I didn’t really plan this trip. It just happened.
It was one of those spontaneous moments when you feel like you need a little breather from the usual routine — a change of scene, a little adventure to clear your mind. I remember it was a Monday night when I finally decided to buy the flight ticket to Langkawi. It was already quite last minute, but that’s just how life works sometimes, right? The best memories often come from plans that were never really planned.
I flew to Langkawi on the 7th of October, just a day before the short getaway that would later become one of the most refreshing experiences of my year. Coincidentally, my birthday was coming up the very next day — on the 9th of October — so in a way, this little escape felt like an early birthday gift to myself.
Not long after I told my Langkawi-based colleague about my trip, she sent me a message asking, “Would you be interested in trying an ATV ride at Pulau Tuba?”
Without a second thought, I said yes. I didn’t even ask for details. The word “adventure” itself was enough to get me excited.
The Morning Ferry to Pulau Tuba
We took the 10:30 a.m. ferry to Pulau Tuba from the small jetty near Pekan Rabu. The ferry was operated by Bestuba, a local company that runs regular rides between Langkawi and Pulau Tuba.
The ride itself was short and sweet — just about ten minutes across calm blue water. The weather was bright that morning; the sun was shining cheerfully but not too hot, with just enough breeze to make the ride feel pleasant. As the ferry approached the island, I could already see the lush green of the hills and the quiet village stretching out near the shore.
Stepping off the ferry, the first thing that struck me was how peaceful it was. Pulau Tuba wasn’t crowded or noisy like most island tourist spots. There were no loud beach clubs or pushy souvenir sellers. Instead, there were birds chirping, the soft sound of waves, and a few locals going about their day. It felt like time slowed down here.
Before heading off for our adventure, we stopped for a quick photo at the iconic “I Love Pulau Tuba” signage — because how could we not? It’s one of those classic must-do moments to prove you’ve actually been there. After that, someone offered us Aiskrim Malaysia, those long, colorful ice pops that instantly brought back childhood memories. We sat for a while, enjoying the simple treat under the shade while waiting for our buggy to arrive.
Meeting Adam and the Start of the ATV Ride
A small buggy came to fetch us and brought us to the starting point of our ATV adventure. Waiting there was Adam, our local guide for the day. He greeted us with a friendly smile, the kind that instantly puts you at ease.
The ATVs were already lined up neatly — four manuals and two automatics. We were each assigned one and given a short safety briefing. Adam showed us how to start the engine, change the gears, and handle the brakes properly. It was a mix of excitement and a bit of nervousness since it had been a while since I last handled something like this, but once the engines started rumbling, that adrenaline rush kicked in.
We set off in a small convoy, with Adam leading the way. The route first took us through narrow village roads lined with small houses and coconut trees. Pulau Tuba was incredibly quiet; along the way, we only saw a few kampung folks sitting by their porches or tending to their small gardens. Occasionally, buffaloes could be seen lazily grazing by the grassy fields, completely unbothered by our presence.
The calmness of the place was almost surreal — it was as if the whole world had decided to slow down for a bit, and we were lucky enough to be part of it.
Through Ocean Trails and Seaside Serenity
Our next stretch was the Ocean Trail, a name that already sounded poetic before I even saw it. The road opened up to reveal breathtaking views of the sea — a stretch of blue meeting blue, where the sky and water seemed to melt into one another.
The salty wind brushed against my face as I drove closer to the shore, and for a moment, I just wanted to stop and take it all in. There was something so raw and untouched about Pulau Tuba — no fancy resorts, no crowds, just nature in its simplest and most beautiful form.
Riding the ATV along the seaside felt like one of those moments you don’t want to end. The sound of the engine hummed softly beneath the rhythm of the waves hitting the rocks nearby. It was freedom in its purest sense.
A Stop for “Cok Udang” by the Coast
After a while, Adam slowed down and waved for us to park our ATVs by the roadside. “We’ll stop here for a bit,” he said.
Right by the coast stood a small local eatery, the kind that instantly makes you feel at home. A gentle breeze carried the smell of fried prawns and chili sauce through the air — the kind of aroma that immediately gets your appetite going after an outdoor adventure.
“Cok Udang” (or Cucur Udang, as some might call it), crispy golden prawn fritters served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce. The batter was fluffy yet crunchy, and the prawns were fresh — probably caught not too far from where we sat. The eatery also offered Mee Udang, a comforting bowl of noodles topped with juicy prawns and rich, flavorful gravy. We decided to order some and share among us, and every bite felt like the perfect combination of warmth and satisfaction.
As we ate, I looked around and noticed how quiet it was. No cars, no chatter — just the sound of gentle waves and distant rustling of leaves and of course the echoes of our very own laughter.
Wrapping Up and Heading Back
After finishing our meal, we hopped back on the ATVs and made our way back to the starting point. By then, we had already grown more comfortable riding them, and the return felt smoother and quicker.
When we arrived, we parked the ATVs neatly, returned the helmets, and took a short break. Soon after, a van came to pick us up.
Before heading straight to the jetty, Adam made one last stop at a small keropok store nearby. It was a family-run shop selling freshly made keropok lekor and a few other local snacks. Naturally, we couldn’t resist buying some as souvenirs — the kind of simple, local gift that carries the essence of a place long after you leave it.
Back at the jetty, we waited for our 2 p.m. ferry. Sitting by the dock, watching the waves, I couldn’t help but feel grateful. It wasn’t a grand trip or an expensive getaway, but it was genuine. The kind of experience that fills your heart with quiet joy instead of excitement.
When the ferry finally arrived, I took one last look at the island — the hills, the little jetty, the calm sea — and promised myself that I’d come back someday.
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