For a moment, it feels as if I had just woken up in the land of Java since the villa where I am staying in Langkawi holds strong Javanese architectural vernacular; so strong that when I close my eyes, I could hear the soothing sounds of Javanese gamelan playing in my mind.
As I begin taking in the fresh air and slowly open my eyes, my senses pleasantly take me back to the actual villa location, which is a quaint village in Langkawi, with the sights of open rice fields, cows, buffalos, coconut trees, and a line of scenic mountains and hills at the horizon.
Kampung Paya Mempelam, one of the villages with the finest landscapes in Langkawi, is probably not well-known to travellers, but here stands an accommodation that is so distinguished and therapeutic that comes highly recommended for city dwellers like me who look for a well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The accommodation I am talking about is called Limasan Villa.
Limasan refers to the one of the three types of Javanese house roofs, usually used by the upper class. The other two being Kampung, generally used by commoners and Joglo, usually found at prestigious residences belonging to aristocrats and the most complex to construct.
The Limasan house style is evident across the property’s 10 villas – each of them distinctively designed – that exude their own sense of character and different feel. The villas are all grouped in one gated compound and stand adjacent to one another. From the outside, the entire property almost feels like a village in its own right, a village within a village.
Every one of the villas is embellished with notable Javanese influences, either in the form of its intricate structures and carvings on its beams, timber pillars, and entrance doors, as well as its furnishings, decors, and artworks. With these edifices mostly made from wood and other natural materials, it blends well with Langkawi’s village to reflect a rustic, down-to-earth, and welcoming environment.
It is worth mentioning that the buildings were brought all the way from selected villages in Indonesia, including Lombok, Madura, and Bantul, before painstakingly reassembled here. The villas are generously spacious, with an expansive veranda giving ample space for travellers to sit back, relax, and enjoy the peaceful surrounding vista all day long.
The one I stayed with my friends for two nights is Limasan Satu Villa that comes with private pool, including a large outdoor sun-drenched lounge overlooking the verdant rice paddy field, which becomes my favourite spot in the villa. Besides the swimming pool being situated next to a cute mini garden with a bench, the villa has a dining table that can fit eight as well, considering the villa can comfortably accommodate up to eight persons. Sounds like a great staycation with family and friends, right?
The villa has three cosy bedrooms with large double beds and a bunk bed. Each room has a different feel to it since each is individually curated and gracefully furnished.
To make it snugger, the villa even has an intimate living room with one sofa bed and flat-screen television. The living room is connected to the open, fully functioning kitchen area where guests can make use of the oven and fridge. Wi-Fi connectivity is also provided.
It is hard to leave this villa even for a minute; however, I don’t come to Langkawi often. Thus, during one of the mornings, I take a ride on the bicycle, which is complimentary for guests to use, and explore the surrounding village, making connection with some friendly locals, including native faunas.
As in a typical traditional kampung, the roads are relatively small and can only fit one vehicle at a time, so drivers need to be mindful and considerate when driving around Kampung Paya Mempelam. Fortunately, there are not many vehicles using the road, therefore cycling around the area is not an issue. Talking about vehicles, it is good to know that the respective villas at Limasan Villa come with designated parking bays, making it convenient for guests who arrive using their own vehicles.
Despite being in the countryside, Limasan Villa is just 10 minutes away by car from Langkawi International Airport. Yes, it is not too far from urbanity, but the area feels secluded. On the flip side, one can find humble yet fulfilling restaurants or food stalls serving local delicacies, including convenience stores nearby. Not sure where to start? You can always depend on Limasan Villa’s amiable staff who can suggest the must-visits and the must-dos.
More than just a feast for the eyes, Limasan Villa presents the charming Javanese style of accommodation that excellently combines luxury, comfort, and of course, the alluring beauty of an authentic Langkawi village. The property does not just enrich me with Langkawi’s charms that I always admire but add more meaning to my Langkawi experience. Will I return to this property one day? Definitely, and during that time, I am determined to spend most of my time being sequestered within Limasan Villa’s premises…
Limasan Villa Langkawi
Address: No.6 Limasan Village, Kampung Paya Mempelam, Mukim Kedawang, Langkawi, Kedah 07000, Malaysia
Website: https://www.limasanvillalangkawi.com/