Horsing around in Langkawi

Recently, I went to Langkawi in search of a little down-time, and for what I’d been told was ‘the most enjoyable way yet to explore the beautiful rainforests and beaches of Langkawi’, or so the titillatingly vague invitation promised.

Langkawi, as you know, is smack in the centre of what scientists believe to be the world's most powerful Lethargy Zone. It is extremely difficult to remain tense here. The moment you arrive, lethargy waves start washing over you, seeping into your body, turning your skeletal system into tofu.

Normally, I could spend happy slack-jawed hours staring out at the ocean, my White Man’s Tan slowly turning red along with the sunset. Little did my backside and I know that we would, instead, be spending the weekend exploring Langkawi’s spectacular rainforests and beaches John Wayne-style from the back of a horse.

I’m living proof that no previous riding experience is required, and my novice status only enhanced the amazing experience (although I’m walking a little funny now).

The rugged mountains of Langkawi, once a place of impenetrable wilderness, are slowly being opened to nature enthusiasts via a growing network of carefully carved horse trails.

Since the beginning of 2004, when the Mutiara Burau Bay Equestrian Centre was established, visitors to Langkawi have been able to enjoy horse-riding through the jungles without all the sweat and effort normally associated with jungle trekking.

Since its launch at the Mutiara Burau Bay Resort, the equestrian centre has developed some superb facilities as well as an impressive stable of horses. And, it must be said, these aren’t the sort of lame ponies that sag in the middle, either.

Most of the horses are ex-race horses that have been rehabilitated and retrained for jungle rides. One of the first things that is apparent to riders is that these are serious horses, tall, strong and responsive. But, importantly, there are ponies for kids, as well. This gives kids a chance to easily overcome the trepidation of riding for the first time.

With 19 horses and ponies in their brand new stables, and a staff of professional horse handlers on hand, the equestrian centre has been getting kudos from both local and international riding enthusiasts.

Recently, Malaysia’s noted world champion endurance rider, Dato' Kamaruddin Awang rode along a new forest trail carefully constructed through the Gunung Raya Forest Reserve. Apparently, Dr. Mahathir is a regular here, as well…