As one who opens a book of fairy tales first encounters a mystic mountain range swallowed by a few powdery clouds, then flips a page to find a quaint, picturesque township which is unmarred by too much of modernity and retains old world charm, one who visits the Oriental Village in Langkawi stumbles upon similar visions and images. Located at the foot of Mount Machinchang, the most sought after tourist destination in this part of the world, is a manifestation of Malaysian life from the days of yore.
The Oriental Village is essentially a recreation and shopping hub where visitors find authentic Malaysian cuisine, international gastronomy, handicraft, outdoor activities and most importantly a cable car ride. It is this ride around the mountainous terrain that has caught the most attention of the visitors even though the entertainment runs far deeper and wider here. Hence, it is not uncommon to commence the village tour with a ride in the cable car, followed by an elephant ride and a visit to the deer park.
In between the action, whenever you feel like quenching your thirst or dousing your hunger pangs step over to any of the food kiosks which specialize in a range of food items. The shopaholics will find good bargains and a host of things to procure within the village. For a forest adventure in Machinchang Forest make sure you are accompanied by a competent guide but when it comes to the petting corner where numerous domesticated animals like rabbits are found you should exercise caution on your own.
The village itself is built before a waterway that adds to its old world charm and provides a subtle breeze and a certain quiet interrupted only by gurgles of the ripples. The buildings are not ostentatious or overshadowing; instead they are prim and blend in to the background.
The area of Langkawi is not too far from the beach either, thus a Langkawi beach resort ought to be the chosen locality for accommodation. While a 5 Star hotel in Langkawi is just as impressive as the Oriental Village none have a record more outstanding than The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+
