The Datai Langkawi, at the edge of paradise

Call of the wild

On cool dewy mornings at The Datai Langkawi, the property’s resident naturalist Irshad Mobarak – also known as the Jungle Man of Langkawi – will lead a troop of eager guests into less-travelled paths. These guests will ostensibly embark on transformative discoveries of the 10 million-year-old rainforest, which makes up the north-western corner of the island.

The tours by Irshad offer incredible insights into tree-climbing monitor lizards, eagle eyries, edible red button ginger buds and even jungle survival tips such as employing the serunai or bitter bush – which contains natural alcohol – as a disinfectant. In his recently published tome, Discovering Langkawi with Irshad Mobarak, he describes how one may follow a river trail in Kubang Badak to discover small-clawed otters and ruddy kingfishers with a rating of difficulty level, best times and extra tips for first-timers.

Together with resident marine biologist Jonathan Chandrasakaran, the duo transform a stay at The Datai into a respectful wonder for nature. This spiritual realignment to the elements is also complemented by the gorgeous architecture of Kerry Hill, who had preserved the dramatic views of the primordial mountains, and had employed trained elephants instead of heavy machinery to fell trees to reuse for construction.

The resulting effort are 54 luxurious villas, restaurants and pavilions that open out to verdant views. At its spa, a signature traditional massage offers an earthly calm, with sensations heightened by nature, from the sound of the babbling brook to the scents of jungle plants.

The Datai