by Thanusha Devi Manoharan
Longlisted in the PureTravel Writing Competition 2023
My very most breath-taking travel moment took place on the picturesque island of Langkawi in Malaysia. It was a sultry evening, with the sun lazily descending towards the horizon, casting a warm, golden hue across the sky. I had heard about Langkawi’s legendary sunsets, but nothing could have prepared me for the sheer beauty that unfolded before my eyes. It was mesmerizing. I had spent the day exploring the island’s lush rainforests, incredible islands, and pristine beaches, and as the day drew to a close, I found myself at Pantai Cenang, one of Langkawi’s most famous beaches. The sand was a silken, powdery white, and the gentle waves lapped at the shore like a soothing lullaby. The beach was lined with coconut palms, their fronds gently swaying in the breeze. Tiny little crabs crawling along the shore.
As the sun began its descent, a hush fell over the beach. A crowd had gathered along the shoreline, a diverse mix of travellers from all corners of the globe. We stood in collective anticipation, our eyes fixed on the horizon, waiting for that magical moment. “Standby your cameras for this miraculous moment!” a boy said excitedly while jumping around in circles with full of excitement. The sky transformed into a canvas of brilliant oranges, pinks, and purples, as if a celestial artist was showcasing their finest work. The sun, a radiant, fiery orb, sank lower and lower, casting long, shimmering reflections on the calm waters. It was as if time had slowed down, and the world had paused to admire the spectacle before us.
The breath-taking beauty of the Langkawi sunset was enough to make even the most cynical heart skip a beat. As the sun dipped below the horizon, a spontaneous applause erupted from the crowd. Strangers exchanged smiles, and for that brief moment, we were all connected by the sheer awe of nature’s grandeur. It was a different feeling overall; I never felt this way before.
But the magic didn’t end there. As the sun disappeared, a mystical phenomenon known as the “green flash” occurred. A fleeting emerald light illuminated the horizon, a phenomenon that occurs when atmospheric conditions are just right. It was like witnessing a secret of the universe, a whispered promise of the wonders our world holds. After the sun had set, I stayed on the beach, reluctant to leave the enchanting scene. I struck up a conversation with a fellow traveller, a kindred spirit who shared my love for adventure and natural beauty. We talked for hours, exchanging stories and travel tips, forging a connection that transcended borders and cultures. We even snapped pictures together to be kept as a life-long memory.
That Langkawi sunset was more than just a breath-taking moment; it was a reminder of the beauty that exists in the world and the connections we can make with others through shared experiences. It was a testament to the power of travel to inspire awe and bring people together. As I left Pantai Cenang that night, I carried the memory of that sunset with me, a vivid reminder of the beauty of our planet and the incredible moments that can unfold when we venture out into the world with an open heart and a spirit of adventure. Langkawi had given me a travel moment I would cherish for a lifetime, a moment that had left me breathless and filled with gratitude for the wonders of our world; I will surely come back to witness this, but I know the next time around it will never feel the same.
Photo by Redowana Rashid Hridy on Unsplash
