of food presentation. The chef manning my group’s table even helped us carve the garnishes made of tomatoes and chilies. It was a fun event and you can expect to do this if you come by in a group. The resort would be more than happy to organize cooking class such as we have.

By the time I was cruised back to Cenang Jetty, my eyes were still locked to this paradise all the way. I will be back to revisit the memorable experience and tranquility this little island offered. If you are in need of a little privacy intertwined with vibrant and unique getaway experience, Vivanta by Taj – Rebak Island, Langkawi would be the perfect choice.